What has happened & what will happen to the middle class?

How much more can the middle class be squeezed? In recent years it has been the middle class that has been taking the brunt of all the financial burden. Once the consuming power and backbone of the United States, now they are just looking to survive. They are worried about their jobs, homes, & children going to college. What will happen to them if they are lucky enough to retire? This is the middle class which is also called the baby boomers; a group a majority of the population falls into. This is a group that would change the world, but the world changed them. The world made them more self centered, greedy, selfish, and less caring about their fellow man. Now of days they have opened their eyes wide because they are the downtrodden group in society.

As a group, they were the first to go to and graduate from college. Then, all of a sudden they became smarter and wiser then their un or undereducated immigrant or blue collar parents. Only now the funny thing is when they run into financial problems, it is those same parents they go to to bail them out. Why is it that those parents, of whom they were much smarter than have more money then they do? I think the answer is, because they (the parents) knew that things/items and financial security took time and discipline to achieve. Instant gratification the boomers wanted could also be equal to instant destruction. They felt that the world owed them instant success. Pay dues, ha, what was that? Well now they are paying dues, but what will be getting in return?

What can be done to rebound? Maybe it is time to go back to the old fashioned values that our truly middle class parents had. The boomers must realize that they are now in our 50's and some in their 60's, and may have to take it slow and steady. They must realize that to build financial security will take some time and very hard dedicated work. Boomers are a creative lot and must use creativity to not only secure the future but start thinking of how to make this world better for our fellow man; well into the future. They must teach their children the ways of their parents. Their children shouldn't expect to become rich overnight and think that all of a sudden they are better then everyone else. Life's experiences is something that can't be taught in school. Not all of us will be millionaires and that is not a bad thing. Riches is something much more than dollars and cents. It is not a bad thing or anything to be ashamed of to strive hard and wait your turn....

Finally what must be done is to elect officials who represent our best interests. We voted for those leaders who took shortcuts and caved into big money interests. This may be why we are having the problems we are having today. If the middle class is the backbone of this country, then the people representing them better have a backbone when taking care of their interests. So when thinking about voting for a person to be your representative, don't go for the smooth talker, or the big promise maker, but rather the person who will take your concerns at heart. Big business doesn't vote .... HMOs don't vote..... Pharmaceutical companies don't vote.... so why should they dictate what kind of representative we should have. Demand that big money is taken out of politics and get back to basics. Demand? Yes demand... Cause the middle class should be stronger then a corrupt system. Take it back.... One election at a time......

All great men come out of the middle classes.

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Compassiante Bachman

http://minnesotaindependent.com/50472/bachmann-minnesotas-highest-foreclosure-rate

Michele Bachman - definitely a representative for the people. One day we will figure out what people she represents.

Come on Sarah..... Begining to think your book is a lie... SURPRISE!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/geoffrey-dunn/palins-latest-emrogueem-g_b_373453.html


Hahahaha..­....There goes President Palin - who cares about the stinking facts - just make them up. She should make a public apology to Coach Wooden. She couldn't even lick the bottoms of his sneakers. Shame on you again, Ms. Palin... But heck your a progressive bloggers dream..

Party Crashers Should Be Punished, Senators Say

They should be debriefed by either Secret Service or the FBI. Then should be charged for breaching National Security, possible endangerment of the President and trespassing on federal government property. Are they any different then someone who may hack into a government computer system? NO...They were more dangerous - and could have assaulted the President. Now they have the cohones to ask for half million for their interview. They should have to pay a million in fees to the government. The sad part is that some whore of a news service will pay the price.....­.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Sarah Palin Quits Turkey Trot 5K Race In Kennewick, Washington

Sarah a quitter, come on who would believe. Especially on a 5k run. Wasn't she on Runners World magazine?
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Perino: No Terrorist Attacks In America Under Bush (VIDEO)

Gee Dana you are pretty young to be going senile. Maybe you meant George Bush wasn't WATCHING when we were attacked by terrorists­...
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

She could have been a heartbeat from the Presidency...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/26/palin-tricked-by-comedian_n_371698.html

Palin Wants To Interview Katie Couric, 'See 'If She's Learned Anything Yet About Alaska' (VIDEO)

Sarah stop acting like a vengeful high school cheerleader. What are you going to do; want to interview all reporters who ask you hard questions, or for that matter, easy questions that you can't answer? Take all the softball questions for your FOX friends and Rusky Limbaugh. After all if you were president and were having the tough times that President Obama is now having you could always do what you do best.... RESIGN.... Just continue to be the cartoon character that you are.....
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

You get what you pay for.

My father was not an educated man but a wise man, and he used to say all the time that a person gets what they pay for. I always use this saying not only with the purchase of any product but also in politics. The intellectual money we spend is in the form of how we vote and who we elect. The only thing is that most people do more research on the products they buy then the people they elect. If you were to see an advertisement about say - a refrigerator or car or house, would you just purchase that item blind? Then why do we as voters just take what we may read in a letter to the editor or a mailer we get about one candidate over another. Don't we owe it to ourselves to check out the truth and not go by who we want to have a beer or coffee with; or who we would like to be next door neighbors with. I don't know about you but most people I have a beer or coffee with and for that matter some of my neighbors are not qualified for elected life. Now good people mind you - but maybe not leadership quality.
Voters tend to believe the people who distort the truth. The candidates who state they will "lower taxes" or "never raise taxes" will always get the vote over the candidate who may tell you that in hard economic times taxes may need to go up. But after the "no taxes" candidate gets in and realizes taxes need to go up - well he lied - but he got elected. This is one good case of getting what you pay for. If taking the time to study the two candidates you may have learned that the "no taxes" was the only idea the one candidate had - and now its shot.
Sometimes we have to swallow the sour pill and move on. If the end result is going to make things better in the long run, then maybe as voters we take the chance to hear bad news from a candidate who may have other alternatives to fix the bad situation.
Wake up people, and just as you look up in Consumer Reports about that toaster you want to buy, also research the candidate you want to vote for. Just like you will not fall for any tricks of a commission salesperson, don't fall for the trick of the political salesperson, the candidate. Anyone who is secure in their beliefs will want you to research their claims - and will back them up. Listen to the bad news, because from the bad comes good.
Finally; if the say it true and you "get what you pay for", make sure you get the best product possible, and not one that is too good to be true.

Principled Leadership along with Integrity & Honesty

Making principled leadership a reality is a good sound bite; but doesn't matter if there is no integrity and honesty. Some candidates for office feel that it is a necessity to distort the truth by the way of half truths. Some may claim that their opponent will raise taxes because they are a Democrat; or if they are a Republican that they will cut personnel or services to save money. If this is truly the truth then I would assume it is fine. Produce quotes and statements made to prove your point. But if they are just innuendo, then where is your principled leadership. If a person cannot be trusted to tell the truth while campaigning; how can that person be trusted when and if they were to get into office.

Tell it like it is and take your occasional hits; but make sure you are fair and tell it like it is for everyone - then you have integrity. Then you can be trusted as an honest elected official.

A person can maintain principled leadership along with integrity and honesty with truthful & hard campaigning, or they could just become another political hack and distort the truth.

Is the American Dream DEAD?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/07/john-thain-its-unfortunat_n_312524.html?show_comment_id=32575182#comment_32575182


Demonize the American Dream? It seems that you sir view "GREED" as the American Dream; when most middle class families just want to prosper and live happily. Your rags to riches story is very impressive except for that fact that you have seemed to forget where you came from. You seem to belittle your friends who -pump gas or sell insurance or the unfortunates who have gone to jail. Do you ever think of them while you sit comfortably on your throne in your $30K commode. The American Dream will continue because unlike you there are successful people who - give back, encourage and are compassionate towards others and want to see them succeed. Pinch yourself sir and consider yourself lucky.

Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/10/07/john-thain-its-unfortunat_n_312524.html?show_comment_id=32575182#comment_32575182

Why the people voted for you....

Dear Mr. President and all the other Democrats who were swept into office since 2006; remember why the people voted for you and got you the majority you needed? We all wanted change... Change from what was going on under Republican rule. Change from not being heard and dealt lip service from those who could care less. If the Democrats are so concerned with what the Republicans are saying , then why did we vote them (Democrats) into office. We could have at least been abused by people who we know really don't care about us. Now we have to figure if the people we voted in are just the same.

Could it be - just maybe - possibly - that there really isn't that much difference between the two parties after all. Could it be that the one thing that they are both concerned about before the people is money. Money from the almighty health care system they are trying to fight. Money from the true "Death Panels"; the insurance company executives; the men and women who really decide who will die due to rejection of a claim. Why oh why do our politicians think they have to be beholding to these bloodsuckers? It was proven with the last election that the people have the power and even, believe it or not the money to get someone elected. I hope Mr. Obama never forgets the grassroots that put him over the top and got him into the White House.

It is time for both Democrats and Republicans to look in the mirror and realize who they are truly beholden to. Get some integrity and guts and do what is right. Realize that you will only hold that office for a temporary basis and when the time comes for you to leave - leave holding your head up high. Is getting blood money so that you can run for reelection so important that you forgotten what you were put there for. Stop being corrupted by the power of money; and instead be inspired by going down as a Congress who really served the people. Maybe it is time to get a copy of "Profiles in Courage" and read about those who really stuck their necks out. Also remember what Judas did after he got his gold pieces?

Learn from the Master

Can't emphasis enough... Please President Obama, study and learn from LBJ... It will work.... Just try it...

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-22/how-lyndon-would-have-passed-health-care-reform/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsL2

How about NO Health Care?

It seems like some people are getting so riled up over giving every American affordable health care. Who are these people? Do they have such great coverage that they feel they are giving up something special? Do they have a job which makes the layoff-proof or fire-proof? Are they all multi-millionaires who can afford any doctor or medical care out there? Do they have elderly parents or grandparents who are on that awful socialist system called Medicare?

People have to wake up and stop showing their ignorance and have a civil dialogue about this very important issue. The best thing to do when making a decision like this is to put yourself in the worst possible situation. Those lucky to have medical care at the moment, envision yourself without it. Your have been fired or laid off; your company is going bankrupt; your in and industry that is downsizing or coming to an end. Now what do you do? Your child has the flu; you have high blood pressure or diabetes. What do you do? Your elderly parent needs expensive heart medicine. What do you do? Well I guess if you listen to the people who happen to have insurance (that is until their time may be up); be tough and suffer a little.

Apparently some feel that government - even at the local level - doesn't need to take care of it's people. That the unfortunates want to be that way by choice. That the sick and dying want to live that way - a way without hope of getting better. The simple thing to do is to ask themselves the question(s), is that what they would want for them and their family members? Some even feel that the government will take all the old people and kill them; maybe they saw the move "Solent Green" too many times.

Are these people even asking who is disseminating this information? How about big health insurance companies; pharmaceutical companies; politicians who get big money from both; and multi-millionaire commentators who could really care less about you. There is more of us normal everyday folks then there is them, but these small but rich groups are the ones dictating for all. Filling people's head with their keep on getting richer propaganda.

Maybe we have been approaching this the wrong way. Instead of trying to give all Americans affordable health care, let's take health care away totally. That's right eliminate all health insurance for a month; week; heck for just one day; and then let people feel the crunch. This was a country founded on unity - United we stand and divided we fall. Well if we divide some will fall thru the cracks - 45 to 50 million perhaps - but the rich will still get richer and the poor or even the middle class will just get sicker.

LBJ knew the way......

So much news and hub-bub in the last week that what seems to have been already forgotten is the Democrats have 60. Yes, Senator Al Franken has finally be legitimatized. Now that the Dems have what they have waiting so long for, all I keep hearing is that don't think it will so easy getting all 60 to agree to pass certain things. Certain things like health care. What??? I always thought the reason that the Dems wanted 60 was to get some legislation past for the good of the people who elected them. If they are still uncertain about what can be done - then the people have to be uncertain with who then elected. Now that the power has shifted will the Democrat controlled Congress be the congress of NO ALSO? I hope not.

Maybe President Obama should take a few pages or the whole book from LBJ. Why? Cause before he was consumed and done in by the Vietnam War, LBJ passed more legislation for the Great Society than any president before or after him. He knew how to pass laws; maybe because before president he was "Master of the Senate" (another good book President Obama) and knew what it took to convince senators to pass laws. He took that knowledge to the White House and parlayed into good for the people. He cajoled, intimidated, twisted the proverbial arm to get things done; but things got done. If he had the 60 that Pres. Obama has now - who knows what would get passed; but I am sure the first item would be health care. Don't squander this opportunity Pres. Obama.

Also - maybe instead of Press Secretary Gibbs arguing with Helen Thomas he should read her column more often and forward it to you Mr. President. Helen has been around longer then both of you and believe it or not ..... She gets it.... Read and learn

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/helenthomas/19790472/detail.html

Read a newspaper - save good reporters.....

If we keep losing newspapers at this fast paced rate, will we ever have a reporter of this caliber again... From Socialized medicine to war in Vietnam to the Palestine/Israeli conflict; seems like all the news of the past is in some way still the news of today.

If you have the time - enjoy the video....

From Democracy Now.... June 18, 2009
Twenty years ago today, I.F. Stone died at the age of eighty-one. He was the premier investigative reporter of the twentieth century, a self-described radical journalist. I.F. Stone’s legacy of work spanned the New Deal, World War II, McCarthyism, the Cold War, Israel/Palestine, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and beyond. He scooped reporters right and left. As the FBI tracked him, he tracked down the story. He is best remembered for his self-published I.F. Stone’s Weekly. At its peak in the 1960s, the one-man publication had a circulation of about 70,000. We speak to his biographer, D.D. Guttenplan, and air historic recordings of I.F. Stone at the 1965 Vietnam teach-in in Berkeley, CA, and on The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. [includes rush transcript]

To read, listen to, or watch the whole story:
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/6/18/american_radical_the_life_and_times

Judges.... Is there a perfect way???

The hot topic in recent days has been that of judges. Not only because of the newly hope to be appointed after much scrutiny, Sonia Sotamayor, but because in many states it is Primary election time and time to elect judges. One of the amazing things is that most people don't even know there are judge race much less even know who there are. I am amazed that such an important position are taken for granted by the voters; well I guess for granted that is unless you are unlucky enough to go before one. Then if that were to happen could you have the judge excuse themself because you may have voted for him. Or better yet maybe your attorney donated to that particular judges campaign. Yes they claim they are supposed to be nonpartisan positions and they get to cross file on both the Dem and Rep sides of the ballot but we who pay attention always know what party they really belong to. They claim not to be politicians but they are always showing up to every political function there is so that they can schmooze with the committeepeople and powers to be to get elected. Now if that isn't a politician then what is. And talk about a lawyer frenzy - wow they all come out .... And we don't even know if they are half way good lawyers but they want now to be a judge. So if they are a crappy lawyer and happen to be popular among their peers, they can just get a promotion because of their meritocracy, to a judgeship. What better ally to have if you are a litigating lawyer then an incompetent judge that you may have helped get elected. And who is it that supports the judges the most and gives them great ratings when they are still attorneys...... You got it..... Fellow attorneys.....Never know when it may be your turn.

Now I am not saying that appointed judges are any better. They really have to kiss butt to get appointed. They have to be real party members to get appointed by the power to be. At least elected judges are beholding for a small fraction to the people.... Appointed judges only have one person voting for their approval... the appointor. So these lawyers keep in touch with party powers and get their name out there because schmoozing is really important.

And why lawyers? Are they the only ones who can make a good judgment? Albeit that they may know case law - judgment is usually based on a variety of conditions and most judges mix the law, life and circumstances to come up with their decision. An intelligent person can and will learn the law and/or have clerks who can look up certain case laws for them to interrupt. That person could be - an English professor, a social worker, an accountant or maybe a housewife. I would agree that they would have to have some qualifications but just solely going to law school should not be the only requirement.
If we are to be tried by our peers - what about the judge?

Finally it is the salaries. I saw that locally here in Pa. that the judges average a salary of anywhere from 75K for a district judge to 180K to superior court judge. Why should being a judge also become a way for some to get rich - fat - and lazy. For that much money and of course benefits they should have to be evaluated every year - and by a civilian board - to determine if they should keep their jobs.

Now although it may seem like an imperfect system - and it is - we can only hope that the cream rises to the top and maybe that crappy lawyer makes a great judge. But until we find that perfect system and appoint or elect Solomon like judges - please let's research who is running and pay more attention to who we blindly elect.

The best have been stealing presidential elections - The GOP

I am amazed of what cry babies the conservative right are. All they want to talk about stealing elections - well guess they have limited memory or maybe it's is that they have acquired some dementia - what about the 2000 & 2004 elections. Stolen by a master thief, with some family help.

Maybe the people had just gotten tired of being abused. Stop squawking and adjust to what the people want and need. The majority of the citizens of USA are not millionaire businessmen but hard worker individuals who want government to represent them. Cry yourself a river or wake up to reality and stop blaming others. The conservatives built a huge glass house and now they want to throw stones....

Speak the truth and be accountable.....

Is this the only man who has any guts? Whether you like him or not - former Minn. Gov. Jesse Ventura tells it like it is and maybe that is something we are missing from politicians. They should not be worried what group or PAC is going to support them and fund their campaign. They should not have to worry about always siding with their party; even when the party may say crazy things. What they should do is - represent the people who voted them in. Tell the truth; vote their conscience not pocketbook; and have guts.

This blog was created to hold our elected officials accountable; whoever they may be. And to also give kudos to those who deserve it. Right at this moment I feel that Mr. Ventura is that man. Go Jesse!!!
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2009/05/12/lkl.jesse.long.cnn?iref=videosearch

Cowards of a feather are chickenhawks.....

http://thedailybeast.com/video/item/cheney-chooses-rush-over-powell

Just what I want when going into war is two draft dodgers to lead me. Both Dicky Cheney and Rushbo Limbaugh are known draft dodgers but super (chicken) hawks. There should be a rule that if you are such a hawk and willing to send other people's children to die a in a foreign country, you should either be willing to send you child there (and I mean in harms way), or maybe you yourself should go on the front line to practice what you preach.

Dicky and Rushbo seem to live by the saying "Do as I say - not as I never done" and are getting away with it. Hey guys if you think that waterboarding is not torture - or sleep deprivation is not torture then put you money where you mouth is and go through the procedures yourselves (280 times).

I really don't care if Gen. Colin Powell is a Republican or Democrat - I care that he would lead me in battle. He has been there and done that. You two cowards hang together. Maybe if you ever get into a real altercation; you can see who can run the fastest.

100 days? Why?

For many of a president we have always heard about the all important 100 days of a person's presidency. My question is why? It seems the benchmark was FDR - but from what many a historian said there was not much done during those 100 days. Ike was trying to improve his golf swing. Next came JFK. Well, I am still trying to find out what he did in those first 100 days except maybe find the best hiding places for his stash of women. LBJ was being chased by the ghost of JFK. Tricky Dick was hiding recording devices. Ronnie; Well. Then good ole Bill Clinton. He was just getting to know the interns during his first 100 days.

Now this is not to say that all the above were not good presidents; cause they all had their accomplishments. It is to say that the 100 day benchmark is hogwash. Heck, when someone gets a new job the probation period for the position is usually 90 days. I guess the president gets 10 extra days.

All I do have to say is if we are going to still use this yardstick to measure the starting point of a presidency then we may have to forget FDR,IKE JFK,LBJ,Dick, Ronnie and WJC and start to consider President Barack Obama's 100 days.

He has tackled some pretty heavy duty issues; albeit they still need some solving. He has restored civility and honor to the USA's reputation. But still it is only 100 days and that is too soon to judge. Although, if you had to judge I would say these first 100 days of President Obama's are just as historical as his election.

Like any normal human being, I can only assume that even the President of the United States is just getting acclimated with the position 100 days into it. Then again I would also assume that the President of the United States is not any normal human. So even though we should hold the presidency to higher standards - we should also realize that these men; and soon women; are human and if their first 100 days are good, bad or indifferent, we can only hope their tenure is a super success.

Stimlilus package

As as Democrat I love the fact the Pres Obama is doing something to stimulate the economy and is trying to fix the cluster that GW created. Whether you agree with it or not at least it is something. But I have to say that I have my own opinions on what the package should be.

To stimulate the economy you have to get the money into the hands of those who will be spending it - The people. NOT the banks... NOT the investment brokerage house and NOT the automobile companies. They are proven failures and have deflated all confidence out of the consumer balloon. What I would do as Pres is something that would be totally out of the box. Let us just make up some numbers here for the sake of making them up. Say there are approximately 375 million people in the USofA. Of that number maybe approximately 200 million households. Of that let's say for the sake of argument 150 million households with combined income of under $1million. If the government were to give each of these households (not individuals) $1million dollars ($150million total) I think there would be a stimulus like never seen before. (Please do not hold me to exact numbers - I am only estimating to make a point; thank you)

Sure some people will squander their gift.... But they are the ones who can't be saved no matter what. But what about those who will use it wisely. By wisely I mean this..... Pay their mortgages.... send their kids to college without worry... purchase automobiles.... purchase goods and services... not worry about sickness.....and if unemployed, no worries about the next paycheck..... Most of all the one thing this would instill is CONFIDENCE....

Once confidence is instilled in the people - the economy will rebound. In the late 1980's when mortgage rates were 13-15% people still bought houses; why? because they could afford them because they had jobs. Today rates are at an all time low (4.5-5.5%) and people are still squeamish because they are unsure about tomorrow and if they will have a job or not. Confidence and trust stimulates.

Also want to get people to buy American products then give America a fighting chance. By forcing car makers to make more efficient cars doesn't mean people will buy the cars if the foreign made cars are cheaper. We as a country have to not only think globally but nationally. For every car we import - that country has to take one of ours; one for one. And maybe slap higher tariffs on imports making our products more attractive. We owe this to our citizens not to the world. For family members to survive in business other family members need to buy from them. For American companies to survive; Americans have to buy their products and services..


With the relief of financial burdens - people of this country will get back in the groove again.... Now we would have to use our resources wisely or else we will end up in the same mess years from now... We have to learn to be reasonable and not GREEDY....

So get the money out of the GREEDY hands of the power brokers and in the hands of the people who are paying for the stimulus with their taxes - and let;s get moving again...

This idea may sound to simple of a fix for our problem. Then again sometimes confusing issues should be broken down into the simplest form. Just maybe then the problem will be solved.

The Good Old Days

Hello all and happy new year. What times we are going thru at the moment. Unemployment, foreclosures, businesses going under, $50 million Ponzi scams - and of course all the bailouts. Is there anyone one out there who takes any kind of personal responsibilty for making such blunders? Is it always someone elses fault? Are people that stupid and irresponsible that they don't know right from wrong? Apparently the answer to the questions are YES.... At least that is what the "dumb like foxes" want us to believe. What happen to the old adage of men being men and being honorable and forthright? Can this financial and moral decay be fixed? Yes.....
I am not a social psychiatrist but it would be logical that at one time there was honor and loyalty to oneself and community. Community; there is an idea. We in our little worlds have lost the idea of community, but to survive these hard times a community is what is needed. In the Old Days; whether good or bad; we had real neighborhoods not developments disguised as neighborhoods. We knew our neighbors and actually said hello to them. People looked out for each other and knew when there was something wrong and when people need help. How will this old thought pattern save us in these times of need. Well caring always helps. It makes us all feel wanted and important. Most of all it gives people a feeling of security. You never know who may have problems if you don't get to know them - or worse yet - that person could be you.
So on you way home tonight (from work - if you have a job), consider the word community; residential and business. Shop there, eat there, socialize there. Talk to your neighbor and help if you can - in anyway you can. Cause in these difficult times people may suffer in different ways. This is truly a time to help..... and remember the golden rule....