May 17, 2008
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maggiemae656
Recent comments by this user
India Blames Fat Americans For High Food Costs
Welcome to the "global economy". It's not bad enough that the U.S. Government wants to rule like the Nazi's, but now we have to listen to people who are stealing our jobs tell us what we should and shouldn't do? Get used to it--we are no longer our own masters. posted 05/17/2008 at 12:26:39
Sex And The American Mom: 1 In 3 Report Getting Action On The Side
Adultery is possibly the ultimate betrayal that can occur between two human beings. The rate at which this occurs, whether perpetrated by the man or the woman, is disgusting. You can only surmise why the world has become such a cruel place, when you can't even trust the person who has committed themselves to you through a marriage. Sounds like a good case to do away with marriage--what's the point? And there should definitely be no children in an uncommitted marriage. We are witnessing first hand the effects of broken homes on children. Some people seem to think that monogamy is unnatural--I wonder why children are so effected by the split up of their parents if nature didn't intend for their parents to raise them jointly? posted 05/15/2008 at 19:59:43
Oil Giants Settle Water Contamination Suit For $423 Million
$423 million is not enough. And to think ExxonMobil would not want to participate--what a surprise. They should all be forced to have contaminated water piped into their mansions--that would be suitable justice. posted 05/08/2008 at 20:51:16
Mayor Bloomberg, Police, MADD, Rip Grand Theft Auto IV
What do you expect from Bloomberg and MADD's founder Candice Lightner--two people whose mission in life is to remove personal rights? posted 05/03/2008 at 20:33:06
UPDATE: Hedge Fund Ends Talks To Purchase Blackwater
Why would they want to incur the expense of a direct army? Our military is engaged in the protection of corporate interests, and at the same time, giving corporations added business and profits through use of contractors and the purchase of war necessities. This government operates soley for the purpose of the advancement of U.S. corporations. It's close to perfect, but I suppose the best for corporate America would be for speculators to get in on the war profits--at such time, we will be destined to eternal war...if we're not already. posted 04/30/2008 at 17:40:43
Countrywide Loses $893 Million In First Quarter
When will this bank just fade off into oblivion the way loser companies are supposed to? Oh, that's right...when you're on that playing field, your ability to continue to financially rape American consumers is guaranteed. Countrywide has earned it's "badge of courage" through it's deceit, and will now fall under the protective wing of the government and another big bank. Having been awarded induction into the corporate hall of shame, they are able to continue to shove their poorly designed and implemented business practices on the American public. Not only have they wreaked havoc on the lives of so many individuals, they can't even keep themselves out of the red. Total losers. posted 04/29/2008 at 09:15:53
Gas hits $3.60 a gallon, crude nears $120 on supply outages
Maybe we should just have our paychecks deposited in one of their accounts. They could send one of their "boys" out to fill up my tank every now and again in case I need to go to the store to get some bread to go with my water.
Pretty soon it will be cheaper to just stay at home and collect some of that welfare that all these investment banks are raking in. Then they could have all the supply of oil they want. posted 04/28/2008 at 21:29:02
Pretty soon it will be cheaper to just stay at home and collect some of that welfare that all these investment banks are raking in. Then they could have all the supply of oil they want. posted 04/28/2008 at 21:29:02
Rising Grocery Prices Feed A Surge At Food Banks
Your mortgage company, your landlord, your electric company, your insurance company...none of these people will allow you any slack. When you get squeezed, the only thing you can do is cut back on your personal expenses...many have already done that and are left with cutting back on food. It's a sad commentary on a society that has people who go to work 40 hours a week and cannot afford to buy the bare necessity of life. posted 04/28/2008 at 22:58:12
Miley Cyrus Bare In Vanity Fair: Tells Fans She's "Embarrassed"
Excuse me? Your assumptions are about as bad as those you are complaining about. I wouldn't expect many guys to see a problem with suggestive photos of young girls... posted 04/29/2008 at 05:59:16
So do you think Miley is trying to refine and/or rehabilitate those minds who will have sexual fantasies over these pictures? Possibly she is trying to create a new tasteful nudity fad among teenagers and pre-teens? Now I understand, she is going to change the "sex sells" mindset and turn young bodies into art forms.
It's a natural thing to have animalistic sex, as well. I guess we'll be seeing a new string of young stars just doing the natural thing and becoming pregnant before they finish high school. After all, sex isn't dirty unless you're uptight, is it? Why let age restrict the body from doing what nature intended? What's the average puberty age these days? Age is only numbers... posted 04/28/2008 at 21:53:44
It's a natural thing to have animalistic sex, as well. I guess we'll be seeing a new string of young stars just doing the natural thing and becoming pregnant before they finish high school. After all, sex isn't dirty unless you're uptight, is it? Why let age restrict the body from doing what nature intended? What's the average puberty age these days? Age is only numbers... posted 04/28/2008 at 21:53:44
Looks like somebody's getting some experience under their belt before they turn 18. posted 04/28/2008 at 21:31:06
Wachovia To Pay $144 Million To Settle Claims Over Targeted Elderly Customers
What's $144 million to a company like Wachovia? I'm sure they're just laughing this off in the board room. posted 04/26/2008 at 10:33:34
President Bush Says Tax Rebates To Start Going Out Monday
Exactly!
Work is becoming nothing more than a hobby...a chance to get out of the house for 40 hours plus travel time. Getting up every day for this???? I'd rather sleep in and save a ton of money. The government has so much cash, it's time they stop subsidizing big business and throw those dollars at the public. More stimulus checks all around!!!!! posted 04/26/2008 at 10:41:14
Work is becoming nothing more than a hobby...a chance to get out of the house for 40 hours plus travel time. Getting up every day for this???? I'd rather sleep in and save a ton of money. The government has so much cash, it's time they stop subsidizing big business and throw those dollars at the public. More stimulus checks all around!!!!! posted 04/26/2008 at 10:41:14
Let the good times roll...
If this is the only answer this government has to offer for all the mistakes and all the denial that has put us in the position where we are now, I think they'd better get used to writing checks. That $600 (or more or less) is not going to last long. We'll be ready for another one soon. Keep the economy going by handing out checks.
Pittances for the paupers, George? Please quit insulting us. posted 04/25/2008 at 18:06:31
If this is the only answer this government has to offer for all the mistakes and all the denial that has put us in the position where we are now, I think they'd better get used to writing checks. That $600 (or more or less) is not going to last long. We'll be ready for another one soon. Keep the economy going by handing out checks.
Pittances for the paupers, George? Please quit insulting us. posted 04/25/2008 at 18:06:31
Whirlpool Suspends 39 Employees For Using Tobacco
Government provided health care will put an end to any illusion of freedom that we still have left. SAY NO TO GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE. I refuse to be manipulated under the guise of being an "investment". posted 04/24/2008 at 06:00:10
True story...I was denied coverage on my breasts on an employer's policy. That was 16 years ago--hopefully we're beyond that at this point, but you never know the way things are going. posted 04/23/2008 at 22:16:47
So we see how easily people can be turned into criminals... posted 04/23/2008 at 22:13:51
Does anyone have statistics on how much childbearing adds to medical insurance costs? And how much do additional dependents on policies cost the plan?
When someone tells me that I can't smoke because of the supposed cost increases, I will need to be compensated for the costs of pregnancy and the coverage of children in the insurance pool.
Why should I give up something that gives me enjoyment, only to spend the savings on the costs incurred by those who chose to add children to an already overcrowded world? Not on my dime. posted 04/23/2008 at 22:10:21
When someone tells me that I can't smoke because of the supposed cost increases, I will need to be compensated for the costs of pregnancy and the coverage of children in the insurance pool.
Why should I give up something that gives me enjoyment, only to spend the savings on the costs incurred by those who chose to add children to an already overcrowded world? Not on my dime. posted 04/23/2008 at 22:10:21
I agree with you, Silvanus, and believe that the demonization of smokers is a test to see just how much people can be manipulated. And it appears that this experiment is a success. However, it will be going bad before long. The more that people quit smoking, and start to notice that cancer rates are increasing, the polluters of this world will be busted. They're making us quit smoking only to die of all the other toxic substances that are entering our bodies against our will. Can't they even let us die of our own accord? Just a little time out of the day to enjoy doing what WE like to do on our time off from work? I guess that's not in the master plan for these capitalist pigs. posted 04/23/2008 at 22:04:16
Is Your HR Dept Getting Pushy About What You Eat?
Making people eat food they don't want to eat = slavery.
The system should be set up to accomodate US, we should not live to accomodate it. Education of what is healthy and not healthy is all that's needed. When insurance concerns guide us to the point that what we consume is an issue, we have too much insurance. posted 04/20/2008 at 12:45:58
The system should be set up to accomodate US, we should not live to accomodate it. Education of what is healthy and not healthy is all that's needed. When insurance concerns guide us to the point that what we consume is an issue, we have too much insurance. posted 04/20/2008 at 12:45:58
Beggars can't be choosers...I guess if you're eating for free, you can't really say anything about what they feed you. Unless you decide to make it a condition of employment--if you've got the "science and math skills" that the high tech companies want, I suppose you would be able to have all the fat-laden foods you request delivered right to your desk. posted 04/20/2008 at 02:22:29
Shrinking Hours, Cut Overtime Are Stealth Forces Driving Down Economy
You are correct. Many small business people, and small investors for that matter, wrongly put themselves in the category of the "haves". They are fodder for being screwed as bad as the rest of us. Possibly when they realize which side of the coin they belong on, they will join us in our fight against politics for special interest money. posted 04/20/2008 at 19:08:58
I think it's a really sad thing when the only way we can operate a civil society is through the continual implementation of laws.
I respect your commitment to what I consider to be the real American way, and hope that we will see a point when it pays to do the right thing, not a continuation of the disrespect that many business people are currently exhibiting.
We need more patriots like yourself! posted 04/20/2008 at 16:09:03
I respect your commitment to what I consider to be the real American way, and hope that we will see a point when it pays to do the right thing, not a continuation of the disrespect that many business people are currently exhibiting.
We need more patriots like yourself! posted 04/20/2008 at 16:09:03
Those who do not learn from the mistakes of their past are doomed to repeat them. If you want real change, you have to loose your fears. posted 04/20/2008 at 14:57:21
The reason why people spend money is because consumerism is the basis for the economy--we have been conditioned for many years to spend, spend, spend. This is what has made our economy go-round. Our problems revolve around one basic downfall--degradation of our wage base through job loss, underemployment and cut backs in hours.
It will take a while for Americans to release themselves from the grips of consumerism. Hopefully, we will get a break from all the advertisements and the in-your-face "buy, buy, buy" constant nagging that goes on on television, the Internet, American billboards, the sides of public busses, and on the phone with telemarketers calling during every waking hour of our lives. It will be a better life in the end, but it's not going to make American business people rich.
Your kid making $15.00 hour has concerns bigger than whether or not he should buy a carton of cigarettes. Someone at that wage level has no business buying a house. Someone should speak with him about that need for a house--people are so hung up on buying houses that in the end cause them more financial harm than good. You don't own your house--it is nothing more than a rental property that you have to maintain. Until your mortgage is paid off, you answer to your lender and to the state. Once it's paid off, you still answer to the state. It's not all it's cracked up to be. posted 04/20/2008 at 13:25:28
It will take a while for Americans to release themselves from the grips of consumerism. Hopefully, we will get a break from all the advertisements and the in-your-face "buy, buy, buy" constant nagging that goes on on television, the Internet, American billboards, the sides of public busses, and on the phone with telemarketers calling during every waking hour of our lives. It will be a better life in the end, but it's not going to make American business people rich.
Your kid making $15.00 hour has concerns bigger than whether or not he should buy a carton of cigarettes. Someone at that wage level has no business buying a house. Someone should speak with him about that need for a house--people are so hung up on buying houses that in the end cause them more financial harm than good. You don't own your house--it is nothing more than a rental property that you have to maintain. Until your mortgage is paid off, you answer to your lender and to the state. Once it's paid off, you still answer to the state. It's not all it's cracked up to be. posted 04/20/2008 at 13:25:28
Your economic theory is busted. Businesses are no longer investing in the U.S. The more tax cuts that go to corporations, the more money they have to spend abroad.
If corporations were not conducting business illegally, the tile factory mentioned in this story would not be having these problems. Home builders, hungry for profits, have been using illegal labor for years--they are notorious. What they did was to build too many houses. They participated in the loss of our wage base, and now people don't have the money to buy their illegally constructed homes. As a result, tile builders don't have the orders.
It's a viscious circle that has been created at the hands of businesses--and now they want tax cuts? What for? So they can use that cash flow to go somewhere else? Get rid of this batch of traitors who are destroying our economy and then we can talk taxes. The "trickle down" theory does not work in a "global" economy. posted 04/20/2008 at 13:05:43
If corporations were not conducting business illegally, the tile factory mentioned in this story would not be having these problems. Home builders, hungry for profits, have been using illegal labor for years--they are notorious. What they did was to build too many houses. They participated in the loss of our wage base, and now people don't have the money to buy their illegally constructed homes. As a result, tile builders don't have the orders.
It's a viscious circle that has been created at the hands of businesses--and now they want tax cuts? What for? So they can use that cash flow to go somewhere else? Get rid of this batch of traitors who are destroying our economy and then we can talk taxes. The "trickle down" theory does not work in a "global" economy. posted 04/20/2008 at 13:05:43
I agree with you. I would go one step further and say that these companies who are offshoring their operations are no longer covered under an American corporate charter. Let them change their official residence to wherever else it is that gives them favorable tax treatment. Why are they still considered American corporations, anyway? Dick Cheney should definitely move to Dubai--and I think he should go now. Bye, bye, Dick, your Middle Eastern buddies await. posted 04/20/2008 at 12:56:46
Merrill Blows Another $9 Billion on Gambling Losses, Firing 4,000 People Not Responsible
Where are those "sin taxes" when you need them? The government will tax you excessively for doing something to yourself that is supposedly "wrong", i.e. smoking, drinking...yet they let these people who take other people's money to squander away for personal gain and don't consider that "sinful"? Let's level the playing field. I don't believe in taxes, but I believe it's time to let them roll on these gamblers who are harming everyone but themselves. After all, what's fair is fair... posted 04/21/2008 at 21:16:07
Jamie Dimon: The Worst Is Over
Wall Street investors may cheer Dimon when he tells them what they want/need to hear...some type of false idol is what it reminds me of. He is nothing more than a baron...the truth is out there, Jamie, and it seems that you may need to wake up. posted 04/17/2008 at 13:05:58
The Gulag Wealth Fund and Toll Booths in Outer Space
Yes, we should definitely be prepared for the shake down. Every nickle and every dime will be necessary to subsidize the robber barons. I saw a story last night about some people who were passing through the EZ pass lanes without paying their tolls. Although this is not a good thing, the scary part of the story was that the State of New Jersey went to some citizen's house and woke him out of a sleep in the middle of the night to arrest him for not paying tolls. In my opinion, this is some pretty serious stuff. Especially in light of the crime that is being committed on Wall Street that has sweeping effects on us all. Have any of them had cuffs applied? No, and they never will. posted 04/17/2008 at 20:32:25
McCain's Recession Fix: "There Has To Be A Modification Of Greedy Behavior"
Hillary is jealous that she didn't coin the phrase "bitter". And she is extra upset that Obama lumped the Clinton Administration into his statement about working class Americans being left behind.
Hillary is part of the system, and is not strong enough to stand up to the powers that have ahold of our government--she is one of them, as evidenced by her inaction in the Senate. Why do you think she is all of a sudden going to give a crap? She is easily led, and that is scary for someone who wants to be President at any time--but even more so in times like these. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:06:06
Hillary is part of the system, and is not strong enough to stand up to the powers that have ahold of our government--she is one of them, as evidenced by her inaction in the Senate. Why do you think she is all of a sudden going to give a crap? She is easily led, and that is scary for someone who wants to be President at any time--but even more so in times like these. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:06:06
It's hard to have respect for someone who has been involved in politics for as long as McCain has, and who is only now making statements like this. The greed has been visible for a very long time, and anyone with an ounce of common sense would have foreseen the consequences. If they were in touch with their constituants, they would have seen the signs long before now.
The scary part of this story is the amount of distaste he has for the media. I, too, have distaste for the media; however he and I differ on the reasons. In my opinion, the media does not tell us enough of the important information we need to know. John McCain thinks they tell us too much. I would be concerned about his desire to suppress the media--as you know, what we hear from these candidates is only a fraction of the truth--I wouldn't put a high level of censorship beyond him. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:00:05
The scary part of this story is the amount of distaste he has for the media. I, too, have distaste for the media; however he and I differ on the reasons. In my opinion, the media does not tell us enough of the important information we need to know. John McCain thinks they tell us too much. I would be concerned about his desire to suppress the media--as you know, what we hear from these candidates is only a fraction of the truth--I wouldn't put a high level of censorship beyond him. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:00:05
New Co-Pay System Gouges Even Insured Patients
Did anyone notice that this plan was first utilized in the Social Security program? The government, the pharmaceuticals, and the insurance companies are one and the same. Do you really want nationalized healthcare? I don't the Federal government involved in my health at any level.
The better answer would be to remove the monopoly status held by health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations. Their lobbies need to be disbanded. Pharmaceutical companies need to leave doctors alone and let them take care of their patients. People need to become more involved with their health care and masters of their own destiny. Educational opportunites for accomplishing this would go a long way.
In my opinion, we have many opportunities for pulling in the reins on our current system--I think we will all be very, very sorry at such time as the government starts dictating our medical care. They are already involved to a larger extent than you realize...their lack of oversight has caused us to land where we are, and it's not because they aren't aware--it's because they don't care. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:22:37
The better answer would be to remove the monopoly status held by health insurance and pharmaceutical corporations. Their lobbies need to be disbanded. Pharmaceutical companies need to leave doctors alone and let them take care of their patients. People need to become more involved with their health care and masters of their own destiny. Educational opportunites for accomplishing this would go a long way.
In my opinion, we have many opportunities for pulling in the reins on our current system--I think we will all be very, very sorry at such time as the government starts dictating our medical care. They are already involved to a larger extent than you realize...their lack of oversight has caused us to land where we are, and it's not because they aren't aware--it's because they don't care. posted 04/14/2008 at 19:22:37
A Bitter Pill To Swallow
Hillary is ruining a perfect opportunity for the people of this country to be recognized and heard. Why would she want to have the nation of people whose welfare she has been responsible for for all these years to be bitter? Of course she wants to blow it off, to minimize it--she is a member of the Congress who has put us in the position of being bitter. She is directly responsible for these feelings and doesn't want to accept responsibility, she wants a promotion. posted 04/13/2008 at 23:36:13
Alberto Gonzales Finding It Tough To Land A New Job
The Dept. of Justice would be derelict in their duties if they do not indict Gonzales for criminal charges as a traitor who used his power to assist George Bush in undermining the Constitution. At the same time, all laws that were put into place under his "watch", should be repealed. The first to go should be the Military Commissions Act and the Patriot Act, which were passed as directives aimed at U.S. citizens, under the guise of the "war on terrorism". Habeus corpus rights were seriously undermined at the hands of Alberto Gonzales. Congress should be ashamed. Hopefully, they won't be able to find jobs either. posted 04/13/2008 at 16:48:26
Axelrod: Obama Regrets But Won't Apologize For His Remarks
I think the only one upset over this whole "bitter" thing is Hillary...she has had the truth revealed to her by her campaign opponent. It must feel strange to come to the realization that, for as long as she has been involved in politics, she never knew how people truly felt. What a blow this must be to her--here all along she thought people were so happy and just riding the wave of economic loss. And she thought that promising to spend the government's money on healthcare would make all our worries go away... posted 04/12/2008 at 21:47:27
Clinton Pollster: Obama Comments "Fair Game" For Attack Ads
It's bad enough that we have become bitter, now politicians want to tell us what emotions we're "allowed" to have and not have? I'm bitter to the core, and not because Obama says so...and I can't change that because Hillary thinks it's a low-class emotion that shouldn't be publicized. posted 04/13/2008 at 16:57:53
Obama's Remarks Give Clinton an Opening
Hillary has now proven herself to be officially out of touch with the reality of the people of the United States. "Bitter" is putting it mildly. We have known from hers and her fellow Congressional cohorts actions that they just don't care about anything but corporate interests, but for her to stand up in front of America and say that we don't feel bitter, is a personal exposure on her part of her inability to represent the people of this country--whom she obviously knows nothing about. posted 04/12/2008 at 20:00:44
Iran Top Threat To Iraq, U.S. Says
If it wasn't so SICK, it would be comical. Georgie--the boy who cried wolf. posted 04/12/2008 at 21:51:41
Is OPEC Killing Itelf?
Yes..........
Let's end this battle to see who can be more corrupt--OPEC or American big oil. posted 04/11/2008 at 20:44:57
Let's end this battle to see who can be more corrupt--OPEC or American big oil. posted 04/11/2008 at 20:44:57
Our Daily Meds: Navigating the Polypharmacy
If you think it's bad now, just wait until the United States of Corporations gets involved in managing your health. NO NATIONAL HEALTHCARE, PLEASE!!!!!!! posted 04/17/2008 at 19:36:16
Obama: No Surprise That Hard-Pressed Pennsylvanians Turn Bitter
I can't stop thinking about Hillary's comments today regarding Obama's use of the word "bitter". She said she didn't know anyone who was bitter...that the people in Arkansas and New York who she works for are not bitter. This is an incredible revelation of how unattached Hillary is to the general public. She spoke as if she really meant it.
I think that "bitter" is putting it mildly, and Hillary can't believe bitter? We are truly doomed...those people in Washington are not paying one iota of attention to what goes on at the level of the people being represented. I guess if all I hung out with were others who were well-to-do, and if I got all of my information from lobbyists, I'd be detached, too. It is obvious that the people of this country need to stop pussyfooting around and smiling with googly eyes at these politicians--they need the cold hard facts, whether they like the truth or not. They do not command the respect that they are receiving. posted 04/12/2008 at 19:52:37
I think that "bitter" is putting it mildly, and Hillary can't believe bitter? We are truly doomed...those people in Washington are not paying one iota of attention to what goes on at the level of the people being represented. I guess if all I hung out with were others who were well-to-do, and if I got all of my information from lobbyists, I'd be detached, too. It is obvious that the people of this country need to stop pussyfooting around and smiling with googly eyes at these politicians--they need the cold hard facts, whether they like the truth or not. They do not command the respect that they are receiving. posted 04/12/2008 at 19:52:37
Bank Demand For Federal Reserve Liquidity Support Falls
Does this mean that investors are starting to wean a little bit, Ben? Or are they going to use the Fed to push the Dow up to 20000? posted 04/11/2008 at 07:19:10
Senate Housing Bill Generates Scant Support
Agreed. I think that most people are having a hard time accepting that all of us will be held financially responsible for the mess that the banks, investors and the government have gotten us into. I have a feeling that people at risk of foreclosure are going to end up as renters soon, as opposed to any government assistance. Also think about the people who have already lost their homes and how they would feel if the government was to step in and rescue those who are still hanging by a thread. Do you think they would make any foreclosure action retroactive? Once the house is gone, it's gone. It's all a matter of timing, not of fairness. posted 04/10/2008 at 18:07:17
Good post, WMG...How can anyone think this bill is anything but another corporate rescue bill? Congress must be unaware that, for a change, people are paying attention to what they're doing. This is absolutely ridiculous.
I posted on another housing topic that I feel it is a travesty that home builders would get any breaks--they are notorious for hiring illegals, and have been a major player in the serious damage to our wage base. The government has done them huge favors already by way of turning a blind eye to their law breaking employment activities.
Since we don't need houses, why should home builders get credits and encouragement to build more houses? You cannot stimulate this economy unless you get us some jobs...and giving contractors money so they can pass it on to illegals--who in turn send it out of the country--is purely moronic. posted 04/10/2008 at 18:02:24
I posted on another housing topic that I feel it is a travesty that home builders would get any breaks--they are notorious for hiring illegals, and have been a major player in the serious damage to our wage base. The government has done them huge favors already by way of turning a blind eye to their law breaking employment activities.
Since we don't need houses, why should home builders get credits and encouragement to build more houses? You cannot stimulate this economy unless you get us some jobs...and giving contractors money so they can pass it on to illegals--who in turn send it out of the country--is purely moronic. posted 04/10/2008 at 18:02:24
Higher Cigarette Taxes Lure Buyers To Black Market
"Congress is considering bills that would increase the penalties for smuggling, bar the shipment of cigarettes through the mail, and require all tobacco products to carry a high-tech federal tax stamp that would enable law enforcement officials to spot counterfeits and identify packages that have illegally crossed state lines."
They can't find illegal immigrants but yet they will use their resources and their technology to put tax stamps on PACKS OF CIGARETTES? We are not criminals, dear legislators...spend your time and efforts on the criminals who are out there blatently walking the streets of our country and stealing our wages. Our country is being destroyed financially, the state of California is refusing to deport illegal criminals, and the best they can do is target smokers? They don't even WANT to discuss procedures to enforce their illegal immigration laws, but spend our valuable tax dollars criminalizing tobacco. posted 04/11/2008 at 07:38:52
They can't find illegal immigrants but yet they will use their resources and their technology to put tax stamps on PACKS OF CIGARETTES? We are not criminals, dear legislators...spend your time and efforts on the criminals who are out there blatently walking the streets of our country and stealing our wages. Our country is being destroyed financially, the state of California is refusing to deport illegal criminals, and the best they can do is target smokers? They don't even WANT to discuss procedures to enforce their illegal immigration laws, but spend our valuable tax dollars criminalizing tobacco. posted 04/11/2008 at 07:38:52
If the government would spend even a tiny bit more time enforcing the laws on corporations, they wouldn't need to be hound the citizens of this country for every stinking dime they make. posted 04/10/2008 at 17:44:39
Retailers Post Sluggish Sales in March
Soon we will find out who the REAL "stupid" Americans are. We're not good enough to work for these corporate pigs? Wonder how many more of their products they will have to sell and at what price to the people who are not making the wages we made? I think they may have done some miscalculations and will have to admit their failure to acknowledge that people have to make money in order to spend it--whether they are Americans or foreigners. posted 04/10/2008 at 18:23:19
Bush Gets Emotional Tuesday, Talks About Drinking On Wednesday
He should cry--he sent that soldier to his death and this is an up-close-and-personal exposure to reality. Personally, I wouldn't have wanted to be that close to Bush the Decider...and would have puked when he started shedding tears in a fleeting moment of guilt, only to turn around and go back to his job of war-mongering.
As far as a re-entry program for ex-prisoners, I am all for that. These people were sentenced for their crimes and served their time...there's no reason why they need to be denied an opportunity to support themselves once they are released. It would behoove us all to have vocational opportunites available for offenders who have served their time--what is the alternative? Government support? posted 04/09/2008 at 18:28:45
As far as a re-entry program for ex-prisoners, I am all for that. These people were sentenced for their crimes and served their time...there's no reason why they need to be denied an opportunity to support themselves once they are released. It would behoove us all to have vocational opportunites available for offenders who have served their time--what is the alternative? Government support? posted 04/09/2008 at 18:28:45
As Oil Touches All-Time Highs, Our Deparment of Energy Takes Us For Fools
Continued...
"In order to promote oil and gas production, the federal government has at times and in specific cases provided "royalty relief""the waiver or reduction of royalties that companies would otherwise be obligated to pay. When the government grants royalty relief, it typically specifies the amounts of oil and gas production that will be exempt from royalties and may also specify that royalty relief is applicable only if oil and gas prices remain below certain levels, known as "price thresholds."
"Recently, congressional committees, the Department of the Interior"s Office of the Inspector General,1 public interest groups, and the press have questioned whether our nation"s oil and gas royalties are being properly managed. Many of these entities have also amplified questions about whether the oil and gas industry is paying its fair share of royalties, especially in light of rapidly rising oil and gas prices, record industry profits, and a highly constrained federal budgetary environment. GAO has expressed similar concerns, and the U.S. Comptroller General has highlighted royalty relief as an area needing additional oversight by the 110th Congress." posted 04/09/2008 at 20:35:58
"In order to promote oil and gas production, the federal government has at times and in specific cases provided "royalty relief""the waiver or reduction of royalties that companies would otherwise be obligated to pay. When the government grants royalty relief, it typically specifies the amounts of oil and gas production that will be exempt from royalties and may also specify that royalty relief is applicable only if oil and gas prices remain below certain levels, known as "price thresholds."
"Recently, congressional committees, the Department of the Interior"s Office of the Inspector General,1 public interest groups, and the press have questioned whether our nation"s oil and gas royalties are being properly managed. Many of these entities have also amplified questions about whether the oil and gas industry is paying its fair share of royalties, especially in light of rapidly rising oil and gas prices, record industry profits, and a highly constrained federal budgetary environment. GAO has expressed similar concerns, and the U.S. Comptroller General has highlighted royalty relief as an area needing additional oversight by the 110th Congress." posted 04/09/2008 at 20:35:58
The fun never ends. Looks like the oil and gas companies buy cheap from us and sell back to us high. Handing over MORE billions to the tycoons...
http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/RRtestimony011807.pdf
OIL AND GAS ROYALTIES
Royalty Relief Will Likely Cost the Government Billions, but the Final Costs Have Yet to Be Determined
January 18, 2007
"Oil and gas production from federal lands and waters is vital to meeting the nation"s energy needs, supplying about 35 percent of all the oil and about 25 percent of all the natural gas produced in the United States in fiscal year 2005. Oil and gas companies that lease federal lands and waters agree to pay the federal government royalties on the resources extracted and produced from the lease."
"In fiscal year 2006, oil and gas companies received over $77 billion from the sale of oil and gas produced from federal lands and waters, and the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the Department of the Interior"s (Interior) agency responsible for collecting royalties, reported that these companies paid the federal government about $10 billion in oil and gas royalties."
"Clearly, such large and financially significant resources must be carefully developed and managed so that our nation"s rising energy needs are met while at the same time the American people are ensured of receiving a fair rate of return on publicly owned resources, especially in light of the nation"s current and long-range fiscal challenges." posted 04/09/2008 at 20:35:22
http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/RRtestimony011807.pdf
OIL AND GAS ROYALTIES
Royalty Relief Will Likely Cost the Government Billions, but the Final Costs Have Yet to Be Determined
January 18, 2007
"Oil and gas production from federal lands and waters is vital to meeting the nation"s energy needs, supplying about 35 percent of all the oil and about 25 percent of all the natural gas produced in the United States in fiscal year 2005. Oil and gas companies that lease federal lands and waters agree to pay the federal government royalties on the resources extracted and produced from the lease."
"In fiscal year 2006, oil and gas companies received over $77 billion from the sale of oil and gas produced from federal lands and waters, and the Minerals Management Service (MMS), the Department of the Interior"s (Interior) agency responsible for collecting royalties, reported that these companies paid the federal government about $10 billion in oil and gas royalties."
"Clearly, such large and financially significant resources must be carefully developed and managed so that our nation"s rising energy needs are met while at the same time the American people are ensured of receiving a fair rate of return on publicly owned resources, especially in light of the nation"s current and long-range fiscal challenges." posted 04/09/2008 at 20:35:22
Gov Credit Cards Used To Pay For Lingerie, iPods, $13K Dinner
So you're basically saying our government workers don't have ethics, and need to be controlled by policies? As the next poster said, in private employment, credit card abuses are grounds for termination. What is it, government workers think it's their money until someone tells them otherwise? Totally unacceptable--one "cycle" was more than enough...no more excuses. posted 04/09/2008 at 13:23:30
High School Seniors Get 'F' in Finance
I believe that there is a direct correlation in the loss of jobs and the need for corporations and the government to announce how "stupid" Americans are. My point is that people have been doing fine without education for years...increasing opportunities are how most people continue their education process throughout life. Our education does not end with a test score, however, that is what it appears corporations and government are attempting to do.
If my parents were denied opportunties to work based on their test scores, they would not be in the postition they are now. It is the economy that makes or breaks a labor force, not the average score on a test. I realize that there are some jobs that need rocket scientists, but those are few and far between. Robbing the average person of job opportunities is why there is no savings, not because they didn't comprehend their classroom finance and economics concepts. posted 04/10/2008 at 07:27:27
If my parents were denied opportunties to work based on their test scores, they would not be in the postition they are now. It is the economy that makes or breaks a labor force, not the average score on a test. I realize that there are some jobs that need rocket scientists, but those are few and far between. Robbing the average person of job opportunities is why there is no savings, not because they didn't comprehend their classroom finance and economics concepts. posted 04/10/2008 at 07:27:27
I would highly doubt that many of the educated people making monetary decisions would be able to pass this test. Anyway, what difference does it make? My father dropped out of school in the 8th grade, my mother soon after. They have a nice house, two cars, investment property, stocks and bonds...one bachelor's degree kid, one master's degree kid, and the one who didn't go to college has his own home, car, job, investments, etc. None of these family members pays someone to do their finances, they do their own. The high school dropout parents don't even ask their college educated kids to take care of their finances. My point is, you don't need to pass these tests to figure out how to take care of yourself. Testing scores are not an indicator of anything--there are many intelligent people who don't test well. Tests have a way of providing inaccurate information about people and shouldn't be used as a basis for making decisions on behalf of the masses. We are not as stupid as these tests say we are!! posted 04/09/2008 at 13:52:59
Congress's Latest Pathetic Housing Bailout Plan
Why does everything keep pointing back to the same issue? JOBS. The construction industry is the same one that has exploited illegal labor and used cheap foreign labor to destroy our wage base. And now they are being rewarded for their behavior? This is an absolute travesty. But then, the construction industry has a direct line to government, otherwise government would have enforced the immigration laws a long time ago and, in my opinion, we would not be having the problems we are having today. posted 04/10/2008 at 08:48:23
Greenspan: Economy In Recession
I'm thinking the Republicans are considering him a reject right about now. They LIVE by "personal responsibility" and he's just not towing the line with these excuses of his. Come to think of it, I guess most Republicans are going to need to throw in the towel on that responsibility thing. posted 04/09/2008 at 01:22:34
IMF Predicts Mortgage Crisis Could Cost $1 Trillion
But, but...George wants to lower taxes on the rich. I guess after all the hardship those poor little rich boys are enduring, they'll be crying for more tax relief. But not to worry, they'll be the only ones with any money at all left...and there's more of us than there are of them... posted 04/08/2008 at 22:41:49
Let the feast upon themselves begin... posted 04/08/2008 at 22:34:30
Once again, it's all about the "funding and confidence crisis", the "asset writedowns and credit losses", "lenders' deteriorating balance sheets", the "securities tied to commercial real estate and loans to consumers and companies"...where was everyone when people started losing their homes five years ago?
The average Americans have been losing their shirts economically for quite a while...yet, hardly a word about that until the investors start to lose. People who have no common sense should not be in control of our nation's money--the signs were there and no one paid attention. As a matter of fact, what distress they saw, they attempted to capitalize upon. They refuse to acknowledge that they need us--even when the bottom drops out on them. posted 04/08/2008 at 21:08:59
The average Americans have been losing their shirts economically for quite a while...yet, hardly a word about that until the investors start to lose. People who have no common sense should not be in control of our nation's money--the signs were there and no one paid attention. As a matter of fact, what distress they saw, they attempted to capitalize upon. They refuse to acknowledge that they need us--even when the bottom drops out on them. posted 04/08/2008 at 21:08:59
Govt Predicts Gas Could Hit $4 Per Gallon This Summer
I saw an interesting post re: discounted/free heating oil being provided to America's poor by Venezuela, via Citgo Oil. Meanwhile, George Bush continues to cut heating fuel subsidies from his budget, and has vetoed Congressional attempts to increase his slashed appropriations for these subsidies.
http://www.citgo.com/CommunityInvolvement/HeatingOil.jsp
(article clipped)
The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program will provide an estimated 112 million gallons of fuel this winter to be distributed in more than 224,000 households and 250 social service providers in 23 states. These totals include the CITGO-Venezuela Tribal Heating Oil Program.
The program, being implemented in partnership with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Citizens Energy Corporation...
In 2005 as energy prices soared in the wake of Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, a group of United States Senators sent a letter to all the major oil companies asking them to share 10% of their record profits with families in need.
Each year, Citizens Energy Corporation asks all of the major oil companies and each OPEC nation to partner with us to help poor people survive tough winters in the face of rising energy costs.
Despite pleas for help from U.S. Senators and Citizens Energy, for the last three years, only CITGO Petroleum has risen to the challenge and worked with Citizens Energy to help the most vulnerable families in our society. posted 04/09/2008 at 12:50:05
http://www.citgo.com/CommunityInvolvement/HeatingOil.jsp
(article clipped)
The CITGO-Venezuela Heating Oil Program will provide an estimated 112 million gallons of fuel this winter to be distributed in more than 224,000 households and 250 social service providers in 23 states. These totals include the CITGO-Venezuela Tribal Heating Oil Program.
The program, being implemented in partnership with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and Citizens Energy Corporation...
In 2005 as energy prices soared in the wake of Hurricane's Katrina and Rita, a group of United States Senators sent a letter to all the major oil companies asking them to share 10% of their record profits with families in need.
Each year, Citizens Energy Corporation asks all of the major oil companies and each OPEC nation to partner with us to help poor people survive tough winters in the face of rising energy costs.
Despite pleas for help from U.S. Senators and Citizens Energy, for the last three years, only CITGO Petroleum has risen to the challenge and worked with Citizens Energy to help the most vulnerable families in our society. posted 04/09/2008 at 12:50:05
Bush: Give Stimulus Checks "A Chance To Kick In"
Bush didn't have to buy his way into office--he got there through fraud. Guess he thought if he threw out a little cash to the masses they would forgive and forget. And he was right!!!! posted 04/08/2008 at 18:19:57
I can just see the jubilation of Wall Street when these checks start filtering through the economy. They will be on an artificial high over it all, the markets will spike, the investors will be investing like mad in foreign markets--and George will proclaim that his "pro-growth package" worked. For a day or two, Wall Street will be happy. That's what we're throwing billions after billions out there for anyway, isn't it?
After we pay off some bills with these peanuts and save some companies from having to write off part of our bad debt, we will be back to no jobs, no spending, rising prices. George Bush is a doofus...and so are all others who believe his simpleton logic. posted 04/08/2008 at 17:46:09
After we pay off some bills with these peanuts and save some companies from having to write off part of our bad debt, we will be back to no jobs, no spending, rising prices. George Bush is a doofus...and so are all others who believe his simpleton logic. posted 04/08/2008 at 17:46:09
What Does Recession Mean? It Means Economic Suffering
The investors are making money because their companies are profiting at the expense of labor costs. Anyone who works for a living should be able to see this first hand. You can't bleed a turnip--companies have found that when the stockholders want more growth, there comes a point where the only option they have to work with is their labor expense. Sometimes I think investors forget there's a world beyond the passing back and forth of papers. There seems to be a communication gap between management and Wall Street/the government. posted 04/09/2008 at 01:39:15
Greenspan: Blaming Me For Mortgage Mess Is "Quite Unfair"
At this point, the taxpayers of this country should seize all rights to his books and all of his wealth. Kind of like what happened to O.J. posted 04/08/2008 at 23:09:52
Just another person who lives in a vacuum being given too much control. Don't they ever leave their little circles to see what's really going on? His comments that are intended to give himself credibility do just the opposite--this guy did not know what he was doing. How can you be an economist and not scope out the entire economy? What's with our government and their lack of data, anyway? Is it that they don't have the ability to gather it, or is it that they just don't give a crap? They're going to do what they want, regardless. And then guys like Greenspan come along and try to legitimize their wrongs with some elitist mumbo-jumbo.
Our biggest mistake has been to put any confidence in what goes on in Washington. Hopefully, it's not too late to take back what is ours--these people are not experts, they are con men. posted 04/08/2008 at 23:07:48
Our biggest mistake has been to put any confidence in what goes on in Washington. Hopefully, it's not too late to take back what is ours--these people are not experts, they are con men. posted 04/08/2008 at 23:07:48
Meaning-Based Business
Forget working for a non-profit organization. Salaries are terrible, and the politics are not really much of an improvement. You do get variety in your work due to lack of resources, and you will work just as hard as you do for a corporation but without the pay. When you find you can't make it on the salary, corporations won't have you, working for a nonprofit is a negative on the resume of someone looking for a corporate position.
If you have the ability to go out on your own, that's the ideal situation for those of us who like to be creative and feel fulfilled. Additionally, this may eventually be the only way we have to exhibit some degree of control over the job crisis in the U.S. posted 04/09/2008 at 08:19:08
If you have the ability to go out on your own, that's the ideal situation for those of us who like to be creative and feel fulfilled. Additionally, this may eventually be the only way we have to exhibit some degree of control over the job crisis in the U.S. posted 04/09/2008 at 08:19:08
Bear Stearns Resumes Flood Wall St
I wonder how long it will be before these people become labelled "uneducated, lazy, Americans"...this is how it all started a long time ago with lower level labor jobs and high end technical jobs. They get put out on the streets, and when they can't find jobs it becomes the personal lack of employment skills possessed by the individual, rather than the system. posted 04/08/2008 at 13:39:45
Job Winners and Losers in Hard Times
Forget about it for us...it's all about the corps, and Countrywide would figure to be one of the first in line. Just less they will have to get directly from the government. We are only pass-throughs anyway. posted 04/08/2008 at 17:32:27
Possibly, richardmcnoggin, you may want to get some information on recruiting, hiring, etc., techniques. There is a knack to hiring the right person for your jobs, I don't think it's something that comes naturally to everyone who opens up their own business. posted 04/08/2008 at 10:49:38
What we have here is NOT the lack of a trained workforce...what we have are people who are not willing to buy into the system. Success in America is dependent on keeping your nose a distasteful color. You can bust the unions, but you can't break the spirit and the knowledge of the difference between right and wrong. I've been around long enough to see what has happened and continues to happen. Your mantra is tiresome--Americans are able to work.
There is a direct correlation appearing between the increase in the unscrupulous methods used by businesses in the name of money and the so-called "lack of skills and education" in the American worker. Owning a business does not give you the skills to meet the expectations of the American worker, which includes the possession of morals--if you are having so many problems with employees, maybe you should close shop. posted 04/08/2008 at 08:37:37
There is a direct correlation appearing between the increase in the unscrupulous methods used by businesses in the name of money and the so-called "lack of skills and education" in the American worker. Owning a business does not give you the skills to meet the expectations of the American worker, which includes the possession of morals--if you are having so many problems with employees, maybe you should close shop. posted 04/08/2008 at 08:37:37
Andrew Sullivan: Bush Administration Officials Will Be 'Indicted For War Crimes'
The only reason I can figure that nothing is being done about Bush & Co. is that there are too many co-conspirators. If one goes, they all have to go. Why isn't anything being done???? We can't wait until Bush is gone. posted 04/08/2008 at 18:27:57
Elpollo, Americans may be self-centered and arrogant, but it's my belief that they are afraid of the truth. This country is in denial and we are losing our spirit because we are being beat down. I would like to see this change, and think that exposing and taking down a few would get the ball rolling... posted 04/08/2008 at 18:23:46
JP Morgan Integrating Senior Bear Stearns Managers
Wonder if they'll get bonus plans like the one that the executive from Countrywide Mortgage got? He ruins his company who gets "rescued" by Bank of America, and Bank of America rewards him with a multi-million dollar deal to run their mortgage operations. We should no longer call these people "business people", they have officially earned their titles as "barons". posted 04/05/2008 at 16:04:02
Democrats Push For New Aid Package Following Job Losses
Yes, an increased minimum wage would just about do it for American workers--I guess it's too much to ask employers to hire Americans at minimum wage when they have their choice of illegals. Seems to me there have been predictions about this illegal employment problem for more years than any politician would care to admit at this juncture. posted 04/07/2008 at 07:32:14
And there is part of the problem. Once at the lower end of the scale...it is cost prohibitive for people to go to work. What motivation does anyone have to get up and work every day, pay baby-sitters, buy gas, buy lunch, buy work clothes, join the general rat race so that you can collect a check that, after taxes--and possibly before taxes--is less than what you can collect by doing nothing? Our system seems to be set up by a group of politicians who are doing nothing more than buying votes. Why else would you have programs set up that knowingly encourage people not to work? posted 04/06/2008 at 17:35:37
It is obvious that there is no one overseeing our country's welfare. The government has officially outlived it's usefulness.
If you look at the history of our current jobs situation, you will find that Congress has been holding hearings about this since 2004, probably longer. There is information available that show how severely we have been impacted by guest worker visa programs and illegal immigration. Here are two tools that have been available to Congress, and they have blatently refused to use them.
All we really need at this point is a crackdown on the immigrant labor being infused into our economy, illegal or otherwise. Congress should have done something about this years ago--NOW they want to try to clean up the mess they allowed to happen? They have known this to be a problem for YEARS.
The only way improvements can be made is for Congress to do their jobs and enforce the laws and regulations currently in place--why are they wasting their time and our time and money thinking up new things? They are hell-bent on not holding corporations accountable for the downfall of our economy. The words "stimulus package" are really getting old. It's time to clean house and get business properly taken care of. We don't want hand-outs...we want to work for a fair wage. posted 04/05/2008 at 15:14:36
If you look at the history of our current jobs situation, you will find that Congress has been holding hearings about this since 2004, probably longer. There is information available that show how severely we have been impacted by guest worker visa programs and illegal immigration. Here are two tools that have been available to Congress, and they have blatently refused to use them.
All we really need at this point is a crackdown on the immigrant labor being infused into our economy, illegal or otherwise. Congress should have done something about this years ago--NOW they want to try to clean up the mess they allowed to happen? They have known this to be a problem for YEARS.
The only way improvements can be made is for Congress to do their jobs and enforce the laws and regulations currently in place--why are they wasting their time and our time and money thinking up new things? They are hell-bent on not holding corporations accountable for the downfall of our economy. The words "stimulus package" are really getting old. It's time to clean house and get business properly taken care of. We don't want hand-outs...we want to work for a fair wage. posted 04/05/2008 at 15:14:36
Gates: Businesses Need To Help The Poor
Bill has to remember who he is talking to--we're not one of those developing nations that he has been devoting his all of his energies to. We are fully aware of our demise at the hands of the corporations, and also fully aware that he has earned his billions of dollars by steam rolling over anyone who tries to get in the way of his amassing a fortune.
He is a real trend setter--but the trends he sets are hurtful, not helpful. Go ahead, Bill, and make us all poor by leading a cause to import foreign labor and export American jobs, and then try to come off like you have "concern for the poor"? You want to make us poor, and then make it easy for us to get credit? You want to train all children on computers so your software become part of the required expenses of living? It's too late now to buy your way out of the mess you have willfully contributed to.
Bill Gates can do us all a favor and keep his sorry *ss out of our affairs altogether. He may be better in math and science than the Americans that he doesn't want to hire, but he is lacking the moral skills necessary for living in a mutually dependent society. I don't think that's something that can be taught in school--what good are brains if you have no conscience? posted 04/05/2008 at 14:32:05
He is a real trend setter--but the trends he sets are hurtful, not helpful. Go ahead, Bill, and make us all poor by leading a cause to import foreign labor and export American jobs, and then try to come off like you have "concern for the poor"? You want to make us poor, and then make it easy for us to get credit? You want to train all children on computers so your software become part of the required expenses of living? It's too late now to buy your way out of the mess you have willfully contributed to.
Bill Gates can do us all a favor and keep his sorry *ss out of our affairs altogether. He may be better in math and science than the Americans that he doesn't want to hire, but he is lacking the moral skills necessary for living in a mutually dependent society. I don't think that's something that can be taught in school--what good are brains if you have no conscience? posted 04/05/2008 at 14:32:05
Speaking of price per wash load...maybe he could set up some laundrymats so that the poor people in this country who don't have the ability to own their own washers and dryers don't have to pay $5.00 per wash load at a coin operated laundry mat--and that doesn't include the laundry soap, or the dryer. (Sometimes a laundry mat may give some dry time for free.) I think it is a crime to bleed people this way. posted 04/05/2008 at 14:11:10
Support the Economy, Push the Banks
Shouldn't stockholders get involved with the executive compensation debacle? It seems they have a lot more power in these situations than they are exerting. posted 04/06/2008 at 17:27:32
So it's pretty safe to assume that we have no checks and balances? In otherwords, our government is operating outside of the Constitution... posted 04/06/2008 at 13:27:31
Good point, Halsey. As stockholders demand continually increasing profits, the point of diminishing returns with respect to employment seems to be forgotten. When you max productivity, what do you do? In conjunction with increased compensation demands by executives, job cuts and lower cost replacements are the order of the day. Does this really improve the outlook for the company?
Management has a general lack of employee development skills. The use of labor as a major cost cutting tactic has proven to be a bust. For all the talk of poor education in the average workers whose jobs don't require much school-book-learning, it is obvious our greatest liability rests in the education of corporate America's business managers who are resorting to unethical practices to meet shareholder demands of increased profits.
These banks are lovely examples. Faced with losses due to shady practices put in place by executives, what's their answer? Increase executive compensation, lay off employees. These are customer service-based companies! Who will the customers talk to when they need to deal with the banks to straighten out their mortgages, credit cards and loans? The windows of time in dealing with past due credit are fairly small--in the meantime, additional charges rack up, and the foreclosure clock keeps ticking whether someone is available at the bank to talk to you or not. This seems to be a time when the banks need MORE employees, not less. And the compensation of one executive replaces HOW MANY EMPLOYEES???????? posted 04/06/2008 at 11:40:58
Management has a general lack of employee development skills. The use of labor as a major cost cutting tactic has proven to be a bust. For all the talk of poor education in the average workers whose jobs don't require much school-book-learning, it is obvious our greatest liability rests in the education of corporate America's business managers who are resorting to unethical practices to meet shareholder demands of increased profits.
These banks are lovely examples. Faced with losses due to shady practices put in place by executives, what's their answer? Increase executive compensation, lay off employees. These are customer service-based companies! Who will the customers talk to when they need to deal with the banks to straighten out their mortgages, credit cards and loans? The windows of time in dealing with past due credit are fairly small--in the meantime, additional charges rack up, and the foreclosure clock keeps ticking whether someone is available at the bank to talk to you or not. This seems to be a time when the banks need MORE employees, not less. And the compensation of one executive replaces HOW MANY EMPLOYEES???????? posted 04/06/2008 at 11:40:58
I agree that our jobs situation is driving many of our problems. When you have a consumer credit based economy, you don't have to have a Harvard degree to know that when jobs go away and wages are devalued, there will be serious problems.
Banks have come to rely on people with bad credit histories--the associated premiums on interest rates and the additional fees are now incorporated as increased bottom lines. There is no motivation for a bank to deny someone credit with a bad history--these people are cash cows. Banks are predators, and apparently it's open season.
Until such time as banks are held accountable for their roles in handling U.S. currency transactions, we will be made to suffer. These people have got to learn to read economic indices and react accordingly. When they see that jobs are disappearing, rather than extending increased amounts of credit, they should back off. Banks are capitalizing on our hardships and they know it. What we are witnessing is government endorsed loan sharking.
An economy based on the amount of bank debt held by the average citizen is not one that has much chance of success. As a country, we should concentrate more on providing people the opportunity to earn money to spend...we need to discontinue the practice of depending on the banks' infusion of cash into the hands of the public as our survival mode--that is nothing more than living an illusion. posted 04/05/2008 at 13:50:55
Banks have come to rely on people with bad credit histories--the associated premiums on interest rates and the additional fees are now incorporated as increased bottom lines. There is no motivation for a bank to deny someone credit with a bad history--these people are cash cows. Banks are predators, and apparently it's open season.
Until such time as banks are held accountable for their roles in handling U.S. currency transactions, we will be made to suffer. These people have got to learn to read economic indices and react accordingly. When they see that jobs are disappearing, rather than extending increased amounts of credit, they should back off. Banks are capitalizing on our hardships and they know it. What we are witnessing is government endorsed loan sharking.
An economy based on the amount of bank debt held by the average citizen is not one that has much chance of success. As a country, we should concentrate more on providing people the opportunity to earn money to spend...we need to discontinue the practice of depending on the banks' infusion of cash into the hands of the public as our survival mode--that is nothing more than living an illusion. posted 04/05/2008 at 13:50:55
Neil, You say: "Mere "survival" leaves our financial institutions in a state of suspended animation. The economy will probably find itself in the same boat." I think you may have it twisted around...the economy is what feeds the banks, isn't it? When will people realize that it is hard to operate two separate economies--one for the haves and one for the have-nots. The haves need the have-nots, whether they care to admit it or not. One day the upper crust will admit that they get their fortunes from US--the workers, the average Joe. Unless these people want to keep trading dollars among themselves, things have got to change. posted 04/04/2008 at 18:35:01
Everybody pull all your money from the major banks, find a credit union and put every last dime there so these big banks do not have the opportunity to repeat their mistakes. They've had one too many chances and it's time for us to stop fueling the flames. I would also love to see investors divest themselves of their holdings in any major bank who has been accused of wrong doing. Further attachment to these institutions is a sign of approval for their actions--there are alternatives that should be considered and acted upon. posted 04/04/2008 at 15:59:44
Huge Job Losses Set Off Recession Alarms
It may not be illegal for Congress to continue to wrecklessly issue guest worker visas, but it is a dereliction of duty. They are entrusted to guard the welfare of the country, and allowing foreign workers to invade our labor force goes against the expectations of their positions.
These so-called legal workers are effecting every area of our economy:
Guest workers:
H-1B: Speciality worker, DOD worker, fashion model.
H-1C: Nurses.
H-2A: Temporary agricultural worker.
H-2B: Temporary worker, skilled and unskilled.
H-3: Trainee
L-1A: Executive or manager.
L-1B: Specialized knowledge.
O-1: Extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics.
O-2: Support personell for an O-1.
TN: Trade visa for Canadians and Mexicans (professionals) posted 04/05/2008 at 22:30:45
These so-called legal workers are effecting every area of our economy:
Guest workers:
H-1B: Speciality worker, DOD worker, fashion model.
H-1C: Nurses.
H-2A: Temporary agricultural worker.
H-2B: Temporary worker, skilled and unskilled.
H-3: Trainee
L-1A: Executive or manager.
L-1B: Specialized knowledge.
O-1: Extraordinary ability in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics.
O-2: Support personell for an O-1.
TN: Trade visa for Canadians and Mexicans (professionals) posted 04/05/2008 at 22:30:45
I believe you have it wrong, calirighty...it's a case of too much education and too many job skills--employers don't want to have to deal with that wage level.
No one wants the government to create jobs. What we need is for the righties to get up off their greed and to hire competent Americans to work. It's obvious that the path you righties have been allowed to choose is not working. Time to enforce the labor, immigration and every other law that was put in place to protect our citizens from the corporate vultures. Don't worry...the swing will happen, and your people are going to be sorry. I think that people have about had enough--gave you just one inch too much, I'm afraid...you have taken way too many miles in exchange. posted 04/05/2008 at 19:37:22
No one wants the government to create jobs. What we need is for the righties to get up off their greed and to hire competent Americans to work. It's obvious that the path you righties have been allowed to choose is not working. Time to enforce the labor, immigration and every other law that was put in place to protect our citizens from the corporate vultures. Don't worry...the swing will happen, and your people are going to be sorry. I think that people have about had enough--gave you just one inch too much, I'm afraid...you have taken way too many miles in exchange. posted 04/05/2008 at 19:37:22
Why do you think the mayor of San Francisco is giving amnesty to illegals? I think we should let him gather in as many as possible, and then DEMAND the Federal government round up every resource they have available to make a clean sweep of that city. But first they will need to imprison all city officials who are aiding and abetting. posted 04/05/2008 at 19:25:58
I think there may have been an assumption that white-collars could replace labor--obviously THAT was a miscalculation. Things just ain't panning out without a blue-collar labor force. Imagine that??? posted 04/04/2008 at 15:34:32
Bear Stearns CEO Blames Media For Company's Collapse
Can you imagine one of his employees using such a sorry excuse? Cleaning toilets? No, he need closer supervision than that. His type needs to be watched every second on the job so they don't have an opportunity to come up with lame excuses--all work performed by this type needs to be witnessed and verifiable at all times. Hey, I think a chain gang would be pretty appropriate. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:22:05
Home Owners Lose, Home Builder Win In Senate Bill
Do you think it's too late to reclaim our government? Is there any way to recall each and every Congress person? Seems we'd be better off with NO ONE in Washington than the representatives that are there now. Regular citizens would be able to step in until we figure out how to proceed. The things that are happening right now are beyond scary--I feel like we're borderline Twilight Zone. The voters need to take action---it's time for these bought politicians to be dethroned. posted 04/04/2008 at 12:27:24
Wall Street Shows Optimism That Crisis Is Fading
Just goes to show how easily those people holding the working capital dollars of this country can be manipulated. Besides, what good is the value of a share of stock other than more money to pay out to company executives? A real feel good kind of thing, right?
Imagine what would happen to these poor people if they were able to somehow get in touch with reality...they may have to deal with the economic failures of our system on the same level as the rest of us--I have a feeling they would grab their dollars and start stuffing their mattresses. Rest assured, Wall Street's Uncle Sam will never allow that to happen... posted 04/02/2008 at 11:37:38
Imagine what would happen to these poor people if they were able to somehow get in touch with reality...they may have to deal with the economic failures of our system on the same level as the rest of us--I have a feeling they would grab their dollars and start stuffing their mattresses. Rest assured, Wall Street's Uncle Sam will never allow that to happen... posted 04/02/2008 at 11:37:38
Analysts: 200,000 Banking Industry Layoffs Predicted
They need to keep an ample amount of employees on board to handle the fallout. People have been losing homes because the workout departments of some of these banks are not adequately staffed to handle the volume...the clock keeps ticking on the timeframes involved with foreclosure and without staff in the office to handle the details--more lost homes. Enough with the self-centeredness, you big, corporate losers. Stand up and face the music that you have orchestrated.
I know some of these banks use foreign offices for their customer service--let's hope the foreigners are the ones these leeches to society decide to let go first. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:44:49
I know some of these banks use foreign offices for their customer service--let's hope the foreigners are the ones these leeches to society decide to let go first. posted 04/01/2008 at 23:44:49
Corporate Wisdom: Superiors and Subordinates
The sad part of it is, in a minimum wage job you DO have to work, you HAVE to stay busy. Move up, make more money, do less work. Hmmm... posted 04/02/2008 at 20:36:59
Paulson Plan Blasted By Small Banks, State Officials
Sorry, me thinks they already have a flag picked out for us...it's red with yellow stars. posted 04/02/2008 at 11:07:56
"Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Monday formally announced calls for consolidating bank regulation,
...creating a new type of insurance charter,...
improving the oversight of mortgage lending and allowing the Federal Reserve to peek into more corners of finance."
Every once in a while these stories mention insurance in the same conversation as the banks. What have they done that I've missed?
The big "secretive" pow-wow mentioned in the story includes the CEO of All State Insurance. Does anyone know what happened with insurance? (Other than the fact that they are one of the controlling interests of the U.S.) posted 04/02/2008 at 11:02:41
...creating a new type of insurance charter,...
improving the oversight of mortgage lending and allowing the Federal Reserve to peek into more corners of finance."
Every once in a while these stories mention insurance in the same conversation as the banks. What have they done that I've missed?
The big "secretive" pow-wow mentioned in the story includes the CEO of All State Insurance. Does anyone know what happened with insurance? (Other than the fact that they are one of the controlling interests of the U.S.) posted 04/02/2008 at 11:02:41
General Electric: Killing Chinese Workers For A Cleaner Environment
It's always been my thought that many companies were leaving the U.S. to escape the EPA--not that the EPA really has any control over them, but that at some point the citizens in the U.S. would demand the EPA do it's job and hold these companies accountable.
Thank you, Pippilin, for dumping GE. It appears that the only place where the American people have any power is on Wall Street--I guess the only way to effect change upon bad corporate citizens is through degradation of their investor base. We need more investors to realize what the companies they chose to give money to are doing and to take the appropriate actions through the market.
P.S. These light bulbs are a bad idea all around, in my opinion. After hearing this, do you really want to risk having more toxic emissions invade your home? Not only that, flourescent lighting has a tendency to cause headaches. Should we be forced to live like that? posted 04/04/2008 at 07:24:50
Thank you, Pippilin, for dumping GE. It appears that the only place where the American people have any power is on Wall Street--I guess the only way to effect change upon bad corporate citizens is through degradation of their investor base. We need more investors to realize what the companies they chose to give money to are doing and to take the appropriate actions through the market.
P.S. These light bulbs are a bad idea all around, in my opinion. After hearing this, do you really want to risk having more toxic emissions invade your home? Not only that, flourescent lighting has a tendency to cause headaches. Should we be forced to live like that? posted 04/04/2008 at 07:24:50
Oil Chiefs Say High Prices Not Our Fault
No, Whale..this government is not us. They are a rogue government put in place by corporate America. People "get" to vote on candidates who have been hand selected--in the end, we have no choice. Can't you see that? We live in the United States of Corporations, whether we like it or not. posted 04/02/2008 at 09:29:00
Awesome post, John!!
Maybe I missed something, but nowhere did I hear any mention of the unregulated oil commodities trading problem. Our representatives in Congress are a bunch of idiots. Have they forgotten all the former Enron deviants on the loose? Same people, same shenanigans--different day. It seems this issue has been discussed in Congress---did they even bring it up in their conversations with their buddies? Does anyone know where we're at with bringing all oil trading under the regulated exchanges?
The oil companies are fully aware that what Congress knows is what the oil companies tell them...I don't think these people in Washington know any where else to get their information. We are in trouble when they call the oil companies in to explain themselves. Congress should be calling in big oil, telling them what the problem is, and how they plan on correcting it.
The oil companies and their simpleton mantra about opening up drilling in the U.S. is nauseating. The major demand problem we have right now is the demand by speculators for more holdings that they can keep in their clutches until they manipulate the price up to a point where they are happy. Release the reserves that are being held in long positions by speculators.
As one of the striking independent truckers said--we have to get oil off of Wall Street. posted 04/01/2008 at 20:34:12
Maybe I missed something, but nowhere did I hear any mention of the unregulated oil commodities trading problem. Our representatives in Congress are a bunch of idiots. Have they forgotten all the former Enron deviants on the loose? Same people, same shenanigans--different day. It seems this issue has been discussed in Congress---did they even bring it up in their conversations with their buddies? Does anyone know where we're at with bringing all oil trading under the regulated exchanges?
The oil companies are fully aware that what Congress knows is what the oil companies tell them...I don't think these people in Washington know any where else to get their information. We are in trouble when they call the oil companies in to explain themselves. Congress should be calling in big oil, telling them what the problem is, and how they plan on correcting it.
The oil companies and their simpleton mantra about opening up drilling in the U.S. is nauseating. The major demand problem we have right now is the demand by speculators for more holdings that they can keep in their clutches until they manipulate the price up to a point where they are happy. Release the reserves that are being held in long positions by speculators.
As one of the striking independent truckers said--we have to get oil off of Wall Street. posted 04/01/2008 at 20:34:12
Watch: Unlikely Causes Of Headaches
One thing that concerns me is the headaches that are caused by flourescent lights. With the coming mandate that all homes use flourescent bulbs, I'm surprised that there is so little talk of the side effects from that lighting...which includes headaches and fatigue. I am opposed to the government mandating my lighting source--I don't feel the need to cover for the failure of industry and automobile manufacturers to come up with sufficient pollution controls.
Many people are surprised that medications that are commonly prescribed or sold OTC for headaches have a side effect of headaches in some people. I have found that Ibuprofen causes me to experience really bad headaches...ironic, since many people take it specifically for headaches. posted 03/31/2008 at 20:39:07
Many people are surprised that medications that are commonly prescribed or sold OTC for headaches have a side effect of headaches in some people. I have found that Ibuprofen causes me to experience really bad headaches...ironic, since many people take it specifically for headaches. posted 03/31/2008 at 20:39:07
Microsoft Needs Immigrants, Facebook Doesn't
You don't need a college degree to write code. My son, at the age of 17, was writing code and developing high level software with a friend of his. Not one class in high school, not one college class--he is self-taught. Kids these days have technological abilities that seem to be inherent...what does a programmer need with college?
There must be some way to recognize talents in people that extend beyond what grades a teenager got in high school. posted 03/31/2008 at 20:51:33
There must be some way to recognize talents in people that extend beyond what grades a teenager got in high school. posted 03/31/2008 at 20:51:33
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