Tag: Jobs

It is quite obvious I am in the wrong profession

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I wonder if they are hiring?

After you practice for years and get to Carnegie Hall, it’s almost better to move music stands than actually play the piano.

Depending on wattage, a star pianist can receive $20,000 a night at the 118-year-old hall, meaning he or she would have to perform at least 27 times to match the income of Dennis O’Connell, who oversees props at the New York concert hall.

O’Connell made $530,044 in salary and benefits during the fiscal year that ended in June 2008. The four other members of the full-time stage crew — two carpenters and two electricians — had an average income of $430,543 during the same period, according to Carnegie Hall’s tax return.

At Carnegie Hall, which has featured on its three stages such varied musicians as Duke Ellington, Bob Dylan and the Berlin Philharmonic, only Artistic and Executive Director Clive Gillinson makes more than the stagehands.

Gillinson earned $946,581 in salary and benefits in the fiscal year that ended in June 2008. Chief Financial Officer Richard Matlaga made $352,139, while General Manager Anna Weber received $341,542.

via Carnegie Hall Stagehand Moving Props Makes $530,044 (Update1) – Bloomberg.com.

Of course, there is a good explanation for this:

The stagehands benefit from a strong union: Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees demonstrated its clout in November 2007 when its members walked off their Broadway jobs and closed 26 shows for almost three weeks. The strike ended after stagehands and producers agreed to a five-year contract that both sides called a compromise.

Joshua B. Freeman, a U.S. labor historian at Queens College and author of “Working Class New York,” said the union’s power to shut down a vital part of New York’s entertainment industry gives it leverage in negotiations.

“They have a credible threat of withdrawing their labor,” Freeman said.

Not that I have anything against Unions as a rule; as my Dad is a retired General Motors worker and a U.A.W. member. But holy Moses, most my Dad ever pulled out that job was $20.00 an hour at the time of his retirement; and these guys are making three figure salaries? The funny thing is, my Dad most likely did more work than this turkeys ever do in a day. Let me tell ya, that assembly line business is tough work, at least it was back when my Dad started back in the day. My Dad drove Hi-Low for the most part or as it is called in some circles; a Forklift, which he loved to do, he hated that line, he did work on the assembly for a while, and it just about killed him. Dad would always tell me; “Son, you do not want to work on that line, it is tough.”

It is good work, when you can get it! Speaking of which, where I do I sign up for a job there? 😉

Others: Fausta’s Blog, Gothamist, ArtsBeat, and The Corner on National …

End of the line for G.M. Saturn

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Truly a sad story:

General Motors Co. will shut down Saturn now that a deal with former race car driver and auto dealer magnate Roger Penske has collapsed, marking the end of a brand that was supposed to revolutionize the way small cars were built and sold in America.

The deal with Penske was supposed to be finalized Wednesday. But the unexpected end came when his company, Penske Automotive Group Inc., was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles for the brand’s dealerships. GM had agreed to keep building Saturn models like the Aura, Outlook and Vue through at least 2011, but after that, Saturn would have to come up with its own products.

Penske’s tentative deal buy Saturn was announced in early June.

“This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson said. He said Saturn and its dealership network will be phased out.

via GM to Shut Down Saturn as Penske Walks  WXYZ-TV / Detroit

I remember when G.M. introduced this line of vehicles back in 1990. My parents almost bought one of those ugly cars; I personally could not stand them. I thought they were just plain ugly. I see that they have improved the look of them; quite a bit. But, more importantly, I remember thinking if G.M. ever hit hard times that these cars would be the first to go. Tragically, it turns out that I was correct.  My father also had the chance to go to Spring Hill, TN to the plant down there. Luckily instead, my Dad chose to go to the Detroit/Hamtramck assembly plant instead. I feel for all of those people who went down there; to make a better life for themselves and now they find themselves out of work. Some Conservatives may want to mock this; I am not one of them. I do not believe in mocking anyone’s misfortune.

Some Conservative bloggers would use this opportunity to bash the unions and the Democrats and Obama for their politics and policies; I am just not going to do it. There is a time and a place for that; and quite frankly, this just is not one of them. As a Son of an autoworker; I know the feeling of Dad being laid off, not knowing if he was going to be working again or not. I have been there. So, I am just not going to politicize this at all. I will leave that the other heartless bloggers, who get their kicks on trashing those who actually work for a living; unlike some of the bloggers who trash them. I could name names, but I think you know who I mean.

My Prayers are with the people of Spring Hill, Tennessee and the people working for Saturn. May God be with them, during this extremely difficult time.

Gore-backed firm takes money from Government to build car that nobody can afford.

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This is an outrage!:

A tiny car company backed by former Vice President Al Gore has just gotten a $529 million U.S. government loan to help build a hybrid sports car in Finland that will sell for about $89,000.

The award this week to California startup Fisker Automotive Inc. follows a $465 million government loan to Tesla Motors Inc., purveyors of a $109,000 British-built electric Roadster. Tesla, like Fisker, is a California startup focusing on high-end hybrids, with a number of celebrity endorsements that is backed by investors that have contributed to Democratic campaigns.

Fisker’s Karma hybrid sports car, above, will initially cost about $89,000.

The awards to Fisker and Tesla have prompted concern from companies that have had their bids for loans rejected, and criticism from groups that question why vehicles aimed at the wealthiest customers are getting loans subsidized by taxpayers.

“This is not for average Americans,” said Leslie Paige, a spokeswoman for Citizens Against Government Waste, an anti-tax group in Washington. “This is for people to put something in their driveway that is a conversation piece. It’s status symbol thing.”

via Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan – WSJ.com.

Ten years ago, my reaction would have been, “So what?” But now that I am a bit older and much wiser; when it comes to politics, this just sends me through the roof. Why the hell are my tax dollars being used to build a car, that no one that I know of, including me; could even afford? I hate to break to you all, but I just do not have $89,000 laying around to buy a car.  Much less an electric car! 🙄

The just totally reinforces the idea, that the Democratic Party does not give a flying flip about the average common man anymore. They are simply out to fulfill their own warped agenda and if they happen to step on anyone in the process, so be it.   I mean, look at Al Gore; the dude has gotten filthy rich on peddling paranoia about Global Warming. This another one of those investments for himself. The sick part is, he is using tax dollars to further that warped agenda of his.

Here is my question to Al Gore and his countless number of supporters; Mr. Gore are you planning on using Union Labor to build these cars with? After all, the Democratic Party has used the big labor vote as its resident useful idiot for many years, have they not? It is kind of like the African-American community, because seeing the Democrats cannot keep the Negros in slavery anymore, they have to use them for something; so, why not votes?

Yeah, I know, what I wrote up there was potentially offensive; it is no more offensive than the millions of babies that are slaughtered at the hands of the Socialist Liberal Democrats, who enacted such legislation. It is no more offensive that the millions of Children, that are molested at the hands of homosexuals; of whom that party enables.

Mr. Gore, I await your answer. Of course, I will not hold my breath, least I turn blue and die.

Prayers Needed

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Over at Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler:

My friend LC Azygos’ cousin could use some divine intervention.

She got laid off in January as so many other people, she’s got three kids, and she’s still unable to find a job. Apparently Porkulus didn’t “create or save” her job. Sorry, I just can’t help it sometimes.

Obviously, LC Azygos and the rest of the family have done all they could and continue to do so, but what the lady really needs is a job. So some prayers for her, and all the others who have been put out of a job due to the wonders of Obamanomics, would be very much appreciated.

I know, we’re all hurting right now, but in our hurt we still have that line to G-d. We’ll never lose it. Time to pick up the phone. I know I will.

I can relate, say a prayer for me too. 🙁

Dear Heavenly Father, please help our friend’s cousin find work so she can support her family on her own the way she wants, nay needs to. I do not ask for free presents, nor does she, I only ask that she and so many others like her have the opportunity to earn a living, because in so doing, we learn the joys of sacrificing for something bigger than us.

We do not ask for handouts, but every once in a while we could use a hand up. And, once we have that hand up and are once again able to take care of ourselves and ours, we will, with Your blessings, be able to extend that hand of help to others, sharing Your love, paying it forward, being living testimony to the unconditional, eternal love that is You.

I ask that, humbly, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Amen.

Update: Letter from the Attorney of the Conservative Black Beaten by SEIU thugs

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Here is a letter from the Attorney of the Black Conservative man who was beaten by SEIU union thugs.

This comes from the St. Louis Tea Party Blog: (H/T Gateway Pundit)

August 7, 2009

Dear Mr. Hennessy:

I am Kenneth Gladney’s attorney. Kenneth was attacked on the evening of August 6, 2009 at Rep. Russ Carnahan’s town hall meeting in South St. Louis County. I was at the town hall meeting as well and witnessed the events leading up to the attack of Kenneth. Kenneth was approached by an SEIU representative as Kenneth was handing out “Don’t Tread on Me” flags to other conservatives. The SEIU representative demanded to know why a black man was handing out these flags. The SEIU member used a racial slur against Kenneth, then punched him in the face. Kenneth fell to the ground. Another SEIU member yelled racial epithets at Kenneth as he kicked him in the head and back. Kenneth was also brutally attacked by one other male SEIU member and an unidentified woman. The three men were clearly SEIU members, as they were wearing T-shirts with the SEIU logo.

Kenneth was beaten badly. One assailant fled on foot; three others were arrested. Kenneth was admitted to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center emergency room, where he was treated for his numerous injuries. Kenneth was merely expressing his freedom of speech by handing out the flags. In fact, he merely asked people as they exited the town hall meeting whether they would like a flag. He in no way provoked any argument or altercation, as evidenced by the fact that three assailants were arrested.

We hope that Kenneth fully recovers from his injuries; however, he is in great pain at this time. We will be pursuing legal action at our discretion. This was a truly senseless hate crime carried out by racist union thugs. Regretfully, Representative Carnahan’s statements blaming Kenneth for being a disruptive force are wholly untrue and slanderous. We would like to think that an elected official in Representative Carnahan’s position would gather accurate information before carelessly rushing to judgment.

Kenneth supports conservative ideals, although he subscribes to no particular political party. We are calling on the SEIU, Representative Carnahan, and President Obama to condemn the racist actions of these union thugs. In the days to come, we will be investigating whether these thugs are working at the behest of Representative Carnahan and how strong their alliances to various organizations–such as ACORN–may be.

We hope the St. Louis Tea Party and tea party organizations around the country will protest Representative Carnahan’s offices and also protest SEIU offices in every major city across the U.S. These Democratic strong-arm tactics must end now.

Regards,

Attorney David B. Brown

Contact the SEIU and demand that they renounce this violence:

TELL THE SEIU THAT WE OPPOSE VIOLENCE

SEIU
5585 Pershing Ave.
Suite 130
St. Louis, MO 63112

PHONE: 314.367.0013
FAX: 314.361.8704

Contact the AFL-CIO and demand that they condemn this act of violence:

AFL-CIO
815 16th St., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Contact these unions and DEMAND that they condemn this act of violence:

Name: Air Line Pilots Association
Address: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 703-689-2270
Website: www.alpa.org

Name: Amalgamated Transit Union
Address: 5025 Wisconsin Ave., N.W. 3rd Floor
Washington, DC 20016
Phone: 202-537-1645
Website: www.atu.org
Name: American Federation of Government Employees
Address: 80 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-737-8700
Website: www.afge.org

Name: American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Address: 1501 Broadway Suite 600
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-1330

Name: American Federation of School Administrators
Address: 1101 17th St., N.W. Suite 408
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-986-4209
Website: www.admin.org

Name: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
Address: 1625 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036

Phone: 202-429-1000

Website: www.afscme.org

Name: American Federation of Teachers
Address: 555 New Jersey Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-879-4400
Website: www.aft.org

Name: American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Address: 5757 Wilshire Blvd. 9th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-634-8100
Website: www.aftra.org

Name: American Postal Workers Union
Address: 1300 L St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-842-4200
Website: www.apwu.org

Name: American Radio Association
Address: 1755 East Plumb Lane Suite 111
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 510-281-0706

Name: American Train Dispatchers Association
Address: 1370 Ontario St. Suite 1040
Cleveland, OH 44113
Phone: 216-241-2770

Name: Associated Actors and Artistes of America
Address: 165 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-0358

Name: Actors’ Equity Association
Address: 165 W. 46th St.
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-869-8530
Website: www.actorsequity.org

Name: American Guild of Musical Artists
Address: 1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
Phone: 212-265-3687
Website: www.musicalartists.org

Name: American Guild of Variety Artists
Address: 363 7th Ave. 17th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-675-1003

Name: Screen Actors Guild
Address: 5757 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-549-6675
Website: www.sag.org

Name: The Guild of Italian American Actors
Address: Canal Street Station PO Box 123
New York, NY 10013-0123
Phone: 212-420-6590
Website: www.giaa.us

Name: Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union
Address: 10401 Connecticut Ave.
Kensington, MD 20895
Phone: 301-933-8600
Website: www.bctgm.org

Name: Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
Address: 917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630
Phone: 540-622-6522
Website: www.brs.org

Name: California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee
Address: 2000 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-273-2280
Website: www.calnurses.org

Name: Association of Flight Attendants
Address: 501 Third St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-434-1300
Website: www.afanet.org

Name: California School Employees Association
Address: 2045 Lundy Ave
San Jose, CA 95131
Phone: 408-473-1000
Website: www.csea.com

Name: Communications Workers of America
Address: 501 Third St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-434-1100
Website: www.cwa-union.org

Name: Farm Labor Organizing Committee
Address: 1221 Broadway Street
Toledo, OH 43615
Phone: 419-243-3456
Website: www.floc.com

Name: Federation of Professional Athletes
Address: 1133 20th Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-756-9100
Website: www.nflpa.org

Name: Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union
Address: 608 E. Baltimore Pike
Media, PA 19063
Phone: 610-565-5051

Name: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, Its Territories and Canada
Address: 1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-730-1770

Website: www.iatse-intl.org

Name: International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-383-4800
Website: www.ironworkers.org

Name: International Association of Fire Fighters
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W. Third Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-737-8484
Website: www.iaff.org

Name: International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers
Address: 9602 M.L. King Jr. Highway
Lanham, MD 20706
Phone: 301-731-9101
Website: www.insulators.org

Name: International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Address: 9000 Machinist Place
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone: 301-967-4500
Website: www.iamaw.org

Name: International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
Address: 753 State Ave. Suite 570
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-371-2640
Website: www.boilermakers.org

Name: International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Address: 900 Seventh St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001-3886
Phone: 202-833-7000
Website: www.ibew.org

Name: International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers
Address: 501 3rd Street, N.W. Suite 701
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-239-4880
Website: www.ifpte.org

Name: International Longshore and Warehouse Union
Address: 1188 Franklin St. 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-775-0533
Website: www.ilwu.org

Name: International Longshoremen’s Association
Address: 17 Battery Place Suite 930
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 212-425-1200
Website: www.ilaunion.org

Name: International Plate Printers, Die Stampers and Engravers Union of North America
Address: 906 Dennis Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20901

Name: International Union of Allied Novelty and Production Workers

Address: 1950 W. Erie St.
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: 312-738-0822
Website:

Name: International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
Address: 620 F St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 202-783-3788
Website: www.bacweb.org

Name: International Union of Elevator Constructors
Address: 7154 Columbia Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
Phone: 410-953-6150
Website: www.iuec.org

Name: International Union of Operating Engineers
Address: 1125 17th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-429-9100
Website: www.iuoe.org

Name: International Union of Painters and Allied Trades of the United States and Canada
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-637-0700
Website: www.iupat.org

Name: International Union of Police Associations
Address: 1549 Ringling Blvd. 6th Floor
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 941-487-2560
Website: www.iupa.org

Name: Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association
Address: 444 N. Capitol St., N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-638-5355
Website: www.d1meba.org

Name: Professional Aviation Safety Specialists
Address: 1150 17th Street, NW Suite 702
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-293-7277
Website: www.passnational.org/

Name: National Air Traffic Controllers Association
Address: 1325 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 202-628-5451
Website: www.natca.org

Name: National Association of Letter Carriers
Address: 100 Indiana Ave., N.W.
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-4695
Website: www.nalc.org

Name: National Postal Mail Handlers Union
Address: 1101 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Suite 500
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-833-9095
Website: www.npmhu.org

Name: Office and Professional Employees International Union
Address: 265 W. 14th St. 6th Floor
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 800-346-7348
Website: www.opeiu.org

Name: Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association of the United States and Canada
Address: 11720 Beltsville Drive Suite 700
Beltsville, MD 20705-3166
Phone: 301-623-1000
Website: www.opcmia.org

Name: Seafarers International Union of North America
Address: 5201 Auth Way
Camp Springs, MD 20746
Phone: 301-899-0675
Website: www.seafarers.org

Name: Sheet Metal Workers International Association
Address: 1750 New York Ave., N.W. Sixth Floor
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-783-5880
Website: www.smwia.org

Name: Transport Workers Union of America
Address: 1700 Broadway 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10019-5905
Phone: 212-259-4900
Website: www.twu.org

Name: Transportation Communications International Union/IAM
Address: 3 Research Place
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-948-4910
Website: www.tcunion.org

Name: United American Nurses
Address: 8630 Fenton St. Suite 1100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Phone: 301-543-8320
Website: www.uannurse.org

Name: United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada
Address: Three Park Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: 410-269-2000
Website: www.ua.org

Name: United Mine Workers of America
Address: 8315 Lee Highway
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-208-7200
Website: www.umwa.org

Name: United Steel, Paper and Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union
Address: Five Gateway Center
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: 412-562-2400
Website: www.usw.org

Name: United Transportation Union
Address: 14600 Detroit Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44107-4250
Phone: 216-228-9400

Name: United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
Address: 1660 L St., N.W. Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-463-7663
Website: www.unionroofers.com

Name: Utility Workers Union of America
Address: 815 16th St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-974-8200
Website: www.uwua.net

Name: Writers Guild of America, East Inc.
Address: 555 W. 57th St. Suite 1230
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-767-7800
Website: www.wgaeast.org

Contact these unions and ask them, do they approve of violence against Black men expressing their opinions?

Al Sharpton’s Organization:

National Action Network
Crisis Department
106 W. 145th Street
Harlem, New York 10039
(212) 690-3070
(877) NAN-HOJ1

A Blogger friend of mine needs help

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realmeHis name is Sammy, He is Jewish.

I razzed him once about something and pissed him off. After a while, I felt like a dick and apologized. After we became friends, I learned much about Sammy, I found out we had much in common.

Anyway, Sammy’s now looking at some hard times right now; I can relate; many can, times are tough. I however, have a safety net of sorts. Sammy does not, he is toughing it out and making due. Job prospects are bad and he might have swallow hard and do the Walmart thing.

If you can head on over to Sammy’s Blog and give a buck or two. Consider it an act of charity to a man, who is not drinking the Kool-Aid.

Click here to read Sammy’s Blog Posting.

…..and Thank you.

Unemployment Soars higher than expected and the Dems solution is throw more money at it!

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But of course, is that not what Democrats always do? When a problem arises, they throw more money at a problem and exert more Governmental Control over it; thinking that will fix it?

Anyhow, here is the story; The Voice of America reports:

The White House says America’s employment picture is worse than the Obama administration had anticipated just a few months ago. The somber admission follows the latest jobless report showing the highest unemployment rate the United States has seen in more than 25 years.

U.S. unemployment jumped a half percent in May, to 9.4 percent prompting this comment by Austan Goolsbee, a member of President Barack Obama’s Council of Economic Advisors:

“The economy clearly has gotten substantially worse from the initial predictions that were being made, not just by the White House, but by all of the private sector,” said Austan Goolsbee.

Economists point out that the current jobless rate is already higher than the hypothetical rate that was used to calculate the health of banks and other financial institutions in so-called “stress tests” earlier this year. And, the upward unemployment trajectory is expected to continue in coming months, even if the overall economy begins to recover.

But never fear your Government is on the case! They are going to do, what Government has always done; especially Liberal Governments. They going to throw money at the problem! Woo Hoo! 🙄

The Barack Obama Apologist, Politico reports:

President Barack Obama is announcing Monday that he is ramping up stimulus spending exponentially in the next three months, allowing the administration to “save or create” 600,00 jobs — four times as many as during the first 100 days since he signed the bill.

The spending plans include National Parks, summer youth jobs, veterans’ medical centers, police and teachers.

Obama will make the announcement during a late-morning Cabinet meeting, when Vice President Joe Biden will present a Roadmap to Recovery, which the White House calls “an Administration-wide effort to accelerate implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in its second 100 days.”

“As a result of this accelerated pace of activity, over 600,000 jobs are expected to be created or saved by the Recovery Act in the second 100 days,” compared with roughly 150,000 in the first 100 days, the White House said.

While the administration is sensitive to criticism that stimulus spending has been too slow, a new Gallup Poll shows danger in the other direction. For the first time, a majority of respondents disapprove of Obama on the issue of “controlling federal spending” (51 percent to 45 percent), compared to the 67 percent who view him favorably overall.

Here’s what the “Magic One” is going to do with all that money:

  • Enable 1,129 Health Centers in 50 States and 8 Territories to Provide Expanded Service to Approximately 300,000 Patients – Department of Health and Human Services
  • Begin Work on 107 National Parks – Department of the Interior
  • Begin Work on Rehabilitation and Improvement Projects at 98 Airports and Over 1,500 Highway Locations throughout the Country – Department of Transportation
  • Fund 135,000 Education Jobs Including Teachers, Principals and Support Staff – Department of Education
  • Begin Improvements at 90 Veterans Medical Centers across 38 States – Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Hire or Keep on the Job Approximately 5,000 Law Enforcement Officers – Department of Justice
  • Start 200 New Waste and Water Systems in Rural America – United States Department of Agriculture
  • Begin or Accelerate Cleanup Work at 20 Superfund Sites from the National Priority List – Environmental Protection Agency
  • Create 125,000 Summer Youth Jobs – Department of Labor
  • Initiate 2,300 Construction and Rehabilitation Projects at 359 Military Facilities across the Nation – Department of Defense

Here’s the problem; The President or more specifically our wonderful Government is going do all these wonderful things with money that we don’t even have; because we are barrowing it all from China. After all, did not the President say that we are broke? Yes, he did!

Quotable Quote:

In a sobering holiday interview with C-SPAN, President Obama boldly told Americans: “We are out of money.”

C-SPAN host Steve Scully broke from a meek Washington press corps with probing questions for the new president.

SCULLY: You know the numbers, $1.7 trillion debt, a national deficit of $11 trillion. At what point do we run out of money?

OBAMA: Well, we are out of money now. We are operating in deep deficits, not caused by any decisions we’ve made on health care so far. This is a consequence of the crisis that we’ve seen and in fact our failure to make some good decisions on health care over the last several decades.

So we’ve got a short-term problem, which is we had to spend a lot of money to salvage our financial system, we had to deal with the auto companies, a huge recession which drains tax revenue at the same time it’s putting more pressure on governments to provide unemployment insurance or make sure that food stamps are available for people who have been laid off.

So we have a short-term problem and we also have a long-term problem. The short-term problem is dwarfed by the long-term problem. And the long-term problem is Medicaid and Medicare. If we don’t reduce long-term health care inflation substantially, we can’t get control of the deficit.

So, one option is just to do nothing. We say, well, it’s too expensive for us to make some short-term investments in health care. We can’t afford it. We’ve got this big deficit. Let’s just keep the health care system that we’ve got now.

Along that trajectory, we will see health care cost as an overall share of our federal spending grow and grow and grow and grow until essentially it consumes everything…

But yet, we are going to throw more money at the jobless problem. But we’re broke? Does anyone else see the problem with this picture?

Local Auto News: Chrysler looking at Bankruptcy

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A pretty sad thing to wake up today. However, I am sorry to say this, but I knew it was coming. Chrysler never was able to get their act together; unlike G.M. and get a resolution together.

The Report comes via the Washington Post, I won’t quote the whole thing and I kindly ask that you go over and read the whole thing. But rather, I will give some my impressions from the interesting stuff.

My impressions:

The Obama administration last night planned to send Chrysler into bankruptcy, replace chief executive Robert L. Nardelli and pump billions of dollars more into the effort, all in hopes the company can emerge from court proceedings as a reenergized competitor in the global economy.

Government officials clung to 11th-hour hopes last night that bankruptcy could be averted, but talks broke down with Chrysler’s creditors. A bankruptcy filing could happen as soon as today.

The U.S. government’s attempt to save the automaker amounts to another extraordinary intervention in the economy and a landmark event in the history of the American auto industry.

Under the administration’s detailed court strategy, ownership of Chrysler would be dramatically reorganized, the leadership of Italian automaker Fiat would take over company management and the U.S. and Canadian governments would contribute more than $10 billion in additional funding.

Company and government officials had feared that a bankruptcy would stain the brand, shake customer confidence and erode sales, but the administration said it would seek to use the process to create a new Chrysler company. Its ownership would be divided, with the company’s union retiree health fund receiving a 55 percent stake, Fiat would claim as much as a 35 percent share and the United States would take 8 percent. The Canadian government would receive two percent.

Basically this is what General Motors did voluntarily. Minus the Fiat equation, of course. It is a tough break that the creditors, bond holders, and company management could not come together to an agreement.  The main and good thing is, that the automaker, itself, will be saved, and that American jobs will be saved.

Now comes the part that will make people like Sean Hannity, Rush Limbaugh, Michelle Malkin, and the rest of the far right wing people howl at the moon:

The automaker’s current majority owner, the private-equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, would have its holdings wiped out.

Now, to be fair; I will report the truth about this holdings company. This company, from what I have read and have been told; is notorious for buying up struggling companies, like Chrysler and shutting them down and selling off the assets to make money. They have done this in past, from what I told. So, while I hate to see anyone lose their money. I actually am glad to see Chrysler being taken away from this company.

Let me also say this. As an Conservative, who believes in “America First”, and believes that business sometimes have to fail; I am not exactly jumping for joy, when it comes to fact that this auto company is having taxpayer dollars being pumped into it. Nor am I happy at the fact, that a US automaker is having a foreign auto company’s management taking over its operations. However, I believe we must be realistic about such matters. We are not living in the 1950’s any longer, we are in a economic recession of monumental proportions, and if we do not drastic measures quickly, we could see a total collapse of the American auto industry. I also know that there is a undeniable truth that “as Detroit goes, so goes America.” Pat Buchanan and I, have been saying this all along; if allow the big three or in this case, the big two to disappear our Nation’s economy would go into free fall. I shudder in absolute horror at the thought of the far reaching implications of such an event.

I will say, as a devout Paleo-Conservative; If we would have rejected the globalism of the Rockefeller-type conservative types and would have imposed strict trade restrictions on Japanese and other such foreign automotive products, these auto companies would not be in the position that they are today.  It is because of the Rockefeller-type, Madison Avenue, Neo-Conservatives, whose mantra is “screw the American middle class”, is the reason we are in this position today.  Further more, it is the reason that the world is also partaking in our recession as well.  Perhaps President Obama will see the state of our globalist economy and will rethink his position on NAFTA and TAFTA and the rest of those toxic free trade agreements that are in place; and impose strict tariffs on imports that are bleeding our economy dry.

Realistically however, I highly doubt that President Obama will do any of that, because he is trying to run as a centrist, or as I like to call it; he is sucking up to the Neo-Conservative right, as they are his biggest supporters, strangely, after trying so very hard to defeat him in the election. Of course, we Paleo-Conservatives know why this is; because the only difference between a Neo-Conservative and a Democrat is the letter next to the name.

The Worry in my Father’s Eyes (A Personal GM Posting)

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As many of you know, I am the son of a retired General Motors worker.  Ironically, I am also a Conservative.  No, I am not a Republican; or even a formal Libertarian.  I am someone that believes that the less Governmental interference in my life, the better.   However, there is a place, where my politics ends and a genuine concern for my family begins.

I see that General Motors is going to be taking more money from the Government, and is desperately trying to salvage what is left of that company:

Quote:

General Motors Corp. will get up to $5 billion and Chrysler LLC $500 million in short-term aid, according to a 250-page government report obtained Monday by The Detroit News.

The Detroit News reported Friday that GM would get about $5 billion and Chrysler $500 million, citing an Obama administration official, which prompted a denial from the White House.

The short-term aid figures are disclosed in the report from the Treasury Department’s Inspector General on the $700 billion Troubled Asset Relief Program.

The report was obtained from a congressional source late Monday.

Meanwhile General Motors is is doing its damnedest to rid itself of waste:

General Motors Corp. has started notifying about 1,600 white-collar workers — most of whom work in southeast Michigan — that they will lose their jobs this week as the cash-strapped automaker cuts costs that could help the automaker qualify for up to $16.6 billion in additional federal aid.

The announcement was made by GM North American President Troy Clarke in an e-mail sent to employees today, spokesperson Tom Wilkinson said.

“This is part of really restructuring the company to a smaller, leaner company, one that can, as the (Obama) administration requested, be profitable on an ongoing basis,” Wilkinson said.

While this might be a good thing, there are those out there that believe that this is too little too late:

It’s ironic enough that Italy’s Fiat Auto could end up being the savior for Chrysler. After all, former Chrysler President Bob Lutz once likened Fiat to a dead bride when his old boss, Lee Iacocca, wanted the company to join up with the Italian carmaker. Now, Lutz is at General Motors until he retires in December, and Fiat may help his current employer.

Yes, the Italian carmaker is reportedly in talks with GM about forming a partnership with its European and South American businesses, says Automotive News. How ironic is that? Well, in 2000, GM bought 20% of Fiat Auto for $2.4 billion. Back then, GM was healthy and Fiat was in serious financial trouble. The Italian company was wracked by quality issues. It was so bad that GM actually paid another $2 billion a few years later just to avoid a put option that would have made GM the sole owner of Fiat. GM’s board didn’t want that kind of headache.

But now, after Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne has fixed the company, he could help save Chrysler in the U.S. and GM in Europe. GM lost $1.5 billion in the Olde World last year, with its Opel and Vauxhaul brands suffering mightily with too many factories. GM is actually doing very well in Latin America, where the auto giant earned $1.3 billion last year. Fiat is pretty strong there, too, so they could make a powerful pair down there. The only catch is that Fiat doesn’t have any cash either. But the alliances will help be getting each company jointly-engineered vehicles and sharing parts.

The bottom line: Fiat is not a great carmaker by any stretch. But Chrysler and GM are in so much trouble that anyone could help at this point. Even Fiat.

Which brings me to my point; have any of you really looked at your Father?  I have.  I see worry in his eyes.  I see worry in both my parents eyes.  The questions my parents are facing, as they enter into their golden years are unfathomable, for someone my age.  Will my parents lose everything that my father worked hard to obtain?  We are talking 31 years worth of blood, sweat, and tears.  My Father earned every damned last penny.  I dare some idiot beltway type to say otherwise.

I have been a critic of the Obama Administration for much, as of late.  However, I will give him credit for one thing.  The President is looking out my Father.  I just hope he does not throw my Father under the bus, as he has many others in his short time in the White House.

Some of you might look at this posting and call me some sort of a hypocrite.  That is your right as an American.

However, if you could only see my Father’s eyes; you might just might be able to understand.

An Interesting Movie

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I post this because I believe that it is interesting. Alex Jones has always struck me as a kook. Someone amongst the “Tin Foil Hat” crowd. However, it is something interesting to watch.

Enjoy…

What do you think? Do you think that there is any truth to this?

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A New Parody “Barry’s Farm”

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Here’s the Original Song:


Update: It seems that some Fascist Socialist Liberal twit keeps going around getting my video yanked. No biggie, if they yank it. I will find it elsewhere and put it up. This is America and not fascist Germany and I have the RIGHT to express my opinions about the President and his fascist polices. You liberals don’t like it? TOUGH SHIT! 😡

History about the song and concert

New Lyrics:

Barry’s Farm

(Sung to the tune of Maggie’s Farm by Bob Dylan)

Written by Paleo Pat

I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.
I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.
Well, I wake up in the morning,
Fold my hands and pray that I might keep my gain.
I got a bill full of Taxes
That are drivin’ me insane.
It’s a shame the way he makes me tip the whore.
Naw, I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.

I ain’t gonna work under Barry’s Law’s no more.
I ain’t gonna work under Barry’s Law’s no more.
Well, he hands you a Dollar,
Taxes you a dime,
Looks at you with a grin
While robbin’ you fuckin’ Blind,
Then he taxes you every time you open the door.
I ain’t gonna work under Barry’s Laws no more.

I ain’t gonna be a slave for Barry’s Government no more.
No, I ain’t be a Slave for Barry’s Government no more.
Well, he puts a Tax Bill
in your face just for kicks.
His White House
It is made out of Bricks.
The Secret Service stands around his door.
Ah, I ain’t gonna be a slave for Barry’s Government no more.

I ain’t gonna work for Barry’s Bitch no more.
No, I ain’t gonna work for Barry’s Bitch no more.
Well, she talks to all the people
About Equality and Race and Law.
All the while the workin’ people
Are payin’ for other peoples bad calls
She’s a lying thief, but she says her honesty stands tall.
Naw, I ain’t gonna work for Barry’s Bitch no more.

I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.
I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.
Well, I try my best
To do the best I can,
But everybody wants you
To pay thier bills for them.
They eat steak while you slave and I just get bored.
I ain’t gonna work on Barry’s farm no more.

Breaking Local News – G.M. to offer buyout packages to all union employees.

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This is interesting…:

General Motors Corp. will offer buyouts to all of its hourly employees, a spokesman confirmed Tuesday, as the troubled automaker continues to slash costs.

GM spokesman Tony Sapienza said the buyouts will mainly target GM’s 22,000 retirement-eligible hourly employees, though any union employee can take the offer.

News of the buyouts first broke on Monday. A union official told The Associated Press then that GM would offer $20,000 in cash and a $25,000 car voucher for workers who retire early and those who simply leave the company. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because workers were not yet notified of the packages.

via GM To Offer Buyouts To All Hourly Employees — WDIV Detroit.

Just another sign of the times. For the record, G.M. has done this in the past, when times were bad. Hopefully some of the guys that have been with the company and are about ready to retire will take this buy out. Hopefully, this will help the problem and G.M. will become viable.

Toyota is feeling the pinch too.

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So much for that stupid  Neo-Con line saying that the slump in auto sales is the automakers fault.

Via the New York Times:

TOKYO — Toyota Motor will idle its plants in Japan for 11 days in February and March to reduce output in the face of steeply declining global vehicle sales, the company said Tuesday.

The Japanese auto giant said the suspension would affect production at all 12 of its directly operated domestic plants, which include four vehicle assembly plants and also factories that make transmissions, engines and other parts. The closings are in addition to a three-day shutdown this month at these plants that Toyota had already announced.

The move is unusual for a company that just a few months ago seemed unable to keep up with voracious global demand for its fuel-efficient vehicles. But even strong players like Toyota have failed to escape the drastic slowdown in the global auto industry.

The company said it would idle the plants to reduce stocks of unsold vehicles amid a relentless slide in sales, particularly in the United States, its biggest market. Last month, Toyota’s sales there dropped 37 percent, a larger decline than at its struggling American rivals General Motors and Ford.

Plunging sales and a stronger Japanese yen, which reduces the yen value of overseas profits, forced Toyota to forecast last month its first annual loss in 70 years at its vehicle-making operations.

Toyota did not say how many vehicles would be affected by the suspension announced Tuesday. The company said its four domestic assembly plants produced 1.5 million vehicles in 2007, the most recent year for which the company has figures. Toyota-brand cars are also made by other companies in the Toyota group.

The company had already announced that it would shut down truck production at two United States plants for three months

Its American rivals — General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler — have also idled plants across North America in response to the slowdown.

For once, I am in agreement with a Liberal, and yes, it is the same knuckle-headed liberal that insulted Conservatives. Hey, I am one that praises when it’s due and bitches when it’s due too; At least I’m fair. 😉 😀 😛

Matthew Yglesias Weighs in:

This is the conceptual problem with efforts to “save” the car industry through bailouts or union busting or whatever you like. One assumes demand for cars will get higher than it is right now, but the industry has a whole just has more capacity to build cars than there is demand for new cars. Which is fine. When you look across the developed world and try to take stock of the medium- and long-run problems facing the OECD nations there’s just no way you’re going to reach the conclusion that an automobile shortage is a big concern. But obviously it’s not fine for the companies that make cars. There’s going to be a need for some shrinkage.

Yeah, I know, most likely some of the Conservatives who are basically scraping my blog for content are going to try and deride me as a fake conservative, because I stick up for the middle class and because I happen to be the son of retired General Motors Worker and U.A.W. member. Well, I got two words; screw you and the rest of the asshole Madison Ave. Conservatives. 😡

Anyhow, I happen to agree with Matthew here, I live here in the Detroit Area. If the auto industry dies, so does this area. That will cause my parents to suffer, they need the health insurance, as they are both diabetic and the amount of medications that they take is staggering.  Anyhow, this article above disproves and basically strikes down the “Meme” that was going around in the Conservative Blogosphere that the issues with the auto industry was the fault of the automakers. Which I totally dismissed as abject bullshit of the highest order. It was the fault of President Clinton for putting pressure on the loan companies to give those toxic subprime loans to those who were considered high risk. That is what started this whole thing. Of course, equal blame can be given to the Republican Congress of 2003 for not changing the laws, after all, they were warned by the Bush White House to do something; and they did nothing at all.

Best thing they could do, was have a hearing, of which the CEO of Freddie Mac pulled the race card, and congress backed off. So, all the blaming of the Auto Companies was nothing more than a feeble attempt by the Republicans at scapegoating the wrong damned people.

Here’s hoping that Japan’s auto industry totally collapses and people, both American and otherwise, have to buy American products, for a change!

More Signs of the Hard Times Ahead

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This is just not a good thing, at all. 🙁

Via the New York Times:

With unemployment claims reaching their highest levels in decades, states are running out of money to pay benefits, and some are turning to the federal government for loans or increasing taxes on businesses to make the payments.

Thirty states are at risk of having the funds that pay out unemployment benefits become insolvent over the next few months, according to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. Funds in two states, Indiana and Michigan, have already dried up, and both states are borrowing from the federal government to make payments to the unemployed.

Unemployment taxes are collected by states from employers, but the rate varies from state to state per employee. In good times states build up trust funds so that when unemployment is high there is enough money to cover the requests for benefits, which are guaranteed by the federal government.

“You don’t expect the loans to happen this early in a jobs slump,” said Andrew Stettner, the deputy director of the National Employment Law Project, an advocacy organization for low-wage workers. “You would expect that the states should, even when they are not well prepared, to have savings.”

The Labor Department said last week that initial applications for jobless benefits rose to 573,000, the highest reading since November 1982. It is recommended that states keep at least one year of peak-level benefits in their trusts, but many have not, and already some states are far worse off than others.

Yet more of the ripple effect in the Nation’s Economy. Of course, I could sit here and blame the Democrats or the Republicans. But honestly, who is really to blame here? I personally think it is the fault of both parties really. First off, it is the fault of the globalist Neo-Cons who would rather ship jobs overseas for cheaper labor, than to keep the jobs here on Terra Firma. Second, it is the Democrats, with Bill Clinton putting pressure on the lending companies to offer high risk loans to those, who normally could not afford them. Put simply, it was a system that was set up upon risk and it ultimately failed.

So, now we’re stuck with states with extremely high unemployment rates and states who are having to ask the Federal Government for help to support these people.  Now some of my more purist fellow Libertarians  would essentially say, “Screw ’em! Let ’em suffer!” But seeing I am from the area, and I do admit to being more a moderate, I do not hold to such asinine views.

I personally think that the worst thing that our Government can do is throw up their hands and panic. Throwing more legislation and huge amounts of money at the problem will not work. The Wall Street Bailout proved that. I think, as a moderate, the best thing that the Federal Government can do is give the States that need the help the funds to keep the unemployment programs running and try the best they can to weather out the storm.  The Economy is not going to stay horrible forever, we had a recession in the 1980’s, which was a result of some of the stupidity of the Carter administration.  We weathered that storm out and recovered, I believe that we will do the same here. Yes, there will be hardships for a while, but in the end, we will prevail. We always have and will always will.

Local News: It is not just the big three feeling the pinch

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It seems that the big three are not the only automakers feeling the pinch.

Via Detroit News:

Honda Motor Co. is reducing production in North America by a further 119,000 vehicles in its fiscal year ending March 31, the company said Friday. Honda previously had announced output cuts of 56,000 vehicles for the year.

The Japanese automaker now expects its full-year output in the region to dip to 1.29 million cars and light trucks, from its original target of 1.47 million.

Production is being cut across the board, with output reductions planned for small as well as larger vehicles, company spokesman Ed Miller said. “Showroom traffic is down for everyone,” he said. “The dealers just aren’t in a position to order the number of cars they had been ordering.”

Production cuts are scheduled for Honda’s plants in Alabama, Ohio, Indiana and Canada, but the company does not plan to lay off any workers.

So much for the idea that the big three are causing their own problems. Looks like the Japanese are feeling the pinch too.  I would be willing to bet that you will not be seeing this blogged on any other Conservative Blogs. Because that would mess up the message that it is the Unions fault that G.M. and Chrysler are in the shape that they are in.

Of course they are not going to lay anyone off, the Japanese have all that extra money laying around, they can pay those people to work. They have made it by stealing market share away from the America Workers.

It truly is a pity, those bastards bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. We defeated them, but they really won the long war, by stealing our jobs and market share, aided and abetted by Globalist Neo-Conservatives, who’s only concern was to make a quick buck.

The Automotive Bailouts: The Other Side of the Story

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I have been sitting here, trying to keep out of this. But I have sat and looked at the Republican and Neo–Conservative Spin on this Story and I’m sick of it. 😡

So, I am giving you, the other side of the story, from the horses mouth; without commentary from me.

I did not ask that you agree, I simply ask that you listen and hear this man out. Now I am almost sure, that the Blogs, that I have linked to, will remove my trackback, like the Neo-Con Fascists that they are. I mean, it is all about controlling the message with those guys.  🙄

Here we go:

Part 1:

Part 2:

Media Q & A:

Media Q & A Part 2:

Media Q & A Part 3:

There you have it. The other side of the story. You decide.

(Source UAW.ORG)

Welcome to my World!: New Unemployment Claims Reaches 26-Year High

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Video: (Via Breit Bart)

Back Story via AP:

New claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, exceeding even gloomy expectations for an economy stuck in a recession that seems to be deepening.The Labor Department reported Thursday that initial applications for jobless benefits in the week ending Dec. 6 rose to a seasonally adjusted 573,000 from an upwardly revised figure of 515,000 in the previous week. That was far more than the 525,000 claims Wall Street economists expected.

Elsewhere, the U.S. trade deficit rose unexpectedly in October as a spreading global recession dampened the once-strong sales of American exports and the volume of oil imports surged by a record amount, the Commerce Department said.

More layoffs were announced Thursday. New Britain, Conn.-based tool maker Stanley Works said it plans to cut 2,000 jobs and close three manufacturing facilities, while Sara Lee Corp., known for food brands such as Jimmy Dean and Hillshire Farm, said it will cut 700 jobs as the Downers Grove, Ill.-based company outsources parts of its business.

New jobless claims last week reached their highest level since November 1982, though the labor force has grown by about half since then.

I have one thing to say about this; “Welcome to my World!” I’m glad to see that the rest of America has caught up with Michigan. 😀

However, I will say this, that there are people out there who are in worse shape then me. I have people to rely on, and some of them do not. Most, if not all, have mortgages to pay, mouths to feed and so on. So, while it might be easy to be flippant and write with snark about it, the reality is that this economic downturn is going to affect many people. 🙁

While some that read this Blog, especially those over at certain forum, which I will never link to, might think that I do not appreciate the situation I am in. The truth is, that nothing could be further from the truth. It is not lost on me how fortunate that  I am. Never has been. I am very blessed, I really do know this.  As I have written many, many times on this Blog, if were not for my parents, I would be living under a viaduct somewhere.

I am just hoping that things do turn around, with a new President and Congress, maybe, just maybe, jobs can come back to this area. I am hoping. I really am.

Until then. I will be writing here.

Let’s Boycott Alabama

Posted on8 Comments

It seems that there is a grassroots effort to get a boycott Alabama, in response to the Alabama Senator Richard Shelby’s attempted stonewalling of the bridge loans to the Big Three. Well, it’s big two now, Ford will not be needing the help.

Anyhow, here is a e-mail written by my Mother, who is a spouse of a retired General Motors worker.

Senator Shelby,

I doubt that you read the emails sent to your office but perhaps it will be read by someone who will show you the many emails you are sure to receive, and will point out to you just how wrong you are. There are a lot of derogatory comments that could be made but I prefer to try to point out a few facts that you evidently have not wanted to know. My husband and my father are both General Motors retirees and I know firsthand from where I speak.

Perhaps you think the auto workers are wealthy, making that mysterious $75 an hour that has been bandied about in the media. Unfortunately that is very far from the truth. They have never made that much, even including benefits, and most of them live from paycheck to paycheck trying to make ends meet like most middle class people. If the auto companies go bankrupt as you desire, not only will the auto workers lose their jobs, but also jobs directly and indirectly connected, such as suppliers, stores and restaurants located near the plants and of course it will trickle down to the cities who will lose the tax revenues these plants produce. We are not only talking about Detroit and Michigan but every state that has a plant or plants belonging to the Big 3.

It’s odd to me that you think that two companies that have been in business for over 100 years and one that is over 83 years old do not know what they are doing. If this is true how do you explain the fact that they sell over 50% of the cars purchased in the world and have won many, many multiple awards over the years for their cars? Do you perhaps think that people are just too stupid or uneducated to realize they are buying an inferior product? And the award givers are too dumb to realize they are giving an award to a poorly built, not very innovative dinosaur? Maybe you need to voice that opinion in your next media interview. I’m sure people would be interested to hear it.

You need to come out of your office and meet with the GM, Ford and Chrysler workers themselves. Could you really look them in the face, knowing they have families to support and bills to pay and tell them you think they should join the ranks of the unemployed? Do you think it is their fault that the economy has taken such a downturn because of mismanagement on Wall Street, the banks and yes, the government?

The auto companies and the union are trying their best to jump through all the hoops the Congress is throwing at them, as ridiculous as some of them are. To let them go under will cause a depression like this nation has not seen in many years. I hope you think long and hard about that.

By the way, I fully support the boycott of your state.

Y’all see where I get the writing skills from? I was told that I could post that, as long as I did not sign her name.

Anyhow, if you’d like to join the grassroots effort boycott Alabama. Please go to the Official Boycott Alabama Page.

Alfonzo on The “Declaration of Dependence”

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An Excellent Video:

Now, towards of the end of this. He gets off into the weeds about the Unions. I’ll give him a pass on it. Because some of the stuff he says, I kind agree with. But he went overboard with the “They should gotten out from under them years ago…” I disgree with that crap. But the rest of the video is right on point.

Of course, if I was a real butt hole, I could say if it weren’t for the Democrats, his black ass would not have half the freedom that he has now. But to counter that, If it were not for Abe Lincoln, he would be still in chains. So, it evens out. 😀

Still I wish there were more black people, like Zo here who believed this way. But unfortunately most of them got sucked into that stupid socialist identity politics crap. Thanks to tools like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

Good show Zo, as always man. 😀

Starting to wonder about V-Dare.

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They’re scapegoating the Job Losses in this country on…Get ready for it.

On a downturn in illegal immigration.

Yes, that is correct, go read it.

Guys, I’m from this Country. I was born here. I grew up in Southwest Detroit, Michigan. I’ve lived in the ‘burbs now since 1989. I entered the work force in 1991. I have not had a full time, good paying, long term job, since 2005. I’m White, I’m here legally and I’m an Natural Born American Citizen.

Where do I fit into that equation?

🙄

Scapegoating is the most stupid thing we can do. For as long as I can remember, It was the blacks fault that nobody could find work. Now it’s the Illegals. It’s the easy way out and it is stupid as hell.

Let’s get real people. The downturn is because of the Republican AND Democratic Party Stupidity. Period. End of fucking discussion.

NEXT!

Uh…Hugh?

Posted on2 Comments

Replying to this Bunch of Drivel:

As I discussed with economic guru Brian Wesbury on tonight’s show, the GOP should demand a real concession as part of a quick deal to get Detroit cash.  I think the price from the Dems should be a cut in the corporate tax rate for MI- and OH-headquartered businesses to Ireland’s 12.5%.  As Wesbury said, it would spark a huge economic revival in the Wolverine and Buckeye states –just huge.  And the teaching moment would be huge as well.

Detroit is going to get the money now or in February.  So get something worth having, House and Senate GOP.

Uh, Hugh? Has anyone bothered to inform you that you all are in the minority in Congress? I mean, you all had your chance in 2003 till 2006 to stop the economic crisis and you sat around and did nothing. You ought to hope that “The One” does not force the desolving of the G.O.P. and outlaws Conservatism in General.

Somehow, I highly doubt at Tax decrease would even help. We’re in a recession, in case you didn’t know. Of course, being the wealthy radio star and all, I would not expect you to know this.

Whew! Internet Advertising will not be affected by Economy downturn

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Via The Economist:

AT THE beginning of the year Jeff Zucker, the boss of NBC Universal, a big television and film company, told an audience of TV executives that their biggest challenge was to ensure “that we do not end up trading analogue dollars for digital pennies”. He meant that audiences were moving online faster than advertisers, thus leaving media companies short-changed. Now, near the end of the year, the situation looks even worse, as the recession threatens to turn even the analogue dollars into pennies. Will this hasten the shift towards internet advertising, or will it decline too?

Advertising rises and falls with the economy, though how much is a matter of debate. Randall Rothenberg, the boss of the Interactive Advertising Bureau, a trade association for digital advertisers, points to the remarkable stability of advertising at about 2% of GDP since 1919, when the data began to be collected. This would suggest that ad budgets will move roughly in line with economic output.

But Mary Meeker, an internet analyst at Morgan Stanley, believes that modern ad budgets rise and fall much more than GDP does. According to her estimates, if the economy stops growing, ad spending is likely to fall by 4%. If the economy shrinks by 2%, overall ad spending may fall by 10%. As for the online segment, recent history is cause for pessimism. Between 2000 and 2002, during the dotcom recession, online ad spending in America fell by 27%.

Yet the web has changed a lot since 2002. Back then, gaudy display “banners” on web portals such as Yahoo! and MSN were the preferred technology. These still exist, but they now account for less than 20% of online ad spending. More than half goes to search advertising on Google and rival search-engines, which place small text ads next to results based on the keyword of the query, and charge only when a user clicks on them. In brand advertising, “rich media” ads are taking over from banners. These allow users to interact by clicking, so their engagement can be tracked.

All this makes spending on advertising much less speculative, so that it starts to be treated instead as a cost of sales. This is one reason why online advertising should suffer less than other sorts. This week eMarketer, a market-research firm, predicted that online-advertising spending in America, which makes up about half the global total, will increase by 8.9% in 2009, rather than the 14.5% it had forecast in August. The firm thinks search advertising will grow by 14.9% and rich-media ads by 7.5%, whereas display ads will grow by 6.6%. In short, online advertising will continue to expand in the recession—just not as quickly as previously expected.

Another reason for optimism, says Mr Rothenberg, is that online advertising is making obsolete the old distinction between marketing spending “above the line” and “below” it. In the jargon, above-the-line spending drives brand “awareness” (probably on television) or “consideration” by a consumer planning a purchase (probably in a newspaper). Such spending is often slashed in recessions. Below-the-line spending includes promotions or coupons to whet the consumer’s “preference” for the brand as he nears a purchase, or schemes such as frequent- flyer miles to increase his “loyalty” afterwards. These budgets are more robust. — Rest the Rest

Job Security people…. Job Security…. 😀

Although, BlogAds are not selling here. 🙄 I mean, people $50 for advertising, that is cheap! Come on, Buy people BUY!

Republican Strategist Todd Harris is a liar.

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I was just watching MSNBC’s Hardball. I just watched Todd Harris lie through his teeth.

He sat right there on that show and said that the U.A.W’s President was NOT at the “Bail out Hearings”

Uhmmmm.. Todd?

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Auto industry executives, from left, General Motors CEO Richard Wagoner; Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli; Ford CEO Alan Mulally; and Ron Gettelfinger, president of the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2008

Somebody needs to tell Todd Harris to brush up on his talking points. Because here. He is just flat wrong.