Central Indiana For Obama
Bob Inglis
I saw Bob Inglis, Republican member of Congress from South Carolina, recently with Chris Matthews on Hardball. I could hardly believe my ears. Here was a Republican actually speaking the truth. It was almost too good to be true. I thought that there was finally a spark of rationality in the opposition to Barack Obama. Later I checked www.wikipedia.org and found that Inglis had lost in a runoff election. Although presently a member of Congress, he won't be back next year. Too bad that only the defeated have the courage to speak the truth.(read more)
Russia’s Loss is the West’s GAIN: This is the Essence of a Zero Sum Game
Recently the president of Iran had some harsh words for his Russian counterpart. Russians did return the favor and made a harsh reply to Mr. Ahmadinejad’s comments. In order to balance his comments, Mr. Ahmadinejad asked President Obama again to take advantage of the present CHANGED situation and open a constructive dialogue with Iranians. However the intelligent, patient, calm and popular President Obama has NOT YET made a positive response as he is still doing a cost benefit analysis of the following seven (7) situations:
1- Iran’s 3 concessions and goodwill gestures on the nuclear issue which is almost exactly as the US had asked for; but with one minor difference and that is “the swap will happen in Turkey”, which is a very close ally of the West as well. Plus the fact that Brazil which is another signatory to this nuclear fuel swap deal is another close ally of the US & EU.
2- Repeated requests by Iran to President Obama in order to deal directly with that country.
3- The fact the due to problems in the Gulf of Mexico, Middle East is still playing an important role in the US oil supply plans...AND henceforth there will be less drilling in the Gulf of Mexico and that will result in less environmental damage in the near future.
4- The West as well as Iran and Turkey could be the basis for another CENTO style Pact. Such a Pact could very much help the West in the region.
5- A strong CENTO style Pact between EU, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, China, Syria, Lebanon & Egypt would persuade Non-Cento countries to stop supporting Al-Qaeda and Taliban extremists. Such an ideal situation would pave the way for peace in the region and triumphant departure of Western forces from present battle grounds.
6- 300 Billion US Dollars of business could be done with Iran in the future. A large portion of that amount could be done by US & European businesses. And that would help the US & European oil industry as well as many other businesses.
7- That multi Billion US Dollars worth of Western exports to Iran would create employment for hundreds of thousand of Americans and Western Europeans as well.
So this is the best time to deal with Iran from business point of view as well as geopolitics stand point. Russia’s Loss is the West’s GAIN that will last, just as the opposite was true in the past.
(read more)HEALTHCARE benefits THIS YEAR-
Within a year, the following important provisions will take effect:
• A $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the prescription drug doughnut hole
• Immediate tax credits to small businesses to provide health care for employees
• Prohibiting insurance companies from discriminating against children with pre-existing conditions
• Prohibiting insurance companies from denying health insurance when patients need it most
• Prohibiting insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage for individual policyholders.
More here- http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0510/37322.html
(read more)3 Ways to Close Dems' Enthusiasm Gap
1-Congress pass ENERGY BILL. New Voters like it for environment, minorities like it for JOBS!
2-Congress pass "Don't Ask Don't Tell"in Defense Authorization Act http://tinyurl.com/33ww9dk
,,,it goes into effect after Sec. Gates completes his review.
3-Correct MYTH "Obama RAISED taxes"
(read more)JOB GROWTH thru APRIL
(read more)Grazing in the Dirt
This blog entry is a commentary on human propensity to be reluctant in moving towards Change that is more productive and satisying
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Grazing in the dirt.
Grazing in the dirt.
All we are doing is grazing in the dirt.
The shepherd, with his rod and staff, endeavors to lead us to other pastures green.
Stubbornly, we resist and seem so-o-o content at grazing -- just grazing -- grazing to the point that there is no more grass; oh my, we have grazed the parcel clean!
Grazing in the dirt.
Grazing in the dirt.
All we are doing is grazing in the dirt.
Stupid Sheep!
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Greatness
The following quotation is from The Enchantress of Florence by Salman Rushdie. He put these thoughts into the mind of Machiavelli and I was struck with how they applied to Barack and his fascination with Lincoln.
"The past was a light that if properly directed could illumine the present more brightly than any contemporary lamp. Greatness was like the sacred flame of Olympus, handed down from the great to the great. Alexander modeled himself on Achilles, Caesar followed in Alexander's footsteps, and so on. Understanding was another such flame. Knowledge was never simply born in the human mind; it was always reborn. The relaying of wisdom from one age to the next, this cycle of rebirths: this was wisdom. All else was barbarity."
Those who forget their history are doomed to repeat it. I think that is why I enjoy reading history so much. The past has so much to teach us. History is a continuum, with the past flowing into the present and continuing into the future.
Nothing But Lies!!!
I am really surprised that no one is blogging about the myriad of lies, blatent lies, that are being spewed by people in the Senate and the House. Some of there lies are down right embarassing. I have watched coverage where they have come right out of a televised meeting with the President, and say the very opposite of what the President said. Not only that, but the lies that are being told to the TeaBaggers-of which they would rather believe than to check the accuracy/truth to what they're being told-is just ridiculous.The most disheartening part of all this is that there doesn't appear to be any Democrat from the Senate or the House that are standing up against them in support of the President. It has often been said that silence translates as consent. For those of us at home, the constituents, we're starting to feel helpless as we listen to our politicians lie when they say they speak for us. An example of this is the fact that I live in Indiana, but Mike Pense is one of the meanest, most vile representative I've ever known. His sickening reiteric and reasoning causes me to be embarrassed that I live in the state he reps.
Another lie that I am sick of hearing is when right-wing politicians say they are speaking for the American citizens. Well I AM AN AMERICAN, and most of them DON'T speak for me! I love my President, and I stand firmly behind him and the changes that he is attempting to make to enhance the quality of life for ALL American citizens, and to improve our reputation and standing in the world at large.
Those are my thoughts, now let me hear yours. (read more)
Recent polling shows people think Obama RAISED taxes
CITIZENS FOR TAX JUSTICE-
President Obama's Tax CutsImpacts on People in Your State
State Fact Sheets and Analysis from Citizens for Tax Justice
Recent polling shows that most people believe President Obama has either left taxes the same for this past year or actually raised them. The truth could not be more different. The President cut taxes for 98 percent of working people in 2009. Read our fact sheet for details.
Fact Sheet: President Obama Cut Taxes for 98% of Working Families in 2009
You can also click on your state below to see how working families in your state benefit from the tax cuts signed into law by President Obama.
(read more)It's deja vu all over again.
When will the Democracts learn the painful lesson from the Health Care debate and organize a campaign to insist Dems frame a message to win the "message war" on financial reform before it's too late?
We let Repubs to frame the Health Care debate as a "big government takeover".
Now we're letting them do it again with the "permanent bank bailout" soundbyte/bumper slogan against financial reform.
WAKE UP!!! It's deja vu all over again.
4 Charts every 2010 candidate should use!!!
JOB GROWTH-
HOUSING PRICES-
updated 4/13: Print for every swing state voter
JOB GROWTH-
Age
You are as old as you think you are. Some of us are old on the inside while still young in appearance. Others view life with zest even while the signs of years pile up on the exterior. Age is a function of the years you lived, the wear and on the body, and the mental attitude you bring to life matched by your mental faculties. It is not possible to judge a person's age or abilities just by looking at the exterior or counting the number of years representing age.
In this society, there is a premium placed on youth. Most want to look young because only the young are handsome or beautiful. That is not true in other societies where age equates with wisdom and is respected. Humans regard age with different ideas based on the society in which they were raised. Does that make one society's ideas regarding age better than another's? I don't think so, just different. Age causes many of us to slow down, but it affects individuals differently. I meet many different people at my place of employment. Some older individuals are mentally acute; others are too dull to slice warm butter, It just proves that no group can be generalized about.
Part II: America's Health ---- Recovery
Related blog entries:
Part 1: America's Health
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGGgxg
Part III: America's Health --- The Heart Condition
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post_edit/gGGgxM/7hGKD
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Let's try to offer a little understanding about the current state of affairs using an analogy familar with many people: Health. Hopefully, individuals who insist on creating distractions or adhering to pure ideological dogmas will understand that enough is enough. Skillful action is needed, now.
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Prompt and deliberative actions have brought forth some improvements, namely a marked increased in blood pressure (increase in the monetary flow) from a dangerously low level. However, the status of America's health is critical, but stable.
More than ever there is a need to provide affirmation of belief in American ideals, character, and way of life. Commerce through media (advertisements, news, books, movies, etc) does this like circulatory system continually provides re-oxygenated blood to all parts of the body.
There is a deficiency in nutrients, i.e. that which promotes growth. What is causing the deficiency? It's a inter-relationship of many factors and systems.One reason may be paralysis among businesses and banks. Businesses, in particular small businesses who hire ~60% of the workforce, are unable to respond because they cannot receive the desired loans from banks. Banks are not making loans because they may be gripped with fear --- underwriting the loans is a concern that looms large and the spectre of TARP still hovers. It challenges old beliefs about the role of Government and its relationship to Free Enterprise System/Captalism.
The basic framework, Capitalism, that has contributed to defining America has been affected like osteoporosis affects the bones of human body. Support has been provided to businesses to spur responsible risk and innovation (risk is not bad itself, in fact willingness to take risks is inherently involved in business) It is this combination (risk and innovation) that produces goods and services. It's similar to process whereby the bone's marrow produces red blood cells. Contrary to popular opinion, Wall Street wants reform through reasonable regulation. Wall Street is fickle, so it's ironic that it seems to show a resistance to change. However, it's not resistant to change per se but it resists instability and uncertainty. It doesn't want another Madoff-style scandal or Sub-Prime Mortgage fiasco.
Reformation, not Revolution Reform is needed now but must be careful, yes skillful as a surgeon, in the enactment of reform. Due to relationship between different sectors of soceity or policy areas, an action may have minimal effect in intended target area but through 'ripple effect' have a tremendous effect in another sector or policy area. Keep in mind...America's lymphatic system needs to be examined so that it functions more efficiently and effectively (eradicate waste, fraud, and abuse; act as suitable defense) This highlights the importance and inter-relationship between immigration policies and national security and healthcare reform.
Be aware of possible growth of cancer cells i.e. extremism from BOTH ENDS OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM. The extremist rhetoric and actions from individuals and organizations actually undermines the spirit of the U.S. Constitution, if not the letter. Must be balance in considering what means should be used to remove the cancerous growth --- Radiation (like x-rays): Use of Surveillance. (e.g. FISA) Chemotherapy: Enacting new laws; Surgery: Removal. Again reminder that given integration of members/sectors in soceity, An action may have unintended effects on other members/sectors of soceity.
What is needed? Government checks may provide some inducement but it's like being on a feeding tube or receiving nutrients in a pre-packaged pill. What is more beneficial is when nutrients come naturally from eating food. America needs to experience something that is a natural part of American way of life, yes even human existence. This is the reason why job growth is so important. To achieve productivity, in every sense of the word, there must be adherence to the The Productivity Principle. A person must believe her/his actions do matter.
While dealing w/ the paralysis cause by the reticence of small businesses and banks, leaders may be emphasize not only volunteering but education to upgrade skills and knowledge. (e.g. CPR/First Aid ceritification, Continuing Education Programs) This may be preparations for future by facilitating recruitment of personnel for the influx of new patients that will access the healthcare system when the Healthcare Reform legislation is passed. Leaders may want encourage nonprofits (secular and parochial) to function even more as a 'clearinghouse' of information and pool community resources to conduct workshops on nutrition, budgeting, or other practical life-enhancements. It may be analogous to the digestive process whereby food is taken in and transform into something that may be used by the body. Summarily, all may spur growth through building confidence required for willingness to take risks, while discovering new aptitude for innovation.
(read more)Message
Barack is accused of not getting his message out. Perhaps that is because the media is limited to brief sound bites. Barack is most effective when you are there in the audience, but he cannot be everywhere. I have a suggestion. Barack's supporters should buy prime time in 15 minute segments to present Barack and his message to the country as was done in the 2008 campaign just before the election. He was very effective then and can be again and again. I suggest a different topic each time important legislation hangs in the balance.(read more)
Holding the Regulators Accountable
One of President Obama's objectives of healthcare reform is 'bending the cost curve' through strengthening consumer protection laws and the obvious reason for inclusion of Health Insurance Rate Authority (HIRA) in his proposal. While there's support for this idea, a system of this type of oversight already exists.
In fact, establishing HIRA seems to contradict President Obama's actions to make government work more efficiently; make government smarter through eliminating un-necessary duplication.
Instead it's time to strengthen the oversight responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as it relates to healthcare insurance. It's just time to hold leaders of regulatory agencies accountable for fulfilling oversight responsibilities. Whether it's in the healthcare or financial sector.
(read more)Danger
Those of us who do not live in a large metropolitan area believe that we are safer from terrorist attack than those who live in New York or Washington, DC. We may safer from the direct effects of a large scale attack, but we would still suffer the indirect effects that would result. Al-Qaeda at last report held the US responsible for the deaths of 10 million Muslims. They have vowed an eye-for-an-eye retaliation and the destruction of the US. I don't believe that they can destroy the nation, but I do believe that they can make life uncomfortable for many years. If al-Qaeda escalates their next attack, they would increase the number of targets from the four of 9-11 and they would attempt to use more potent weapons, perhaps nuclear.
Imagine for a moment the destruction of just one major dam on the Colorado river. The water released would cause the destruction of the downstream dams and flood Southern California. This would be a repeat of Katrina on a much larger scale. The production of food and electricity would be severely curtailed. And then there would be the survivors who would become refugees within their own country.
If al-Qaeda successfully targeted several major metropolitan areas, we could lose the center of government in Washington, the financial hub of the nation New York, the transportation hub Chicago and the energy hub Houston. I live in none of those cities, but consider how my life would change with major destruction in each. Communication would be severely disrupted. Electricity and gasoline would be in short supply. Air and rail transportation would be limited. Food distribution might be curtailed leading to shortages in localities across the nation. Healthcare facilities would be overwhelmed. And then the survivors would be hard-pressed to live in tent cities that would resemble those in Haiti now. This the danger that all of us face.
How do we prepare for this terrible possibility? Each of us must take disaster planning seriously. That includes stocking those items of food and medical supplies that we might not be able to obtain during a disaster. Stocking too much would be better than stocking too little. If you have more than you need, plan to share with those who have too little or nothing. Plan for the community to accept refugees from the disaster. We must not shut our doors on the needy. We may be among them ourselves.
Integrity
How can U.S. Congress elevate their level of trust in the eyes of the American people?
Remember Integrity --- Sam Rayburn
Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn of Texas
Samuel Rayburn of Texas served 48 years in the House of Representatives. Oil on canvas, Douglas Chandor, 1941, Collection of U.S. House of Representatives
Sam Rayburn of Texas, the longest serving Speaker in House history, was born in Kingston, Tennessee. Rayburn’s 17 years as Speaker—during the 76th through 78th, 81st through 82nd, and 84th to 87th Congresses (1940–1947, 1949–1953, and 1955–1961)—spanned a period from the eve of American intervention in World War II until the first year of the John F. Kennedy administration. Known affectionately as “Mr. Sam,” Rayburn was a House institution who exerted his influence through skillful persuasion and humor rather than arbitrary rule. ["In shaping legislation, Rayburn preferred working quietly in the background to being in the public spotlight. As Speaker, he won a reputation for fairness and integrity."] He often brokered legislative initiatives among a group of autocratic and conflicting committee chairmen to whom much of the power in the House had devolved. Rayburn’s successful effort to expand the membership of the powerful House Rules Committee in 1961 prepared the way for consideration of major social legislation later in the decade. He died on November 16, 1961, in Bonham, Texas. At the time of his passing, Rayburn was the longest-serving Member in House history. In the public mind, his name had become synonymous with the House itself. The New York Times eulogized him as a man “regarded almost with awe in the House.” With his death, the editors concluded, “It is as though a part of the Capitol had fallen down.” Office of History and Preservation, Office of the Clerk, http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/highlights.html?action=view&intID=296, (February 10, 2010).
The Rayburn House Office Building (RHOB) is a congressional office building for the U.S. House of Representatives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., between South Capitol Street and First Street.
Rayburn is named after former Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn. It was completed in 1965 and at 2.375 million square feet (220,644 m²) is the largest congressional office building
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Conscience
How can U.S. Congress elevate their level of trust in the eyes of the American people?
Remember Conscience ---- Phillip Hart
The newest of the Senate office buildings is named for Michigan senator Philip A. Hart (1912-1976). Over the course of his 18-year Senate career, Hart distinguished himself as a man of deep personal conviction and integrity and a steadfast advocate for the common man. He was an ardent supporter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and as the chairman of the Antitrust Subcommittee he took on big business even when it contradicted his own political interests. [“But most unusual, then and today, Hart frequently took difficult, courageous stands on issues directly against his own political self-interest"] Senator Hart’s commitment to such causes earned him the moniker, “The Conscience of the Senate.” The Senate paid tribute to Philip Hart by naming the new office building in his honor as he was dying of cancer in 1976. The Hart Senate Office Building opened in 1982, becoming the only congressional office building named after a sitting (or living) member. http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/common/generic/Featured_Bio_Hart.htm
“Today a Senate office building is named after Hart, and inscribed in marble is the following:
‘This building is dedicated by his colleagues to the memory of Philip A. Hart with affection, respect, and esteem. A man of incorruptible integrity and personal courage strengthened by inner grace and outer gentleness, he elevated politics to a level of purity that will forever be an example to every elected official. He advanced the cause of human justice, promoted the welfare of the common man, and improved the quality of life. His humility and ethics earned him his place as the conscience of the Senate.’”
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Barack Obama
Born in HawaiiOf parents disparate
Educated here and abroad
Hawaii, Indonesia, California,
New York and Massachusetts
He worked in the heartland
He organized with a heart
Then he declared his intent
To serve a greater community
Thus he serves us all today
Will his service be rewarded with success?
Only time and tide and you and I will decide. (read more)
Hoosier Pride --- Darryl W. Finkton Jr.
Just have to give a 'shout out' to Mr. Darryl Finkton for his extraordinary achievements.
It's also nice to know he was a graduate from one of the best high schools in nation (and also my alma mater)
Congratulations!
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2006 North Central grad is named a Rhodes Scholar*other notable graduates of NCHS include: Mitch Daniels, Governor of indiana; Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis; 'Baby-Face' Edmonds, singer/recording artist
Posted: November 23, 2009
http://www.indystar.com/article/20091123/LOCAL/911230376/0/OPINION05
A former North Central High School basketball player has been named one of the recipients of a Rhodes Scholarship for 2010.
Darryl W. Finkton Jr., a senior majoring in neurobiology at Harvard College, is a 2006 North Central graduate. While at Harvard, he has set up a water supply system for a town in Ghana and performed infant cognition research in France.
In 2006, Finkton, the son of Stephanie Finkton, said he wanted to become a pediatric cardiologist. In a 2005 interview with The Star while still a student at North Central, Finkton said, "When I'm on the basketball court, I'm a basketball player. When I'm in class, I'm a student."
He was considered one of the best high school basketball players in the Indianapolis area, receiving an honorable mention on The Star's 2006 All-Marion County boys team and honorable mention on the Topics Newspapers team. Finkton played on the Harvard team for two years before suffering a knee injury.
Rhodes Scholars receive all-expense-paid scholarships for two to four years of study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Finkton was one of 32 in the U.S. and the only Hoosier to receive a 2010 scholarship.
A well-known Rhodes Scholar from Indianapolis is Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., a former Indianapolis mayor
(read more)OnStar
Barack bailed out GM so that the government could install OnStar in all new cars to spy on US citizens and their driving habits. More nonsense from the Right. What do they think that the Bush administration was doing when they monitored everyone's cell and land line phone calls?(read more)
Murphy’s Law: If NEGOTIATIONS are working, then don’t change a good thing
Since dialogue and negotiations are working with Iran, then why all those threats of sanctions? Some politicians are trying to look hawkish and tough on Iran and are saying: “If there were no threats of further sanctions, then Iranians would not be willing to compromise?!” To those types of exaggerated comments I would like to reply; that type of attitude is furthest from the truth. If threats could work against Iran, then 8 years of threats and a few sanctions would have worked on Iranians during the previous administration.
However, the only thing that has worked with Iranians is the positive attitude of President Obama as well as his Excellency’s mostly objective and visionary approach to international affairs. So if such a positive approach and vision for CHANGE works, then why ruin a good thing with threats? Just to look tough?! Please DO believe it, friendly is much more effective than tough with Iranians. I would like to reemphasize this previously made point; if tough talk and threats could work, then they would have worked in the past. President Abraham Lincoln: “Believing everybody is dangerous, but believing nobody is more dangerous”
(read more)Keith Olbermann
Tonight Keith Olbermann will repeat his passionate denunciation of healthcare insurers that was so effective the first time it was run. Money is being donated to set up free clinics in cities in the districts of ranking members of Congress who have a big say in healthcare reform legislation. It is an effective way to influence some votes.(read more)
Those who spread FALSE STORIES & rumors about a Moslem Imam in a Prison Ministry are nothing more than War Loving hate mongers
Please note:
1- Christians and Jews are considered to be people of the book by Moslems as well as the holy Quran and NOT non-believers.
2- There are Al-Qaeda terrorist extremist who consider more than a hundred Million Shia Moslems NOT true believers and believe they should all be killed. But thank GOD those guys are less than 3% of Moslem population of the World. We have radical Christians who think the same about Moslems and there percentage is higher than those radical Moslems. Most likely these types of e-mails are initiated by such radical people. A True Moslem is a Christian and a Jew as well.
3- There is no such thing as a "Prison Ministry" in US, there is Department of Corrections etc. but no Prison Ministry what so ever?? So this story is most likely fabricated.4- In Islam even non believers are respected and not killed and Prophet Mohammad did just that when he conquered Mecca. He told his followers to respect the home all enemies even atheist... And Christians and Jews are people of book and the holy Quran has many stories about Saint Virgin Mary, Prophets Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus as well as the full story of Ten Commandments.
5- People who spread these types of hatred rumors are at best misled and at worst divisive war mongers and certainly not human beings, regardless of their religion. They could call them selves Christians, Jews or Moslems but they are nothing more than the devil's advocate towards war and destruction. And I am trying to be a GOOD Shia Moslem who is also a Jew a Christian and according to teachings of the holy Quran that is the way a true Moslem should be.ARK
Trying to be a real Moslem, Jew and Christian ALL at the same time = A True Moslem (ATM)(read more)
The Age of Turbulence
The Age of Turbulence by Alan Greenspan, former chairman of the Federal Reserve. At least he got the title right. On pages 370 to 372, he praises hedge funds and CDS, credit default swaps. Let's deal with them one at a time.Hedge funds are mostly unregulated and Greenspan likes it that way. He was and is philosophically opposed to government regulation. In his opinion, the bankers and others who lend to hedge funds will keep a sharp eye on them since it is the lenders's money at risk. We all know now how that turned out with huge sums of TARP money required to bail out the lenders when hedge funds lost tons of our money.
Then there are the CDS, credit default swaps. These are financial instruments that allow lenders to spread the risks so that the failure of one lender will not spread to others. AIG provided buckets of CDS for others and we know what happened to AIG, now known by another name yet to be finalized. Again a massive bailout using our money. So much for Greenspan's aversion to regulation. He brags in the book how he contributed to the repeal of that bad law, Glass-Steagall, which kept the banks from underwriting stock issues. The Great Depression led to the enactment of Glass-Steagall and Greenspan issued a sigh of relief when it was repealed in 1999 at the sponsoring of Phil Gramm and others. It was Phil Gramm who famously said that this is not a recession; the US is a nation of whiners. An interesting website is www.econowhiner.com
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Remorse
I will not begin to forgive the actions of the previous administration until the following persons start showing some remorse for their actions: George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Paul Wolfowitz, Doug Feith, John Yoo, Condoleezza Rice, Karl Rove and others to numerous to mention. (read more)How to have a successful meeting?
I am looking for ways to have a successful meeting in support of obama, his policies, and the current health reform bill that needs to be passed. Please any ideas or how tos on how to go about putting together a successful meeting will be greatly appreciated. (read more)Media
Medium, media, median, mediate, all from a root meaning in the middle, between two opposing sides or views.
The purpose of the media in the US and other democracies is to inform the citizens so that they can make intelligent decisions. Here in the US, the purpose of the media has been perverted to making profits at the expense of the news and providing entertainment in place of information. The Right derides the media as liberal dominated in an effort to discount what ever little information the media does provide. It is the plan of the Right to deprive our citizens of any information that could counter the propaganda the Right wishes to use to govern by misleading the voters.
Obama souvenirs
Barack Obama Collector's Vault by Avery Krut is available at Amazon for $32.97. It is crammed with souvenirs from Barack's career together with facsimile copies of important speeches. It even covers the 2008 campaign from the McCain-Palin side. This is the complete package and should be in the library of anyone who put his/her heart into the 2008 election. (read more)Beware of the "Bipartisan Scam"
I am a firm supporter of single payer insurance reform, but I will consider a public option that gives priority to preventive care, among other features. Tragically, the corporate and insurance lobbyists will have killed the public option if we drink the Bipartisan Compromise Kool-Aid. NOW IS THE CRUCIAL TIME TO FIGHT FOR OUR OPTIONS, NOT JUST PRINCIPLES. WE NEED TO BUG EACH SENATOR AND REPRESENTATIVE EVERY DAY IN AUGUST!
Read this article and you will see what I mean:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cenk-uygur/the-bipartisan-compromise_b_245991.html
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NICU
NICU, Neonatal intensive care unit, is where premature babies receive care before they are released from the hospital to go home and live a hopefully normal life. ER, emergency room, is where all people go to receive emergency care when they need it. I have worked in both and can see the connection there but does anyone else see the link?
In a California hospital having a 25 bed NICU, I worked occasionally as a unit clerk. There is not much for a unit clerk to do in an NICU so I had time to observe the patients and think about what I was seeing. When the unit was full, 22 or 23 out of 25 patients had a full head of black hair and Spanish surnames. Whether their parents were here legally or not, all of the patients born here in US were fellow US citizens with the same rights as you or I. Even if insured, I doubt that any of the parents could afford the weeks or months of very expensive treatment afforded by the NICU. Who picked up the bills? You and I did through taxes or decreased wages if we worked at the hospital.
This NICU was on the second floor. A few steps away on the first floor was the ER. There each weekend night I xrayed the victims of gang violence from neighboring towns. Hardly a weekend passed without a gang related stabbing or shooting. These involved Spanish surnamed individuals of 18 to 20 years old who might have had health disabilities from a childhood where if they were lucky, they received care in an NICU. When the gang violence involved only the Spanish surnamed, society seemed not to care. If an Anglo happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, then society cared about the incident.
How do we improve the health of our citizens and reduce the cost to all of us of NICU care? I advocate free pre-natal care so that all citizens are born healthier and will as adults be able to contribute to society. I also advocate making a place for our minorities in good schools and good neighborhoods so that no one can feel discriminated against. I believe that racial discrimination is a contributing factor to people joining gangs.
I do not know when life begins. Some say it begins at conception. If that is true and a conceived child must be born, then our obligations to the child do not end at birth. We owe the child a helping hand throughout their life so each child has the same opportunities that the most fortunate of us have.
Has Barack Obama REALLY Done Anything Yet?
Here's a record that I've keep, not up to date, but a list of some of the things he's done:
(read more)Indianapolis OFA Chapter Listening Tour
On April 25th approximately 150 volunteers gathered in Indianapolis to discuss our vision for the OFA grassroots movement. Without question there was a sense of urgency and responsibility on behalf of the volunteers to build a new brand of government. Some of the themes included:
Educate.
- Educate the people on how government works; on the issues and legislation; and how this legislation will impact them.
- Get timely information to citizens about where to focus, who makes the decision, when to take action and how to most effectively influence legislation.
Congressional Balance
The Blue Dog Coalition: 13 Years of LeadershipThe Blue Dog Coalition - who celebrated 13 years of leadership in 2008 - has built a reputation as a serious player in the policy arena, promoting positions which bridge the gap between ideological extremes. Many of the group's policy proposals have been praised as fair, responsible, and positive additions to a Congressional environment too often marked as partisan and antagonistic.
The 47 conservative and moderate Democrats in the group hail from every region of the country, although the group acknowledges some southern ancestry which accounts for the group's nickname. Taken from the South's longtime description of a party loyalist as one who would vote for a yellow dog if it were on the ballot as a Democrat, the "Blue Dog" moniker was taken by members of The Coalition because their moderate-to-conservative-views had been "choked blue" by their party in the years leading up to the 1994 election.
The Coalition was formed in the 104th Congress as a policy-oriented group to give moderate and conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives a common sense, bridge-building voice within the institution.
Most agree that, since then, the Blue Dogs have successfully injected a moderate viewpoint into the Democratic Caucus, where group members now find greater receptiveness to their opinions. In fact, the continuing political success of "Blue Pups" in the 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 elections points to the public's approval of the centrist, fiscally responsible message represented by The Coalition. Since 1996, 24 Blue Dogs won their seats by defeating a Republican incumbent.
The Coalition has been particularly active on fiscal issues, relentlessly pursuing a balanced budget and then protecting that achievement from politically popular "raids" on the budget. Past Coalition budgets have won the endorsement of the nonpartisan Concord Coalition and multiple newspaper and magazine editorials. As one column pointed out, the Blue Dogs have proven that "common sense, conservative economics and compassion aren't necessarily mutually exclusive."
Blue Dog Coalition proposals have served as middle-ground markers which laid the foundation for the bipartisanship necessary to bring about fundamental reforms, and helped set into law policies reflecting the "common sense, conservative compassion" so often attached to the group's efforts.
In the 110h Congress, the Coalition intends to continue to make a difference in Congress by forging middle-ground, bipartisan answers to the current challenges facing the Country. A top priority will be to refocus Congress on balancing the budget and ridding taxpayers of the burden the debt places on them.
(read more)The group also expects to be involved in a variety of issues, where the stale extreme left vs. right approach requires a breath of fresh air.
No.1 Terrorist Org. is Al-Qaeda which in the past 8 years has murdered about 8000 Americans and injured/disabled tens of thousands more… AND their supporters are some regional Dictators or so called US friends and allies NOT A FABRICATED FOE CALLED IRAN
According to recent news reports, just in April of 09, Al-Qaeda and their allies in Iraq have murdered 18 Americans, 355 mostly Shia Iraqis, and more than 81 Iranians. Now when you and I know those facts, then the US State Department knows the details of those Al-Qaeda/B'ath Party/Taliban Trio atrocities much better than all of us put together! So why the should-be-trusted US State Department would fabricate such a false report on Iran and call that country the number one state sponsor of terrorism? The following could be some of the reasons, not all the reasons but some of the reasons:1-CONSTANT STATE OF DENIAL or Always blame it on some one else; as was the case during the initial Al-Qaeda attempt to place explosives in the parking lot of the World Trade Center few years prior to the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack. At that time the US Government blamed that attack on Iran as well, but when the second terrorist attack happened by the same group of terrorist who were mostly Saudis, and then the US government had nothing to say!
2-The second reason could be that Saudis and a few of their Arab neighbors are so heavily invested in the US, that one SHOULD NOT ANGER THEM so they would move their investments to another country! Under the US Anti-Terrorism Law the assets of any group or people who are supporters of terrorism should be confiscated, so if they decide to move their assets, then that is exactly the way they will be dealt with.
3- Those Arab Dictators are US friends and allies in the region so one SHOULD NOT ANGER THEM, NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO! With friends like that who needs enemies. There is a poem that reads: "It is good to have wise friends, wise enemies are better than unwise friends!" Not that Iranians are enemies but the US State Department likes to call them that, and they would fabricate reports to substantiate such allegations! Those types of reports will prevent any kind of meaningful dialogue in the future so the wishes of those people at the State Department will come true and potential true friends and allies will remain fabricated foes. Are those people at the State Department politicians or experts in destroying peace and meaningful relations as well as masters of demolitions?
4- Those Arab Dictators have nothing to do with Al-Qaeda financing so they are not state sponsors of terrorism?! That statement bring about a few scenarios: a-Those dictators know nothing about their own country and activities of some in the Royal Family; so they are not competent leaders and one can NOT COUNT ON THEM as reliable friends and allies, b- A friend who passed through Abu Dhabi, UAE Airport said that he saw more Al Qaeda & Taliban there than one would expect to see in Kabul Airport! So one could asses that those dictators KNOW their own country and activities of some in the Royal Family, BUT CAN DO NOTHING ABOUT IT; so they are not competent leaders and one can NOT COUNT ON THEM as reliable friends and allies, c- Those dictators KNOW their own country and activities of some in the Royal Family, BUT SINCE THESE TERRORISTS ARE ALSO A THREAT TO THE INTERNAL SECURITY OF THEIR OWN COUNTRY, THEN THEY ARE CONSTANTLY BEING EXPORTED TO IRAQ, PAKISTAN & AFGHANISTAN TO MURDER AMERICANS, PAKISTANIS, AFGHANS & IRAQIS. Henceforth those rulers are not trustworthy friends and one can NOT COUNT ON THEM as reliable allies.
5-And certainly the money those Royals as well as others spend on Al-Qaeda and Taliban is given to them by their rulers, so those dictators should know where that money is being spent, if they don't, then after reading this BLOG they should know and stop those payments; IF they don't STOP, then some thing VERY FISHY is going on!
Now who are No 1, 2 & 3 Royal sponsors of terrorism? (read more)
Keeping Them Honest
Fact-Checking Obama on That Job Count
By Mosi Secret
In President Barack Obama’s news conference on Wednesday night, he said the $787 billion economic stimulus bill has already created or saved over 150,000 jobs. We decided to find out how the president arrived at that figure. The simple answer: guesswork. It turns out the feds don’t have a way to measure exactly how many jobs have been created or saved, so they use projections instead, and it’s all rather academic. Read the full article.
(read more)T.G.I.F. Moment
Just received --->
Counter Fear... (Live and) Laugh Out Loud!
It was once said that a black man would be president "when pigs fly" ...indeed 100 days into Obama's Presidency...Swine Flu!!!
(read more)Thoughts and Ratings
In the past I considered him to be a principled politician. His advocacy, along with Sen. Kennedy, for the Comprehensive Immigration Bill caught my attention and earned my support. Unlike Lieberman, it seems as though Specter's party-switch is not principled, but political and personal. The Democrats in general and President Obama in particular shouldn't boast too loudly.
Remember....
- The party-switch itself seems to underscore the importance of moderates on both sides of the political spectrum. Moderates have been the treated with disdain by the extremists in both parties. Yet, moderates often see the practical solutions that comes from listening to and understanding both sides.
- Yes, the 'party-switch' provides one step closer to a more filibuster-proof Senate; however it also provides no excuses. It's time to stop saying what was 'inherited' and blaming previous administrations. It's time to accept not only success and the positive outcomes, but the not-so-positive outcomes from policy decisions/nonactions.
- What is seen is not what is witnessed.
President Obama:
Beware of short-term thinking, mere tactical planning. Thus far, the problems your Adminstration have encountered have been the result of hyper-partisans in the Democrat party seeking short-term results. The short term results often were to debase the Republicans. Caveat: "The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." In other words, the ditch that is dug for others may become the grave in which may bury oneself.
Thus far, I have not agreed with all your decisions (and didn't expect to) nor am I willing to rubber-stamp your ideas. ( I will not be part of the demagogue-like hysteria that characterized some media outlets & grassroots individuals/organizations) This was not the reason you receive my vote.
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The 'Proverbial Report Card' (Overall: B+)
Message Discipline: C+ --- At times tend to be reactive, disjointed, and unclear/confusing.
Grassroots Network (Organizing for America): D --- Increase presence of spam on site, vitriol language as well. Corruption of your concept in community organizing and its purpose. Some people may be discouraged to even visit the site. already it has been expressed that emails from Democrat Party are not welcome specifically when soliciting donations due to increased spam. It shows lack of leadership of the site administrators. It undermines grassroot effectiveness.
Accessibility/Exposure: C- --- Need to guard against 'over-exposure'. The words and appearance of the President should command attention, not be 'too familar' or mundane. Need to guard against the appearance of campaigning instead of governing.
Style: C --- Need to balance between being 'natural', conversational and formal, authoritative. For the most part, the problem arises situationally. Introducing novelty while maintaining dignity of office has been good; should continue to exercise balance in this regard. See <Accessibility/Exposure>
Politics: C --- Need to guard against shift towards far-left idealogy/trying to please those who ascribed to the far-left idealogy. Danger of being tagged as knee-jerk liberal as well as encouraging a more polarizing political environment. (This is mistake of your predecessor) Remember: Balance and Process Matters.
Policy Formulation: A+ --- Great comprehensive approach to Nation's issues and concerns. See <Message Discipline>
Personnel: B --- Highly qualified individuals; Execution of their duties adequate --- often with lingering perception of incompetance.
Promises: B --- Given the complexity of the issues, this isn't so bad.
Transparency: A- --- Given the complexity of the issues, this isn't so bad.
(read more)Caveat in the Storm
President Obama should make sure that the controversy involving the CIA memos do not cast a shadow over his own Adminstration...and become a distraction to fulfilling adminstration's agenda.
The entire situation has the potential to strengthened political partisanship on both sides, cause un-necessary political gridlock or resistance as Obama moves forward and deals w/ Healthcare Reform and Energy Investment Plan.
See also: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGxW4P
(read more)Presidential Objective
I want to emphasize the cautious approach that President Obama is taking towards the infamous 'Torture Memos' It's commedable.
Shame on those individuals who are choking on the bile of revenge and want to use this situation as an opportunity for political tit-for-tat. This is a very serious situation.
When the news was reported about inappropriate treatment of prisoners at Gitmo Bay, televised discussions/hearings were held by the U.S. Congress, justified by the concept of the Public's Right to Know/Freedom of Information Act. What was the result? The Islamic extremists started targeting civilians (abductions, beheadings) Remember, we were/are at war!
We must be cognizant of the culture of other countries and its affect on behavior. Many cultures have a strong ethos regarding 'saving face'. To publicly debase them in any manner is to increase tensions and invite retaliation.
Yes, torture is wrong, but how we respond may improve or excerbate the situation. We live in a time where technology has advanced to allow instanteous global communication in realtime.
President Obama's objective in this situation is to balance (there goes that word again) National Security, Effective Foreign Policy, Human Rights Advocacy, and Government Transparency.
(read more)
Open Congress
Open Congress : Congress Gossip Blog
www.opencongress.orgPosted: 16 Apr 2009 04:24 AM PDT
Congress’s leading bill to address the foreclosure crisis has been stuck in the Senate for the past five weeks, but a deal may have finally been reached. It looks like the main provision of the The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009, which would let bankruptcy judges rework mortgages for homeowners facing foreclosure, including a “cram-down” of the principle, would be significantly weakened.
CongressDaily ($):
The potential deal, according to sources, would add teeth to a House-passed bill that would allow a judge to consider whether the lender has offered the homeowner a new Obama administration plan to help up to 9 million borrowers avoid foreclosure by allowing them to refinance at lower interest rates. The Senate compromise would mandate that if a lender offered a modification through the Obama plan or a program included in last year’s housing bill, called the Hope for Homeowners Act, the homeowner would be ineligible to modify their loan through bankruptcy.
In early March, when the bill went through the House, California Democratic Reps. Ellen Tauscher, Zoe Lofgren and Dennis Cardoza added an amendment directing bankruptcy judges to consider whether a loan modification consistent with President Obama’s plan was offered prior to the consideration of a judicial modification. The Senate deal would take this guideline and turn it into a strict rule: if the lender makes an offer to refinance at a lower rate, the judge can not intervene to make changes to the terms of the mortgage. It gives lenders final control over how loans can be reworked, not the judges.
It would also mean that the mortgage lenders wouldn’t be forced into taking losses. More homeowners would end up with the interest reductions from Obama’s plan, which would come at a cost to the government, not to the banks. Obama’s plan includes a dollar-fordollar matching fund to help bring down interest rates for borrowers and a $1,000 upfront bonus for lenders each time they adjust the interest rates of a loan.
Rep. Brad Miller [D, NC-13], who has been the leading cram-down advocate in Congress, has said the banks are opposed to the cram-downs because they would be shown on their already damaged balance sheets. They want to avoid acknowledging that the mortgages on their books are actually worth a lot less than what they are claiming. It would make it even more obvious that many of the big banks are essentially insolvent zombies. Stretching out payment plans and lowering interest through the Obama plan, on the other hand, would not affect their books. This really isn’t a surprise because it has been the trend in all our economic policies recently—protect the appearance of the banks’ balance sheets and put the costs of the economic crisis on the government.
Here are the other details CongressDaily provides on the deal in the Senate:
The possible deal has other provisions. At-risk low-income borrowers and those who pay less than 31 percent of their income for mortgage payments would be ineligible for principal reduction, but they could have their rates reduced or their loans amortized over a longer time. If a homeowner opted for a modification under the Obama plan and wound up paying a quarter of income or less for the mortgage, he or she would be ineligible for any bankruptcy modification. If the principal is reduced by a judge, the possible compromise would allow the lender and borrower to evenly split any profit up to the original amount of the loan if it is sold while the homeowner is still in bankruptcy. Only loans that originated before 2009 and amount to less than $729,750 could be modified in bankruptcy. The program would end in 2014.(read more)
Thoughts on 'Tea Party'
In recognition of the Tea Parties that took place, I present the following...
The Tea Parties was so-o-o sophomoric and showcased the inadequacy --- the political correctedness and the lack of real critical thinking skills that permeates U.S. Educational System.
Response to WaPo on Grass Roots
I recently responded to a Washington Post article on the Pledge Project effort. What struck me is the difference in how folks measure success. The article describes the Pledge Project effort as "lame" and "sputtering" yet a budget supporting a sustainable approach to energy, education and health care passed with some pretty good numbers.
But, another point was more compelling to me. The fact that citizens are engaging in their government seems overwhelmingly positive to me, whether that is 1000 people or 1,000,000. Public opinion seems to be aligned on the fact that the power of the few governing our country is not working well.
(read more)Editorial Response
Note: This blog entry is a response to the letter written by President Obama and published in the local newspaper, Indianapolis Star Sunday, April 5, 2009.
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Generally speaking, I was pleasantly surprised to read the letter that appeared in the newspaper Sunday morning. Allow me to say 'thanks'. After reading the letter, I was a little disappointed because it seem to have missed the mark if the purpose was reassurance in light of recent events surrounding GM Motors.
It didn't seem to connect with the real concerns that is confronting individuals who are watching the saga involving GM Motors. Listening to the concerns of current employees and retirees of GM Motors, there is a consensus of practical concern about not only continuation of employment, but continuation of health benefits and safeguarding their hard-earned pensions (especially if GM pursues any type of bankruptcy).
In defense of GM Motors: The company has been known for providing reasonable wages for their employees as well as comprehensive health benefits for employees and their families. Health benefits that include prescription drugs, vision, and dental. GM provides scholarships to employees' family members, and car purchase discounts are available for not only employees but their employees' families.
By no means is GM is a perfect company. Ineptitude of leadership and management contributed to the current state of affairs. The ineptitude is not only at the company level but at the governmental level. Inconsistent and incoherent trade policies contributed to the current state of affairs as well.
There's hope. President Obama is taking a comprehensive approach to our nation's problems while the media and other distractors want to continue in the same simple-minded manner of dealing with nation's problems.
Not cynical, but hopeful. Many people are living the words "old men shall dream dreams, young men shall see visions". In light of recent events there a tinge of fear that attempts quash the optimism.
When I visit friends and family, there's often the prominently displayed AARP magazine in the home. Senior citizens seem to have 'cautious optimism' i.e. hope and enthusiam tempered with knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
Balance. Whenever I see the AARP magazine or hear senior citizens reference the organization, I believe President Obama and all legislators need to make sure that the increased youth enthusiam and participation in civic affairs do not lead to ignoring senior citizens' concerns. AARP is probably the only organization whose membership exceeds the membership of President Obama's grassroots apparatus/Organizing For America.
Generation of Balance. President Obama is part of the generation that has often performed as a bridge; A bridge between races, cultures, and ages. Notice the phrase "sandwich generation" was not used. The generation in which President Obama belongs functions as a bridge of understanding between the time-tested values and wisdom of the elders and the enthusiam and innovativeness of the youths.
(read more)
Message to Republicans
(read more)Era of Failed Leadership
ProPublica: Top Stories
AIG Versus Greenberg: The War Intensifies
Posted: 02 Apr 2009 09:23 AM PDT
by Sharona Coutts, ProPublica -
"Let me be clear: AIG's business model did not fail -- its management did."
Thus did Maurice "Hank" Greenberg end his written testimony (PDF) before today's congressional hearing into the AIG rescue.
There is now a full-blown public relations war between the ailing insurance giant and its founder and former CEO, Greenberg.
Greenberg was ousted in 2005, following investigations by then-New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. Since the first AIG bailout in September 2008, Greenberg has tried to cast himself as a potential sage and savior when it comes to the increasingly expensive question of what the federal government should do about the company.
(read more)Packaging Yourself
Even in choppy waters, recruiters are angling for the perfect job candidate.
But employers don't have the time or resources to sift through all the applications churned up by the recession. To boost your chances of getting plucked, you'll need a top-notch resume: one that combines eye-catching details and a fast, modern pitch with old-school basics such as impeccable grammar and perfect spelling.
Today's successful resumes are marketing tools, not encyclopedia entries. They're capable of selling your story on paper or online.
Prove profitability In these tough times, many companies are concerned with staying afloat. Show how you can boost revenue, increase productivity or cut costs for your prospective employer.
"Focus on accomplishments, not responsibilities," said Doug Hardy, a resume expert for job search Web site Monster.com. "Look for numbers and put them up high."
Remember to quantify the results. Dollar amounts are the most effective, followed by time saved, then percentages, Hardy said.
Go digital Many employment applications now consist of online forms. But that's just the first round. If you hope to be seriously considered, have a resume handy. And be prepared to send it digitally.
More employers are using computers to scan resumes for certain keywords and phrases before a human recruiter sees them. The trick is figuring out the code.
Here's one strategy: Browse job search engines for positions that match your skills. See what terms employers are using and start using those in your resume.
Keep the font simple. Minimize graphics and colors. It will make the resume easier to read and download.
Some recruiters now read resumes on smart phones. Send a trial copy to a friend's BlackBerry or iPhone to see how it looks. "Sometimes, a bullet point comes across as a question mark—not quite the brilliant first impression you were trying to make," said Robyn Feldberg, National Resume Writers' Association president.
Get to the point Many recruiters narrow the field after a cursory scan of your resume.
"An employer is going to form a first impression in 30 seconds or less," Hardy said. "The only purpose of the top of the resume is to get them to read down to the end."
Be concise. Keep the document to one page and leave the most relevant, impressive information at the top. Avoid a too-detailed list of job experience and cut out that waitress position you held for three months in college.
Leave plenty of white space. Employers aren't going to bother reading a resume so jammed that it requires a magnifying glass.
"Focus on accomplishments, not responsibilities," said Doug Hardy, a resume expert for job search Web site Monster.com. "Look for numbers and put them up high."
Remember to quantify the results. Dollar amounts are the most effective, followed by time saved, then percentages, Hardy said.
Start by shaking up the format of your resume. The traditional method of listing your work history in reverse chronological order is becoming passe, experts said.
A "functional" resume might be best for someone switching careers or trying to hide gaps in employment. Instead of a timeline, focus on skills and experiences.
It's illegal for prospective employers to ask your age, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or political affiliation. So don't volunteer this information on a resume.
Think outside the box Creativity counts when you're looking for work.
If you're applying to a smaller, local company, show your enthusiasm by going to the office and handing your resume to the recruiter.
But there's a fine line between self-expression and self-destruction.
Skip the smiley faces, exclamation points and pink, scented resume paper.
And beware the video resume. Less than a quarter of executives said their companies accepted them.
Loose endsTypos can be lethal to a resume. More than 75 percent of employers bounce applicants if their resumes contain spelling errors or are grammatically sloppy, the Society for Human Resource Management said. So run a spelling check and ask others to proofread your resume.
If you're still employed, don't include your work e-mail or work number. You could lose the job you have.
Los Angeles Time
Opportunities through Service
Laid off? Become a volunteer. It’s a way to keep your skills sharp and make new connections
When you're out of work, volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community. It's also a way to keep your professional skills sharp, beef up your résumé and make new connections. AP Photo/Dinesh Ramde
By Tara Weiss
updated 1:27 p.m. ET, Sun., March. 1, 2009
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29434725/
Becky Groom always wanted to volunteer, but she had little time for it during her 19 years in business operations at Washington Mutual. Then she got laid off last year, and she started helping out at Habitat for Humanity's outlet store in Seattle.
The experience might have felt more fulfilling while she was still employed and eager to get away from her computer. Instead, it frustrated her, because it did nothing to forward her career and gave her no networking opportunities.
Now, she is in a new volunteer position, working pro bono as a project manager for a team of five professionals developing marketing materials for ElderHealth Northwest. She finds it an ideal situation: She's using her professional skills, making new contacts and learning about health care, one of the few fields where there's growth and hiring right now.
When you're out of work, volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community. It's also a way to keep your professional skills sharp, beef up your résumé and make new connections. The right volunteer job can help you get back in the workforce.
Groom found hers through the Taproot Foundation, which places people in assignments based on their professional experience. It operates in seven U.S. cities in a variety of fields, including finance, marketing and information technology. Its volunteers work in teams of five (they can do so remotely) for at least five hours a week, for periods of five months.
Groom wanted to parlay her finance background into a new career in health care, so she asked to work with a nonprofit in that sector. She has gotten to know the members of the board of ElderHealth Northwest and a number of health care executives. Her new colleagues have reviewed her resume and helped her tailor it for health care jobs, removing finance terms that aren't relevant. They've also gotten to see what a diligent worker she is and can recommend her for open positions.
That sort of thing is happening a lot, says Aaron Hurst, president of Taproot. "We've heard in the past that people were finding work from volunteering," says Hurst. "If someone has experience working with a colleague on a project, they'll be more likely to hire them because they already know them. It's like interning at a company."
Many unemployed Americans have already caught on. The Ronald McDonald House of New York has had a 10 percent increase in volunteers since this time last year; many say they were recently laid off. Applications to Taproot have increased a remarkable 171 percent, Hurst says. He attributes this partly to President Barack Obama's national call to service, but he knows it's also because of layoffs, since all applicants are asked why they're signing up.
The majority these days say, 'I'm not unemployed and am looking for ways to stay engaged, to network and feel good about myself,'" he says.The Ronald McDonald House of New York, which provides lodging for the families of hospitalized children, recently started making a computer lab available to its volunteers so they can network and look for paying jobs. They're also encouraged to volunteer at Wall Street Pink Slip Parties, which bring together recruiters and job seekers. When they do check-in or other work at the parties, Ronald McDonald House pays for their admission, which normally costs $20.
One way to find a volunteer job is through volunteermatch.org, a national organization that finds gigs based on your interests and geographical location. Another is Boardnetusa.org, which places people on the boards of nonprofits. You fill out a profile of your interests and professional skills; nonprofits then choose whether to interview you for their board positions.
"It's an excellent opportunity, as long as you're not doing it just to meet people," says Lynda Zakrzewski, national director of Boardnet. "The skills developed in being on a nonprofit board overlap the skills of leaders in corporate America —negotiation techniques, strategic formulation, recruiting talent, influencing."
As for Becky Groom, she's feeling a lot better about herself, even though she has been out of a job for a year. "This has really helped me feel more professional again," she says. "Having been out of work so long, I was starting to feel down and worried that I'd lose some of my skills. It's been a really good way to reengage and feel good about myself."
(read more)Disorder for the Times
Just received...This is too funny. Can you relate?
A.A.A.D.D.
KNOW THE SYMPTOMS ..... PLEASE READ!
Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder. Somehow, I feel better even though I have it!! 
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.
As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.
I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.
So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.
But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Pepsi I'd been drinking.
I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Pepsi aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Pepsi is getting warm, and I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye -- they need water.
I put the Pepsi on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table.
I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV, I'll be looking for the remote but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table, get some towels and wipe up the spill.
Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day:
the car isn't washed
the bills aren't paid
there is a warm can of Pepsi sitting on the counter
the flowers don't have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can't find the remote,
I can't find my glasses,
and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,
I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day and I'm really tired.
I realize this is a serious problem,
and I'll try to get some help for it but first I'll check my e-mail....
Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know because I don't remember who the hell I've sent it to.
Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!!
(read more)
Please sign the petition below indicating your support for our President
President Obama was chosen to be the 2009 Commencement Speaker at the
University of Notre Dame's graduation ceremony. However, right-wing
groups have been trying to rally support against this selection. The
University has chosen to recognize the President's efforts to bring the
country together and promote issues such as economic recovery, reforming
health care, and environmental action (among others).
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/politics/ny-usnotre0325,0,5854736.stor
y
Please sign the petition below indicating your support for the President
and for the University of Notre Dame in their choice to promote the
greater good over single-issue political games.
http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/4ObamaatND
New blog for Generation X-Y Democrats
Hi all. After working with many of you who are my age (late 20's) and have the same passion for politics, I felt inspired to start a blog from our point of view and a group where we can all relate. The blog is at http://www.generationxydemocrat.blogspot.com/ and I have also stated a Facebook group where we can all sound off at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=57528568002&ref=nf. I will comment and post all OFA activites on here as well. Please join the group, and also visit the blog to read and comment often. Thank you!
- Ed
(read more)If it is good enough for Congressmen then it should be for All of us!
It has been some time now since I have written in my blog. Since I last wrote, canidate Obama has become President Obama. I eagerly watched as he took the oath of office, surrounded by his beautiful wife Michelle and their two adorable girls. I am also very glad that he chose Joe Biden to be his Vice President.
Our country is so lucky to have these to men of such integrity and intelligence running our country. We have suffered greatly the last eight years and it is so refreshing to see people who will not only honor the Constitution but listen, ask questions and try to work with the people across the aisle.
I do not envy President Obama for the huge task that he has just taken on. Our country has so many problems to fix or change. Yet, if there is any one man who is up to the task, I would put my money on President Obama.
He has the perfect temperment and personality to enter into this arena, which some days looks like the the olden days of the Gladiators! They need someone with a cool head to oversee and meet with the different groups.
I know our financial system and economy are in shambles but I do believe that a change in our Nation's health care system might help everyone and save billions of dollars in the long run. Our Congressmen and women along with our Senators enjoy having health care coverage that is paid for and ran but our Government. For any of them to question or say it does not work is sheer hypocrisy.
If the Government insurance is good enough and works well enough for them then there is absolutely no reason that it would not work for everyone. Yes, it may cost us at first but considering how many people are without insurance or fear loosing their job and their insurance I feel we have no choice but to fix health care now.
Like President Obama said the other day on his newscast, "If not now, then when?" He pointed out that each of the past administraitons had always faced some crisis or some reason as to why to wait. The other side will always find some excuse to stop us from moving towards a coverage that will work for everyone.
No longer can we wait and I believe that if there was ever a President to lead us to a health care solution, the time is now and President Obama is the man.
As someone who has Federal Helath Care, I consider myself one of the "lucky ones" Of course I pay a high premium as an X spouse, but never the less, I have it. Each year they have open season and during that time I get the opportunity to view numerous plans and pick the one that I can afford and that I feel will meet my health needs.
I can't see why the government could not offer such a plan to everyone, which would bring everyon's premium down. I also think that there is something to be said about having some kind of an insurance for everyone that is similar to Medicare. It only makes sense to me that the more people who particiapte in a plan the cheaper the rpremiums will be for everyone.
I am asking for each of you to please sontact your own State representatives and ask them to work with President Obama and get something done. We can no longer afford to set idley by and watch more and more people slip into the uninsured abyss which in the long run is costing all of the taxpayers.
Please tell your Congressmen that if Government insurance is good enough and works for them that it is our right as citizens of this country to be given the same opportunity. I believe as part of their retirement they can keep their insurance, payed for by "We the People". I am tired of hearing one after another Republican get on television or radio and talk about socialized medicine when they themselves have it.
(read more)You know the economy is bad....
when you see a sign like this
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Our last OPT dinner
I have never seen so many people attend! It was an awesome site, to see people in the community wanting to come together and help others and try to fix things around here. I hope to try to fix things throughout the country. I do not know if some of the people that came were because of my event post or not...
If anyone finds out about the dinners and decides to come, please find me and say hello! I would love to meet any of you. Most of the time I am helping out with the clas, but if you ask someone should be able to point me out to you!
If we all come together we can get through the hard times we are facing and the harder times that will come before the relief starts.
(read more)Where Is Neel 'Cash&Carry' Kashkari Now?
You know, ex-Secy Paulson's Goldman Sachs-trained Asst Secy who was writing the checks to his buds on Wall Street last year...
WASHINGTON – The federal government overpaid for stocks and other assets in attempting to help financial institutions last year, a government watchdog said Thursday, taking further issue with the beleaguered $700 billion rescue program.
Elizabeth Warren, chairwoman of the Congressional Oversight Panel for the bailout funds, told the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday that Treasury in 2008 paid $254 billion and received assets worth about $176 billion.
The figures were reached by extrapolating the results of a study of 10 government transactions, comparing the price paid by Treasury and the value of the asset at the time of purchase. Warren did not present details of the transactions the panel analyzed. A full report will be released Friday.
But we taxpayers will be getting a dividend on this 'investment', right?
In a bright spot for the rescue program, however, banks that received capital infusions from Treasury have already paid $271 million in dividends to the federal government. A Treasury official said Thursday that banks are expected to pay more than $1.5 billion in dividends by the end of this month. Among them is Wells Fargo, which received a $25 billion infusion. The bank announced this week it would pay Treasury $371 million in dividends.
I feel better now. We overpaid $78 BILLION, but are getting $1.5 Billion in quarterly dividends. We should have made up the loss in just over 52 quarters, which is about 13 years. Cool. I'm cool with that deal.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090205/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/bailout_oversight
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Presidential Leadership
America witnessed something extraordinary this week --- presidential leadership at its best. If there were any doubts concerning who is the chief executive of the country, they should have been dispelled this week. President Obama was authoritative, yet respectful; accomodating, but resolute and principled.
President Obama took a stand with Congress --- BOTH Republicans and Democrats, encouraging them to work in a bipartisan manner. He took a stand against 'distractors' who may be inclined to nit-pick at every item in pursuit of the perfect legislation by reminding us, "Let's not make the perfect the enemy of the essential" He took a stand with Wall Street executives by reminding them that everyone will bear their share of responsibility. Most importantly, he showed us that REAL leadership requires that a person be willing to do himself what s/he requires of others, in this case, accept responsibility. It was refreshing (and I admit surprising) to hear President Obama acknowledged that he 'screwed up' and accepted responsibility for it.
Yes, America we have witnessed a defining moment in our history. It was probably inevitable if not essential that this moment occurred during these perilous times. On January 20, the U.S. Constitution officially declared Barack Obama the President of the United States. This week Barack Obama showed us he is the President of the United States.
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Jobs in All 50 States
THE BRIEFING ROOM • THE BLOG
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 4:03 pm Jobs in all 50 states Economic adviser Brian Deese was part of the team that assembled an analysis of how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will create jobs in all 50 states. In a guest blog post, he explains.
You've probably heard a lot about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. And you may have heard the President or members of his economic team say that this plan will save or create 3 to 4 million jobs over the next two years. Maybe you wondered where that number comes from. Well, it's from a study by Christina Romer, the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers and Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist to the Vice-President. Their analysis has been confirmed by outside experts including the forecasting firm Macroeconomic Advisers and Moody's.
Jumpstarting job growth is the top priority of the Recovery and Reinvestment Plan. Construction jobs to rebuild our nation's crumbling infrastructure*....technology jobs to bring put medical records online and lower health care costs while reducing medical errors...engineering jobs to modernize federal buildings and save billions in annual energy costs...jobs equipping our schools and colleges so the country's best young minds have a place to grow...and jobs laying broadband lines so a business in rural America can compete with any other business in the world.
The plan will create jobs in all 50 states, in industries across the spectrum. Over 90% of the jobs created will be in the private sector. We put together a fact sheet to show you, state-by-state, just how many jobs the plan aims to create.
But no matter what state you live in, with 2.6 million jobs lost last year and our economic crisis deepening, we can't afford to delay any longer.
*Just a couple of weeks ago, the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card for America's Infrastructure issued an overall grade of D. From Katrina to the Minnesota bridge collapse, our nation's failure to take this infrastructure crisis seriously is blatant, and unacceptable. By making long overdue investments in our roads, bridges, transit, ports, and air security, this plan will put people back to work while making our nation safer and more prosperous in the future. (read more)
A Model of Change
For many years, Indiana has been considered by much of the nation, generally speaking, as inconsequential; boring 'simple folks'.
Maybe Republicans and Democrats could obtain understanding regarding THE CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN during these perilous times from some 'simple folks'.
Indiana is moving forward out of complacency. Hoosiers valued fiscal responsibility. Our governor, Mitch Daniels was initially elected with the knowledge he was so fiscally conservative that he obtained the nickname 'the blade'. Of course there was some disappointments and anger at his actions, but he eventually turned a state deficit into a surplus. Most importantly, he guarded the surplus from being raided by the state legislators.
When property tax crisis loomed over the state and citizens were calling for action --- relief and reform, the governor forced the legislature to make tough decisions for long-term sustainability instead of pursuing 'quick-fix, knee-jerk responses'. These efforts have created a buffer for hoosiers during these difficult economic times, but unlike our neighbors we have fared relatively better, even at one time referred to as 'an island of growth'.
During the general election it wasn't uncommon to see both political signs of support in citizens' yards: Barack Obama and Mitch Daniels. In fact, a former democratic precinct chairperson mentioned to me directly her preference: Obama for President and Daniels for Governor.
"Turning the page" is more than a campaign tagline here in Indiana.
"On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for too long have strangled our politics." --- President Barack Obama, January 20, 2009
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Simple Basics
Focusing on public servants at every level of service adhere to code of ethics and clear accountability for violation of the public trust.
Focusing on cutting 'overhead'/administrative costs in Education, we're ensuring that more than .39 out every dollar is reaching the classroom.
Focusing not only on making sure our children are safe from 'dangerous' teachers, but supporting the authority of good teachers in the classroom.
The Change We Seek
Many people was in awe/rejoiced on election night. This state that had in previous elections was the first state to lite up 'red' 5 minutes after the polls close, lit up 'blue' more than 3 hours after polls close. Yet, this 'change' is so superficial and doesn't really reflect the attitudinal shift of Indiana.
Indiana is changing in many ways that may not be known. Like the rest of the nation, Indiana had to face some unpleasant aspects of our history. The result has been a move towards not only racial healing but overall recognition that the sum of all things, "It's a Matter of Respect"
Just some examples:
--- Decades-old murder mystery that sparked racial tension solved.
--- In cities previously known for racial tension, there's a increase in its citizens of all ethnicities, worshipping together.
--- New program: Faith-based institutions function as mediator between law enforcement and offenders. Churches providing 'neutral' place for offenders to come and resolve their legal problems (warrants for parking tickets, failure to appear) with representatives from law enforcement and the Courts. The result is clearing the backlog of cases that only require minimal efforts (e.g. paperwork, fines, re-scheduling)
--- 'Workplace Bullying' was given substantial legal recognition by the landmark ruling of the Indiana Supreme Court in April, 2008 which refer to it as 'an extreme form of IIED" ('Workplace Bullying' is a concept that is recognized in England and other European countries; at least 7 states have passed or introduced legislation concerning this increasingly pervasive employment problem)
Mark my words: Across America, leadership in all sectors, at all levels of soceity will be examined even more thoroughly ...defining what is 'leadership' and what is not 'leadership'.
Keep your eyes on Indiana folks, you haven't seen anything yet! The CHANGE WE CAN BELIEVE IN is happening right here!
(read more)The "Stimulus" Package
Each dollar of the $825Billion should be used to 1) create jobs and/or 2) stabilize the housing market upon which Wall Street has leveraged and gambled investors' savings. Some of us want to retire some day.
If spending $825,000,000,000 results in 3 Million jobs, each job will cost $275,000. And every American household will be on the hook for $2,700 in additional debt. (Will the IRS allow us the same lattitude permitted Secy Treasury Geithner?)
Aggregating all these local "pet programs", purportedly "shovel ready" that are already awaiting funding simply to garner Congressional votes is an ignorant approach to simply spend money. Many are not tied to national security, energy or environmental initiatives and do not CREATE JOBS.
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Resilence
After reading the tragic news about the murder-suicide of the 2 adults, 5 children in California, it strengthens my resolve to not just post serious discussions, but also inspiration, lighthearted fare as well.
Yes, these are 'perlious times' but remember: 'Man has not made any material more resilent than the human spirit.'
(read more)Obama's obstacle
It seems I'm not the only one who sees the root of Obama's problem
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/flagsofthelord/gGx2Tq
(read more)Hoosier Pride ---> America's Pride and Joy
Keep your eyes on Indiana, we're doing great things here!
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Miss America 2009 Winner, Katie R. Stam Biography. As you know about Miss America 2009 contest finished. And the winner of Miss America 2009 contest is Katie R. Stam from Indiana, as Miss Indiana 2008.
Well here is the Katie R. Stam (The Winner Of Miss America 2009 Contest) Biography:
- Name : Katie R. Stam (Seymour, Indiana)
- Age: 22
- Education: Seymour High School, University of Indianapolis
- Platform Issue: Passion for Service: Promoting Community Service and Involvement
- Scholastic Ambition: To obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Communication
- Talent: Vocal
- Scholastic Honors: 1st Place IASB News Anchor; 1st Place IASB News Reporter; Elisa Bowen Outstanding
- Student in Television Award
- Career Ambition: To become a television news reporter and anchor
- Local Competition Sponsor: Miss Indiana Scholarship Pageant
And here are the images of Miss America 2009 Winner, Katie R. Stam:
Miss America 2009 Winner, Katie R. Stam
Miss Indiana 2008 Katie R. Stam
Katie R. Stam, Miss America 2009 Winner
About me... and a program that works to help eliminate poverty...
I hope my story will help others and may give some ideas as how individuals and families can overcome poverty with help from their communities. I am not speaking of financial help, as most people know financial problems are not solved with money. I know what I have been through over the past few months has helped me, and can help others just as much. I am still receiving help and support. This program I will tell you about does work, that much has been tested and confirmed. Let me start by filling you in on some background about myself and the issues I have had to face and explain how I have started my way to overcoming poverty. I do not know how this program could be fit to a national level, however I hope that is where the President could step in and come up with some ideas.
My name is Angelic; I am a 36 year old, single mother, I have two children, both boys ages thirteen and nine. I was raised in middle to upper middle class family; my mother was divorced from my father when I was approximately 18 months old. She always worked full time, usually third shift, so I stayed with my grandparents most of the time growing up. After graduating high school, I started to go to a local business college; I ended up deciding getting married was more important to me (how wrong I was). I married young and five years later divorced. All of my life I had always worked, usually full time. I worked part time while going to high school.
In 2002, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia; after working for my last full time job for 6 years, I was abruptly terminated, this occurred in August, 2007. I drew my unemployment while looking for a new job, which never happened at that time. With having Fibromyalgia I started working with the local vocational rehabilitation counselor at the employment office. This is where my story starts to go downhill.
The first counselor I had, told me the first time she met me that “you do not look employable.” You can imagine how that would have affected me emotionally and mentally, after working all of my adult life. It was after this point in my life that I started to lose hope. The only income I had was the child support that was coming in for my boys. My home was almost in foreclosure, my vehicle had been repossessed, the only utility I had on in the home was my water, no electricity and no gas services. Everywhere I went for help I was turned away for one reason or another. I had finally had all that I could take; I did not know where to turn. The next thing I did to me was drastic, but the only option I knew I could take. I finally sat down and wrote a letter to every government official I could think of; explaining to them my situation, so I could receive some kind of advice on what I could do besides becoming homeless and losing my children. When I say every government official, I mean from the local mayor, state representatives, state senators, the Indiana governor, US congressmen and senators up to the President at the time. As I am sure you can imagine I received very few replies to my letter and my call out for help. The few people that did respond; the mayor’s office in Muncie, Indiana, State Representative Dennis Tyler, Senator Sue Errington, Evan Bayh, and Mike Pence were the only ones that contacted me. Because of the correspondence with Mr. Bayh, I was placed with a different vocational rehabilitation counselor and I am now employed, working from home for a company that only hires employees with disabilities. It is only part time, but I am working. Mr. Tyler is the one that worked with me the most; however, the best thing that happened out of that letter was the response from the mayor’s office. They referred me to a local organization called Teamwork for Quality Living. It is through this organization that I am finally finding my way back to where I need to be, I do have a long way to go yet, but this is the program I wanted to bring to your attention.
Without this program, I honestly do not know where I would be right now. The first thing that happened was I was invited to a community dinner. They occur twice a month, the first and third Thursdays; the dinners are called Overcoming Poverty Together or OPT dinners. They are open to the public and the basic motive of the dinner is to bridge people together, without the thought of financial class. You form friendships and receive support, always feel welcomed and everyone involved truly cares about each and every person that does attend. This is just the first part of this group.
The next step I took was to take a class called Getting Ahead. This class is sponsored by Teamwork for Quality Living. Each participant learns about the traps and barriers they are personally facing that are keeping them in poverty. The class is fifteen weeks long, meeting once a week for approximately 2 to 2 and a half hours each week. Some of the other things which are taught are the hidden rules of financial class, different resources that are available in the community, self assessment, and you create an action plan to better yourself and your situation. After graduation from the class you are placed in a small circle of people which include yourself or your family as the captain/leader, and allies (which are members of the community that are in a higher financial class than you are) that become your friends, to give support and advice to help you in whatever situation you need help with. Just imagine this circle can become as big as you want it to be, reaching out to the whole community and farther if you let it. The resources that can become available to you are limitless. If you have an issue where you are looking for a job and you do not know how to write a resume, one of your allies can help you, if you need help with interviewing skills; maybe one of your allies is an employer and they can coach you. Not only are these allies there to help you better yourself financially, they help emotionally and mentally. When I first started going to these dinners and starting in the classes; I was very much depressed and lonely, my self confidence was lower than ever. Now, it is much different and I am just starting with my circle! I can not imagine what benefits lay in the future for me. I do know that one of my allies has seen some of my poetry and writings and is encouraging me to take writing classes and to do something with what he calls “the gift” I possess. The other part of the circles program is the smaller dinners that are held. These are not open to everyone in the public, but are open to the captains and allies. It is a more intimate dinner, focused even more on relationships. This is the group that comes up with ideas for discussions in the larger OPT dinners. We call these Big View meetings, similar to town hall meetings.
This program brings hope when you think all hope is lost, self esteem when you have been beaten down by everyone else and friendships that will last a lifetime. Before becoming involved I honestly did not think people out there cared about other people anymore. I was at a point of losing hope in humanity. I now have more hope and determination as ever and I owe that all to this community of people that reach out to help others in their time of need. I want other people in situations similar to the one I have experienced and I am going through to know the power of a community coming together like the one I am in. I know from the bottom of my heart that this is part of the answer to eliminating poverty in our country. I also know it works, I am proof of that. I have never believed in a program so much to want to tell the world about it, until now.
I would like to personally invite anyone and their families who are in East Central Indiana (even if you are just visiting) to join us to see how this program works and how much good we are doing in Muncie, Indiana.
For more information about this program please visit the following websites:
http://www.teamworkql.org/Teamwork/index.php
http://www.movethemountain.org/
(read more)Caveats
The following are some caveats for the Obama Administration. Hopefully, it would be deemed worthy of consideration to ensure optimal effectiveness in governance.
(With the exception of individuals like Rush Limbaugh, Mr. President, be assured the country, even many who may not have voted for you, yes even the world is hoping for your success)
Caveat #1 --- Proceed with Deliberate Haste.
Don't be pushed into making decisions just for the sake of being viewed as doing something. The American people understands there are formidable challenges and reasonable people are willing to wait patiently (though not indefinitely) for real solutions. This Era of Responsibility naturally involves patience. The 'knee-jerk, quick-fix' approach to dealing with our complex issues has contributed to the current crisis. Again, don't be persuaded by the media infatuation with the reporting of the bold actions expected during the 'first 100 days'.
Caveat #2 --- Be Temperate in All Things. Don't let your Strength become your Weakness
Recent history supports the idea that a president's strength if not exercise with balance/moderation may become (be perceived) as his weakness, often affecting the effectiveness of goverance.
Examples:
- President George Bush (41): Dignified, pragmatic versus inability to understand the concerns of 'mainstream' America; out-of-touch.
- President Bill Clinton: Conciliator, possess ability to forge compromise versus Non-resolute, inability to stick to one position consistently.
- President George Bush (43): Resolute, possess tenacity versus Stubborn-ness, inflexibility
President Obama: Great organizer, highly disciplined versus Stage Manager.
Now it's inevitable that there will be some pomp and circumstance given required head-of-state protocols and the fact many presidential duties and obligations are ceremonial. 'Keeping it real' will be a challenge. When appropriate and while maintaining the sophistication of the office, opportunities may arise to add a 'fresh touch' to counter acts of 'formalism' and safeguard against becoming out-of-touch with 'mainstream' America.
An example of an opportunity whereby this has already taken place is when First Lady Michelle Obama presented a gift to Laura Bush upon arrival for coffee on Inauguration Day. The simple act was fresh, chic, and may have started a tradition for future First Ladies.
More importantly, such an opportunity would counter the attempts to cast the Obama Administration as Camelot II, the fictional ideal of our own making. It's time for Americans to face harsh realities instead of always seeking to develop fantasies. All of us must realize that watching reality shows on television doesn't equate with facing reality in our daily lives.
In summary, responsibility, patience, and temperance are steps towards maturation; 'a more perfect union'.
May God bless you, Mr. President. May God bless America
(read more)Hope and Healing
For about two years I have tried not to overly focus on the emotional aspects of this moment in history. However, today as I listened to Aretha Franklin sing "My Country Tis of Thee" the tears welled up in my eyes and slowly streamed down my face. There was a rush of emotions.
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Reflecting on The Invocation by Rick Warren and The Benediction by Joseph Lowery, I couldn't help but realize the common theme of their prayers:
"If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and heal their land" ---II Chronicles 7:14
Tom Brokaw has said recently, "The nerve endings of the country are exposed." ....a gut-wrenching examination of the 'Soul of the Nation'. http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/invisibilityblanket/gGB4Q9 is taking place right now.
There's Hope in the land and Healing on the horizon.
Amen and Alleluia!
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IU President McRobbie?
Michael and Laurie McRobbie of Indiana attend the inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States in Washington, January 20, 2009.
How did they get tickets?
(read more)Time draws near.
The crowd in Washington is Amazing as we wait for President Obama to take the oath. As Bush enters the crowd begins a collective boo and sing Goodbye, what a sight. I myself can't stand Bush but I think the crowd though letting off steam could have keeped that out as today is a celebration. I do fully understand their feelings and as this country allows free speech it is great to be able to boo without fear.
Bush is almost gone and the new era begins in minutes. The Crowds are huge and the numbers will never be truly known. All I can say is WOW, this is a great day in the United States of America. I do hope that people are praying for this to be a day of great celebation and nothing happens to Obama or his family. This country unfortunatly still has a large group of fanatics and I'm sure they would love the publicity of doing something stupid on the world stage.
I watch with the feelings of christmas day when I was a child. The emotions are something I expected as this day is long in coming. I just can't wait to see the person I and so many others worked so hard for take the oath and become our President. I see the emotions on the national mall and can almost feel their passion from my seat in Indiana. This is the best day in my lifetime and I am now speechless. God bless President Obama.
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The Inauguration of President Obama is the Evolution of the American Revolution
Not too many countries have been able to overcome their past prejudices and CHANGE course for the better when needed. Perhaps globally a few countries have been able to do so! And now the good old USA is certainly one of those countries.
President Obama is not only a very popular US president with 80% approval rating nationwide, but he is the most popular leader worldwide. With this kind of intercontinental popularity under the grace of GOD there is responsibility as well. Thankfully President Obama is a very knowledgeable and responsible leader. I am sure that if he keeps his campaign promises, then history will judge him as another President Lincoln God Bless his soul. After eight years of division, distance and resentment, people of the world are looking up to the USA again and their hopes for a better life are running high. Let us NOT disappoint them and help the Honest and Objective Peace and Economic (H.O.P.E.) leader President Obama succeed. All of us in the world could help the HOPE leader succeed in bringing peace and prosperity to the US and the rest of the world by:
1- Not calling others names;
2- Listening to the other side;
3- Putting ourselves in the other side’s shoes;
4- Analyzing what the other side’s legitimate needs and concerns are and being compromising;
5- Working actively towards peace and prosperity NOT only for ourselves but for the rest of the world as well. This is best described in a UN poem: “Children of Adam are members of the same family, and partners of each other. Why some would wonder? Because each one of us is created exactly with the same soul as the other! If one is in pain, then others should also complain.”
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Keeping it Simple and Straightforward
Disclaimer: The following blog entry may cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath, blurry vision, dizziness, and general sense of disorientation due to the extreme shock at the informational contents.
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In the spirit of National Service Day i would like to offer my appreciation to ABCNEWS Organization.
When the 'breaking news' about the 'Miracle on the Hudson' was reported on television, initially I watched two cable news networks alternately but became quickly frustrated at the hyperbolic reporting of the event. I turned the channel to the one network that consistently provided straightforward news reporting: ABCNEWS
The event was dramatic enough and i was pleased at the fact ABCNEWS didn't 'overly dramatize' it with words or video. The news spoke for itself. They exercise professionalism and responsiblity especially when you consider the families of the passengers who may have been watching the event. This was not the first time ABCNEWS displayed such professional and responsible reporting. I was so pleased that I contacted local affiliate to offer commendation.
In the past, I have levied much criticism against the media, but it's only fair to recognize their positive activities.
So, ABCNEWS great job and please keep up the outstanding standards that is a credit to the journalism/broadcast industry. Thanks.
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Reader: Are you alright? Is your pulse slowing down? Are you feeling better? Take a deep breath. I know it may have been a shock to read a commendation being offered to a media organization.
(read more)Quiet Strength
In the spirit of National Service Day i would like to offer my appreciation to Tony Dungy.
As a hoosier and fellow American I want to acknowledge your 'quiet strength'. Like a pebble-in-a-pond your presence had a positive rippling effect on your team, colleagues, and community. I'm reminded of the shared empathy expressed by your colleagues, the Indiana governor, and Colts owner upon hearing about the death of your son. Yet, even more the empathy shared extended to fathers across the country who upon hearing the news reached for the phone to contact their own child(ren), to hear his/her voice.
Your work involving fatherhood initiatives (ProDad and its associated programs, iMOM and Family Minute) encourages not only men but women that success is not measured just by the ability to offer material provisions but also includes responsibility towards family in terms of quality time.
Tony Dungy, you are one of those 'thousand points of light' spoken of more than 10 years ago. You are a world-class gentleman. Best wishes for the future.
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Let It Go!
To the U.S. Attorney Office
The resolution of the Rod Blagojevich situation is in your hands. I hope that the members of BOTH political parties and the media would 'let it go' so that a fair thorough yet focused and disciplined investigation may be conducted of the matter expeditiously. It would be very important for your office to make sure that Blagojevich doesn't try to use the recent appointment as a defense or reduce his culpability of prior actions.
To the Obama Team
I'm disappointed in your response to the recent announcement re: the appointment of Mr. Burris. You basically aligned yourself with the U.S. Senate Democrats, expressing support for Burris not to be seated. A better response would've been to simply state: 1) your belief in the integrity of Mr. Burris 2) your support for the resignation of Rod Blagojevich and/or dismay at his act of actually appointing anyone to the seat 3) if duly appointed, you are willing to work with Mr. Burris as a seated U.S. senator.
Notice that I emphasized the word duly. Why?
C'mon, the Illinois legislature had the opportunity to prevent the governor from making this appointment. They failed to act. As a result, the governor's actions regarding making the Burris appointment ---though it makes many people uncomfortable --- is protected legally, constitutionallly.
Responding in the suggested manner it seems would've reduce chance of becoming more embroiled in the politicalization of this matter. It's time to LET IT GO!
To Governor Rod Blagojevich
Your actions have been despicable. Your attitude has been blatant arrogance. However, unlike many people in the country I do not think you're crazy per se, just crazy like a fox.
This doesn't reduce the outrageous-ness of your actions or reduce the culpability of your prior actions, but now it's time to LET IT GO!
Remember, the path you're traveling have been traverse before (e.g. O.J. Simpson)
To Senate Democrats
Fighting this appointment will only hurt the image of the Democrat Party and U.S. Senate in the long term. History will not look to kindly on the Party given the 2000 election debacle, Michigan and Florida mulligan-like resolution, and the Al Franken/Norm Coleman recount saga. LET IT GO!
Now, I wouldn't be surprised if Blagojevich takes it to the U.S. Supreme Court in order to perpetuate the drama as a nice 'red herring' or distraction.
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Consider the following:
"But Republican Whip Jon Kyl of Arizona said Friday that he wants to review state and federal law before opining on whether Burris should be seated. Still, he questioned whether the legal status of the patron is enough reason to block the appointee."
"The Senate has to be very careful of setting a precedent that just because it doesn't like the governor that appointed (Burris) we therefore refuse to seat a qualified appointee," Kyl said in a telephone interview."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090102/ap_on_go_co/senate_burris
To Roland Burris
After reviewing your experience and talking to individual who knows your character and have worked with you in Chicago, it seems you're qualified to become the next Illinois Senator.
Although I must say that your appointment is tainted, not by Rod Blagojevich directly but by words of support uttered by the congressman, Bobby Rush. It has reduce my support for you to actually be seated as a senator. 'Denounce and Reject' now.
To Bobby Rush
You are despicable. Your words are nothing more than race-baiting. I challenge the residents of Illinois if they really believe in President-elect Obama's message of inclusiveness and that it's time to 'turn-the-page' from the politics of the past to vote you out when you come up for re-election. Even better, recall your seat now. Obviously with such use of divisive rhetoric you will continue to bring dishonor to the state of Illinois.
To Republican Party
Though it may be tempting to offer comments, proceed with caution. Consider yourselves. Enough said.
Members of the Media
It would be nice if the electronic media would stop reporting 'breaking news' like Access Hollywood. It would be nice if the print media would stop reporting the news like salacious gossip in the National Enquirer.
yes, the public has the right to know what our public officials are doing...and you're obligated to report it just please be professional and responsible.
(read more)Questions on Change.gov
I have been reading through so many questions on Change.gov, and I have noticed so many questions that I look at and wonder...what was this person thinking.
So here are some thoughts I would like to express...
One...so many have asked the question "why do I have to pay for individuals who did things wrong, when I did everything right?" My question is why, because someone is caught up in this economic downturn, do you automatically assume that the person has done something wrong? What about the people who did everything right, but because of others greed, they are in trouble...why do you assume the people asking for help do not fall into that category?
My second thought...Maybe we should all take a step back and understand what a President can truely do. I understand, and partake in the excitement of a President who promises change from the same old politics, but all of the questions requesting things completely out of the control of a President does nothing to advance the cooperation that will be needed between the Government and the communities they serve. I understand that everyone has the right to ask what they choose, but questions that request the President to do things beyond his control are not productive.
Common questions I have come across...and my thoughts on them...Please give me your input...these are meant to get ideas going, so that we can be more proactive in our Government...
I have come across several questions that have had to do with legalizing Marijauna and taxing it the same way we tax cigarettes and alcohol. The common argument is that this would give an instant boost to the economy, both by the tax revenue this would raise and also by the billions of tax dollars saved in law enforcement costs each year. I personally see the argument, whether or not I believe in the cause, as a plausible way to stimulate the economy. What are your thoughts on this?
The next question that I have seen over and over is in regards to U.S. stimulus...Why not give a stimulus check to each American adult...the amount varries based on the questioner, but range from $30,000 each to 1 million each...included in the stimulus package to be voted on later this month. The arguement...That giving that much would allow those who have been hit hard to pay their mortgage payments and get bills caught up, and will then continue to stimulate the economy by spending, saving, or investing the rest. What are your thoughts on this?
The last question I am going to address here is whether or not we should abolish the current tax system and go to a sales tax instead of income tax system? I would like to hear all your ideas on this subjects as I am still trying to weigh the pros and cons of each. What are your thoughts on this?
The great part about this is that you can vote on which questions you want the Obama team to answer...with the questions that get the most votes being the ones they answer...if you have time you should stop by change.gov and answer a few...
(read more)Happy New Years
We asked for change with the Obama campaign at what seemed like a lifetime ago. With the New Year comes the change we all voted for. 2009 is going to be a tough year with the economy in the tank, crisis in the Middle East, and people losing their jobs and their retirement. President Obama is going to have his hands full but I believe in the change he has promised. With President Obama coming into office in the midst of the worst economic crisis since the great depression; it's going to take years to dig out of everything this great country faces.
I can only hope people on boh sides of the aisle will give President Obama the time he needs to work out these issues. We as American's have a duty to get behind the man we voted for and help in any way we can. Change is going to include all of us, President Obama is one man with the backing of millions and he will need our continued support. Some people jump on the bandwagon when times are going great and fall by the wayside when the real work begins. We can't afford to lose a single person if the change is going to happen.
Many of us started working with the campaign before President elect Obama even had a viable campaign. We believed all the way through New Hampshire and Iowa and we continue to believe. Please people, the job isn't over, we must continue the fight. Don't sit back and say "we got the job done, Obama is President." I myself will do whatever I can do to help fight for the Obama policies and will campaign to remove anyone in Congress that tries to obstruct the change vital to a new beginning.
The other side of the aisle as well as a few on the left just don't want to see change in Washington. The government doesn't like change, it scares them and they will fight to stop it. One way we can help President Obama to make the changes he promised is to continue to work hard. Millions of you stood as one during the campaign, we will need to continue to stand as one to show Congress we are serious. If Congress sees any cracks in our work for President Obama they will try and divide us and that will give them a chance to destroy all the hard work we did to get President Obama elected. As ONE WE CAN NOT LOSE, DIVIDED WE WILL FALL.
Enjoy the next few days with your families and celebrate the new year. Soon we will need to focus on all the things that change will bring with it. Stay involved locally and if asked stand up and work nationally if necessary. The hard work is on all our shoulders and combined we are un-stoppable. I hope everyone has a great holiday season and a wonderful new year. Thanks to everyone who was involved with the campaign and I look forward to working with anyone who wants to continue the job. January 20th is the day we have all looked forward to. January 20th is the new begining.
Thanks for everything,
Robert Strunk
Bloomington Indiana
(read more)Bankruptcy
The Cold War was a race to bankruptcy which we won when the USSR reached bankruptcy first. After restructuring and downsizing, the USSR is back as Russia and they did it without a bailout from the US Treasury. Now it is our turn to teeter on the brink of bankruptcy ourselves, with no one to bail us out.The Bush administration is leaving the economy in a shambles with the incoming Obama administration facing all these crises around the world, either ignored or worsened by Bush policies:
Iraq war
Afghan war
Israel Hamas war
India Pakistan confrontation, the most dangerous because both are nuclear powers
Russia Georgia war
Darfur
Congo war
Zimbabwe disintegration
It will take a magician to follow the George W. Bush act. Let us pray that Barack is up to it. (read more)
Letter to elected reps: End the support for disproportionate use of force on the Palestinians
I condemn the lastest disproportionate use of force by Israel on the Palestinians. For too long, the US support carried over from the British since the end of world war too has cause inhumane suffering and immoral war against these people for control of a land near oil. There should be a better solution than the use of force such as nation building in economic incentives, trade, loans, etc. For too long the US, British, Israel, NATO alliance sought to keep this war from ending and keep things as status quo to keeping the fires of war alive and keep an unfair advantage to control an area rich in oil. This is shameless and immoral. What reparation or due process has been given to Palestine for Israel's illegal occupation and settlement of Palestine? People look at the truth. Gunships, airstrikes, tanks versus rockets? Kill hundreds and injured thousands when a few are killed? (read more)Apply Now: Federal Bailout for 'Main Street'
by Bruce Feirstein Vanity Fair
Click to enlarge.
If you’re like most of us you’re probably looking at your bills thinking, Hmmmm, I could use some of that federal bail out money just about now.
But how do you get your hands on some of those billions? How do you apply? How does Hank Paulson decide why Citibank lives and Lehman Brothers dies?
Well, it turns out that V.F. contributing editor Bruce Feirstein has discovered the über-top-secret Federal Bailout application—the one-page “EZ-CASH” form that’s been making the rounds at corporate board rooms, weekend ski chalets, and NetJets waiting rooms all across America.
Click on the image to see the form, fill it out, and you too can be rolling in cash again. 
Benediction
As the end of the year approaches, I offer a familiar song as a reminder to and prayer for all Americans: Best wishes in the New Year.
GOD BLESS AMERICA
"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer. "
God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
Listen here http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/godblessamerica.html
Words and music by Irving Berlin
© Copyright 1938, 1939 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Renewed 1965, 1966 by Irving Berlin
© Copyright Assigned to the Trustees of the God Bless America Fund
International Copyright Secured. All Rights Reserved.
Used by Permission
3 PERCENT MORTAGE RATE FIXED AVAILABLE FOR ONE YEAR!
I tried to send this solution for a Main Street Bailout on Change.Gov but it is impossible to get through, so here it is Mainstream People...Reduce the mortgage rate to 3 perecent fixed for 20 years. It may sound drastic but, giving 700 billion to financial institutions with our tax money WAS WAY MORE DRASTIC! This 3 percent interest rate should be offered for one year to refinances and new loans...If you are in the position to refinance an existing rental property or to buy a new rental property you should be able to do so at the same 3 percent! However any rental properties given a 3 percent interest rate must pass on these savings to the renters. The investors would have to sign something to that affect during the loan process. If a homeowner ended up renting out their 3 perent property at some point, they too would have to pass on the savings to their renters, signed off during the loan process. This would make housing affordable again for everyone! Allow the payback of the bailout to be repaid at 3 percent fixed too.
Mainstreet would be dancing in the street and buying again! What a true bailout without needing to dole out charity...ANYONE BEHIND IN PAYMENTS OR IN FORECLOSURE WOULD BE QUALIFIED TO REFINANCE..
What do you think? If you like it..PLEASE PASS IT ON TO ALL GROUPS...LET'S MAKE IT HAPPEN
(read more)DE-FLATION (please read)
De-flation is the answer to our countries problems. It's just my opion but we spent the last twenty years just inflateing our economy like a spare tire. We put so much air in that tire that it finally blew up. Geoge Bush and his fellow million air friends were so busy making money with there war and there ponzi schemes on wall street thet they took there eye off the air pressure gauge that that bubble had to burst and alot of people got hurt and lost all there money. Well us poor folks down here at the bottom don't really care because we don't have nothing to lose. Were already one push from the street. The other day I heard a news caster say something funny she said what good would green collar jobs and other manu. jobs do for us we on wall street don't know how to do that kind of work. Well I wish someone would tell these news casters that it's not the white collars i'm worried about it's us blue collar people the people at the bottom. When Barack Obama was talking about starting at the bottom he wasn't talking about the people that work on wall street at least I hope he wasn't. If you've been working on wall street for the last few years you should have enough money put it away to make it through this recession.
I was talking to my son today Christmas Eve I didn't have a present for him and he didn't have the money to get me one neither, but thats alright he's older now and understands. We sat here and talked, we talked about how hard things are now because 25 years ago I was 25 years old and I had know problem takeing care of my family. It seemed like there was a job on every corner and prices were LOW enough that we could afford a christmas tree and presents. Our wages were compatible with the prices of food and clothes. I rent a small apartment now and 25 years ago with the money i am paying for this apartment I rented a three bedroom house on a coner lot in a very nice suburb of Detroit. And the answer is simply inflation prices keep going up while our wages and jobs either get cut or get sent to mexico or india. I believe if you take away a mans wages or his only means to take care of his family then you must help that individual. And the only way thats going to happen is if we de-flate that bubble the prices of food and mortgages must go down there is no way a man can pay his house payment working at Burger King. If you notice the only ones crying are the rich but at the end of the day they will still eating steak. Simple if want to lower the wages lower the prices lower every thing all the way around. Banks have to change the way they do loans go back to the way it was before Bush got his big idea about giving everyone a house well thats fine but not everyone can afford a house. You have to make people save there money so that that they can put a down payment on the house. I just heard a commercial on t.v. it was a furniture store saying no payments for 18 months what people don't understand is that it is all a scam they don't want you to pay off that loan they just want to use it for a write OFF. Come on people get smart pay cash or don't but it.
MERRY CHRISTMAS RANDY!!!
(read more)What People See
People see what they want to see
Some people see a 'white' person. Some people see a 'black' person. Some people see a 'foreign-born with a strong accent'. Amusing is the latter given I was born and raised in the 'heartland' of United States.
People see what they want to see, but they don't see me. They just see my invisibility.
My age is a mystery. Proof is presented without an ounce of shame. While being referred by many as an 'ole soul', not by name.
People see what they want to see, but they don't see me. They just see my invisibility.
The 'Religious Right' sees a heretic who is for abortion and gay rights. The 'Liberal left' sees a zealot who believes in an Almighty God; Faith that moves mountains and gives the blind sight.
People see what they want to see, but they don't see me. They just see my invisibility.
Emphasize equitable distribution of sacrifices and rewards, people see a 'spread-the-wealth' idealogue. Emphasize hardwork and personal responsibility, people see a cold-hearted selfish expletive equivalent to a female dog.
People see what they want to see, but they don't see me. They just see my invisibility.
Politicians, the self-proclaimed public servants, an oxymoronic distinction at best, seems to be the greatest offender of all. There's much hand-shaking, baby-kissing, data collection, policy formulation, and impact analysis ad nauseum. There's a tendency to lose sight it's about real individuals, not them.
Whether in a community of 30, 50, 10,000, or more. Each individual is relevant and can make a difference. Individuals are the keystone of democracy. People see what they want to see, but they don't see me. They just see my invisibility.
Invisibility is a comforting blanket. It's reassuring I'm more than a 'sound-bite' or a statistic on a chart. I'm not wholly defined by the constraints of biases, stereotypes, and demographic categories. Though, it's comforting to know that individuals are not robots, as you can see. Invisibility is a smothering blanket that takes my breath away, denying me the opportunity to express 'I'm free'.
I realize tis true. People see what they want to see, but they don't see me.
Why? They don't know me.
I'm Invisible. Yes, that's me.
(read more)United States & Muslim Countries Sexually Compatible
UNITED NATIONS – Alone among major Western nations, the United States has refused to sign a declaration presented Thursday at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
In all, 66 of the U.N.'s 192 member countries signed the nonbinding declaration — which backers called a historic step to push the General Assembly to deal more forthrightly with any-gay discrimination. More than 70 U.N. members outlaw homosexuality, and in several of them homosexual acts can be punished by execution.
Co-sponsored by France and the Netherlands, the declaration was signed by all 27 European Union members, as well as Japan, Australia, Mexico and three dozen other countries. There was broad opposition from Muslim nations, and the United States refused to sign.
See http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081219/ap_on_re_us/un_gay_rights
Finally, there is common ground: gay sex! And I was predicting the coming of Armageddon. It's huge blow to my ego, to be sure.
(read more)Dealing with it all
Are you tired of the negativity in the news lately... the Dow Jones rollar coaster, scandals, terrorists, and the war... just to name a few items? Do you wish you could find something, anything to make you laugh again? Well, the following may be what you are looking for... enjoy your week!
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A Dog Named Sex
Everybody who has a dog calls “Rover” or “Boy”. I call mine “Sex”. He’s a great pal but he has caused me a great deal of embarrassment. When I went to City Hall to renew his dog license, I told the clerk I would like a license for Sex. He said, “I’d like one, too!” Then I said, “But this is a dog.” He said he didn’t care what she looked like. Then I said, “You don’t understand, I’ve had Sex since I was 9 years old.” He winked and said, “You must have been quite a kid.”
When I got married and went on my honeymoon, I took the dog with me. I told the motel clerk that I wanted a room for my wife and me and a special room for Sex. He said, “You don’t need a special room. As long as you pay your bill we don’t care what you do.” I said, “Look, you don’t seem to understand, Sex keeps me awake at night.” The clerk said, “Funny --- I have the same problem.”
One day I entered Sex in a contest, but before the competition began, the dog ran away. Another contestant asked me why I was just standing there, looking disappointed. I told him I had planned to have Sex in the contest. He told me I should have sold my own tickets. “But, you don’t understand, “I said, “I had hoped to have Sex on TV.” He said, “Now that cable is all over the place it’s no big deal anymore.”
When my wife and I separated, we went to court to fight for custody of the dog. I said, “Your Honor, I had Sex before I was married.” The judge said, “This courtroom isn’t a confessional. Stick to the case, please.” Then I told him that after I was married, Sex left me. He said that’s not unusual. It happens to a lot of people.
Last night Sex ran off again. I spent hours looking around town for him. A cop came over to me and asked, “What are you doing in this alley at 4 o’clock in the morning?” I told him that I was looking for Sex. My case comes up Friday.
(This appeared in Ann Landers column)(read more)
Live and Learn....and Laugh!
A "tongue-in-cheek" analysis of the good ole days
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IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE---VERY WELL STATED TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints. We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants & children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat. We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem. 
We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms....... WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!
We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. 
We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes. We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!! 
The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!
These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas. We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!
If YOU are one of them. CONGRATULATIONS!
You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good. While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were. Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?! 
C'Mon, you know you want to smile 
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Jay Leno: "With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
(read more)A matter of perspective
Sometimes LAUGHTER relieves the tension and helps you manage daily challenges.
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Your House As Seen By:
Yourself...
Your Buyer...
Your Lender..
Your Appraiser...
Your Tax Assessor...
"My Friends"
(No this is not some diatribe about John McCain)
In these perilous times friends are greatly appreciated. How do you tell the difference between REAL friends and FAKE friends?
Here's some indicators:
FAKE FRIENDS/REAL FRIENDS
FAKE FRIENDS: Never ask for food.
REAL FRIENDS: is the reason you have no food.
FAKE FRIENDS: Call your parents Mr / Mrs
REAL FRIENDS: Call your parents DAD/MOM
FAKE FRIENDS: bail you out of jail and tell you what you did was wrong
REAL FRIENDS: Would sit next to you saying 'Dawg ... we screwed up... but that was fun!'
FAKE FRIENDS: never see you cry
REAL FRIENDS: cry with you
FAKE FRIENDS: Borrow your stuff for a few days then give it back
REAL FRIENDS: keep your stuff so long they forget it's yours
FAKE FRIENDS: know a few things about you
REAL FRIENDS: Could write a book about you with direct quotes from you
FAKE FRIENDS: Will leave you behind if that is what the crowd is doing
REAL FRIENDS: Will kick the whole crowds butt that left you
FAKE FRIENDS: Would knock on your front door
REAL FRIENDS: Walk right in and say 'I'M HOME!'
FAKE FRIENDS: Are for awhile
REAL FRIENDS: Are for life
FAKE FRIENDS: will talk bad to the person who talks bad about you.
REAL FRIENDS: Will knock the person out that talked bad about you.
Remember, take care of yourself as you take care of others.
(read more)HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!
Well to all my friends who worked so hard to get Barack Obama elected President of the United states of America. Lets throw the politics aside for a minute or at least long enough to give me a chance to wish you and all of your families a very Merry Christmas or depending on your religion I would like to at least wish you all a Happy New Year!!!!! And I would like to also say thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone and may God Bless You ALL!!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE AND TO EVERYONE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
RANDY M.
(read more)Lebanese farmer Khalil Semhat holds his giant potato in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre.
Quit Whining And Put On Your Uniforms!
A House panel discussed executive pay last month (March 2008) with, from left, Charles Prince, formerly of Citigroup; Richard Parsons, a Citigroup director; Stanley O’Neal, formerly of Merrill Lynch; John Finnegan, chairman of Merrill’s compensation committee; Angelo Mozilo of Countrywide; and Harley Snyder of Countrywide’s board.
What The Heck Were Ford's Mulally and Chrysler/Cerberus' Nardelli Smiling About Friday?
(read more)Studies show dogs have sense of fairness
(Is that taxpayer-funded bottled water these hucksters are drinking?)
WASHINGTON – No fair! What parent hasn't heard that from a child who thinks another youngster got more of something. Well, it turns out dogs can react the same way.
Ask them to do a trick and they'll give it a try. For a reward, sausage say, they'll happily keep at it.
But if one dog gets no reward, and then sees another get sausage for doing the same trick, just try to get the first one to do it again.
"Animals react to inequity," said Friederike Range of the University of Vienna, Austria, who lead a team of researchers testing animals at the school's Clever Dog Lab. "To avoid stress, we should try to avoid treating them differently."
Similar responses have been seen in monkeys.
When one dog got a reward and the other didn't, the unrewarded animal stopped playing.
When both got a reward all was well.
One thing that did surprise the researchers was that — unlike primates — the dogs didn't seem to care whether the reward was sausage or bread.
But the researchers didn't do a control test that had been done in monkey studies, Wynne said, in which a preferred reward was visible but not given to anyone.
In that case the monkeys went on strike because they could see the better reward but got something lesser.
In dogs, he noted, the quality of reward didn't seem to matter, so the test only worked when they got no reward at all, he said.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081208/ap_on_sc/sci_no_fair
(read more)
Got Your Reservation For The Inaugural Bloggers' Ball?
Getting it done...right!
To all those individuals who are calling for 'more assertiveness' from President-elect Obama, it's time to face reality and responsibility. Yes, many Americans are hurting economically and in dire straits. However, this is not the time to to continue the same 'knee-jerk quick fix' responses that have contributed to the current crisis. From the idealism of the 1960s to the reactionary 1970s, to the opulence of the 1980s, to the self-gratification of the 1990s, to the new millenium, now we must face the fact 'we are the change we seek' isn't just a cutesy campaign tagline.
We must have patience and discipline. The page has been turned in American history. A new chapter has begun. This chapter will focus on responsibility, a seemingly anathema in American soceity. This new chapter of 'across-the-board' responsibility: political, corporate, social, and personal will not always be pleasurable reading. If we read to understand and to apply the lessons we will develop into a more perfect (mature) union.
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I would like to commend President Bush and his Administration and President-Elect Obama and his Transition team regarding the manner in which they are tranferring presidential authority in these perilous times. I'm pleased and very satisfied at the communication/coordination/and more importantly understanding it's time to really put 'Country First'.
President Bush's more deliberative measured instead of 'guns a'-blazing' approach to the crisis and how he is facilitating the transition may redeem his presidential legacy. It may make a person wonder whether he would have enjoyed more favorable ratings if he had demonstrated such approach towards waging war in Afghanistan and Iraq. President-elect Obama honorably recognizes that the U.S. Constitution upholds the idea that there's one president at a time in America.
Furthermore i would like to commend President-elect Obama's appearance on Meet-the-Press yesterday. He was 'responsibly specific'.
(read more)
Chrysler Must Go Bankrupt
May 14, 2007: "Private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management on Monday agreed to pay $7.4 billion for an 80% stake in the Chrysler Group." See http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/cerberus-buy-80-chrysler-74/story.aspx?guid=%7B4AD60D92-DDC1-44F3-BD8A-4F425726D1D0%7D "Cerberus already owns 51% of the financing unit of General Motors Corp," Ibid.
Cerberus Capital Management has the cash to give to Chrysler, its 80% subsidiary, but refuses. Yet, it wants US taxpayers to bail them out. What? Chrysler is asking for public funds to bailout a private entity owned by a cash-rich private entity?
NO WAY!
Incidentally, "Cerberus holds controlling or significant minority interests in companies around the world. In aggregate, these companies currently generate over $100 billion in annual revenues." See http://www.cerberuscapital.com/about_comp_prof.html
(read more)Leadership
John McCain has returned to the Senate and indicated he intends to run for re-election in 2010. He can show leadership and work across the aisle by leading a few Republicans to support the Obama adiminstration's legislative goals. If a few Republicans do not support Barack, then the Republicans in the Senate will be able and probably will act as an obstruction rather than a constructive force. Witness the Bush administration which continues making mischief, having learned nothing from the 2006 and 2008 elections.(read more)
Display the "We're Back" American Flag on Inauguration Day
Electing Barack Obama showed the world that the best of what America represents is back! Celebrate your new president and new found sense of patriotism on January 20th by proudly displaying the American flag on a t-shirt or a button.
To order, go to: http://www.cafepress.com/ForFortyFour
All profits will be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Note: I am not a professional t-shirt designer and will not receive any profit from the sales. The markup on these items is only 20%, all of which will be donated to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
(read more)Can Carmakers, Consumers Be Weaned From Foreign Oil?
Or are we doomed?
(read more)Homeward Bound Event for the Homeless
Homeward Bound Event for the Homeless Description: As you may know by now Rob and Rosemary and I went to Hoosier Hills Food Bank yesterday at 9:30AM and met with Julio and then Rosemary and I went to the city at 11:00AM where I got copies of the letter sent to possible contributors and a phone list of for them of about 1000 follow up calls to make. After that meeting I preceded to the Mayors office where I made arrangements for a table to be set up for us at tomorrows event at City Hall at 11:00AM. We need volunteers there to sign up our volunteers to contribute time to canvas and phone bank to meet our communities needs for food and housing and our nations needs in health care, energy,etc. Meet at Showers Atrium at 10:30 AM for a clip board and instructions See you there Time: Saturday, November 22 from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM Host: Pamela Warren Location: Shower's Building - Bloomington City Hall (Bloomington, IN) Bloomington, IN 47408 Associated Groups: Bloomington for Barack, Bloomington/Monroe County Indiana for Obama 2008, Indiana University (read more)Why Not Just Bailout The Strongest? Or The Weakest? Why All 3?
If times are tough and 3 businesses come to you and ask for money, wouldn't you ask each a few questions and expect different answers from each?
If you had a limited amount of cash to lend, would you seek to lend it to all 3 applicants? Or just the one most likely to pay it back on the strength of its business and business plan?
(read more)'The Panhandlers Four' - A Folk Group Sings Songs From The 60s
Did anybody else hear these dopes testify that they have made significant changes to bring their current (and by implication, legacy) costs in line with those of their off-shore competitors?
Here's a little news flash form April 5, 2008:
"Just hours after threatening to strike at one or more GM plants, the UAW and the General have agreed on two-tier wages for certain job types. The move to clarify which jobs were "non-core" at the national level came as local UAWs were threatening to strike because they felt GM was asking for too many lower-paid positions at their plants. The more regimented deal identifies 16,000 positions that will soon be paid $14 per hour, which will save GM up to a half-billion dollars per year. It will take years to fill all of those positions because GM has to entice existing workers to retire before they can be replaced."
They need to do everything they can before begging for taxpayer money!
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