Posts
Yes, it's a historic election in many, many ways.
It's more than electing our first [officially] Black President.
Honestly, whether Obama wins or loses, it will still be historic.
We've already had a huge turnout of voters. People who have never voted in their lives have not only registered to vote, but stood in line for two or three hours to vote.
I know I'm planning on being at my polling site when it opens at 7am. I normally vote after work, but with the anticipated huge turnout of voters, plus bad weather, I don't want to take a chance that I'll miss my chance to vote this year.
Obama is a remarkable man. Grieving his beloved grandmother, who passed on to Heaven today, he has stayed poised and on track throughout this election.
Despite vile lies, misdirection, out and out racism, and then even more lies, Obama is still standing strong and proud.
And let me say again, lies, lies, lies.
It's not like it's the first Presidential campaign that tried to imply that the candidate wasn't a citizen, that he wasn't really a Christian (remember it was a huge thing that JFK was Catholic), that he would bring chaos into the American system of government, that he wasn't white (but of course, Obama is mixed, so he really isn't all white), etc, etc, etc.
PULEEZE people, get a grip.
The United States system of government has been amazingly successful for us. We manage, every four years, to elect or re-elect a President, to maintain a stable government, to avoid chaos in the transition.
IE, life goes on.
I do believe that Obama is the best man for the job.
I'm sure I'll have someone e-mailing me and telling me a bunch of horrible lies that have long been discredited by www.snopes.com (a valuable resource, you should check it out).
Even my own parents, die hard Republicans, told me some of the blathering that's being smeared across the air by too many right wing radio hosts.
For example, did you know that if Obama loses, there will be riots in the streets of America? REALLY??? I'm rolling my eyes and shaking my head over that crazy idea. I haven't heard any such thing over here on the Democratic side of the world. I can't imagine that people would riot over a Presidential election. That just does not happen in America.
(The ONLY way there would be riots would be if some idiot caused harm to our Brother. And my Brothers and Sisters of Color would not be alone, there'd be a boatload of whites up in the mix. Fortunately the Secret Service is on top of security, there won't be any slip ups.)
I must say, the Republican machine must be getting pretty desperate to come up with that kind of bull droppings...
And I'm sure you've heard all the nonsense about Obama's birth certificate, that he's not a native born American, that he's an Arab, that he follows Islam. I even read one comment online, that he's the anti-Christ.
OMfreakinggoodness!!
People, as important as this election is to all of us, get a grip!! And in fact, take a hard look at the sources of all these lies.
Remember, the ends DO NOT justify the means.
Obama has remained poised and gentlemanly, despite all the mudslinging. McCain seems more shrill by the minute.
Yes, Obama is Presidential material. He'll be a fine figure leading our country.
Remember, the President is the leader, but Congress runs the show. Obama can only do so much in our system of checks and balances.
Even Bush could only do so much damage. It was plenty bad enough, but he wasn't able to destroy the country, in spite of all his efforts. Thanks to Powell and Rice and many, many other bright, intelligent staff, even Bush was generally not all bad.
Get a grip, my people!!
The world won't end when Obama wins the election. In fact, neither will the country.
We will have our normal orderly change of the guard, at the last minute Bush will pardon some doofus(s) that don't really deserve it, he'll sign a few more bills into law, he'll give his outgoing speeches, and then Obama will take his oath of office on the Bible -- yes a regular Bible, just like the one you have on your nightstand.
Everything will go on, just like it does every four years.
History will be made tomorrow.
I'm looking forward to it...
Monday, November 3, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
Let The Mudslinging Commence!
Oh, wait, it's been going on for days and weeks already.
Well, these last few days before the election will be filled with dramatic ad campaigns, filled with a lovely selection of misdirection, implied misdeeds, and flat out lies about various propositions and candidates for office.
Oh, yes, the mudslinging and muckraking has definitely commenced.
The funny thing is that most of the people I talk to know EXACTLY how they're going to vote. So all these commercials are just wasting time and money.
Typical, wasting time and money.
Hmmmm, is that just a precursor of things to come? Another politician wasting our time and our money?
Sigh, nothing new here, nothing to see, move along people, move along.
Yet, this whole election is about change.
The real question is, will it be "same games, different faces"? Or is there really a possibility that things can change?
I can say one thing for sure. I have seen more people stepping up to vote than I've ever seen before.
That's a good change.
Now, if we could just convince these guys that throwing mud against the other candidate to see if anything sticks is a pointless exercise, a waste of time and money...
Naw, the mudslinging has commenced, the air time bought and paid for, there's no hope for reasonable minds at this late date.
Maybe next time, folks will remember who did and who did not think it was necessary to dredge up a bunch of lies to make the other guy look bad.
Shoot, why, when he does so well by himself???
Give a politician enough air time, and sooner or later, he'll say something so incredibly stupid that even the most devout follower will cringe.
Of course, that'll be more ammo for the next round of mudslinging...
Well, these last few days before the election will be filled with dramatic ad campaigns, filled with a lovely selection of misdirection, implied misdeeds, and flat out lies about various propositions and candidates for office.
Oh, yes, the mudslinging and muckraking has definitely commenced.
The funny thing is that most of the people I talk to know EXACTLY how they're going to vote. So all these commercials are just wasting time and money.
Typical, wasting time and money.
Hmmmm, is that just a precursor of things to come? Another politician wasting our time and our money?
Sigh, nothing new here, nothing to see, move along people, move along.
Yet, this whole election is about change.
The real question is, will it be "same games, different faces"? Or is there really a possibility that things can change?
I can say one thing for sure. I have seen more people stepping up to vote than I've ever seen before.
That's a good change.
Now, if we could just convince these guys that throwing mud against the other candidate to see if anything sticks is a pointless exercise, a waste of time and money...
Naw, the mudslinging has commenced, the air time bought and paid for, there's no hope for reasonable minds at this late date.
Maybe next time, folks will remember who did and who did not think it was necessary to dredge up a bunch of lies to make the other guy look bad.
Shoot, why, when he does so well by himself???
Give a politician enough air time, and sooner or later, he'll say something so incredibly stupid that even the most devout follower will cringe.
Of course, that'll be more ammo for the next round of mudslinging...
Monday, October 27, 2008
Using Kids In The Yes On 8 Ads? No Way!!
I was shocked this week, when I saw on the boob tube that the Yes on 8 clowns actually had the gall to use images of children at their teacher's wedding in a negative ad campaign. Using kids in the Yes On 8 ads? No way!!
Yes, it was a same sex marriage.
But come on now!! The children were celebrating the wedding of their teacher, they really, really don't care about the stuff you and I worry about.
In any case, these self righteous pretenders to Christianity are defending their use of the images of these children, without the families' permission, without regard to the children's feeling or rights, to promote the Yes On 8 campaign.
As a parent, I am absolutely horrified.
Even though the film was on the news, there's a HUGE difference between the news and a propaganda campaign misusing the images of someone else's kids.
That's like saying because your house can be viewed on Google maps, they can use that image in a political campaign that promotes (for example) eminent domain, even if you're 100% against it.
The idea that they can misuse images of kids!!
I hope that the parents sue the pants off of these special interest groups, most not even located in California, and win. And not just win, but take their assets so they can't pull this kind of underhanded unChristian lying BS again.
And, you know, I'm wondering just how this pack of jackals got the tape to start with. Did the TV news station SELL it to them? Or did they just steal it by taping the news story?
There are just too many groups out there, pretending to be Christians and claiming to speak for all of us, and then turning around and parading with the devil.
Yeah, you heard me.
They're not walking the Path, they're walking an unholy path that leads straight to Satan.
When you're trying to oppose something that you feel is unChristian, you sure as heck don't lie, cheat and steal to get your so-called point across.
The ends do not justify the means.
Not now.
Not ever.
The Word warns us against people who pretend to be something they're not. And that's just what the backers of Yes On 8 are.
Liars.
Cheats.
Thieves.
Yes on 8? Think not.
The ends don't justify the means. And that means my vote must go against the liars, cheats, thieves of this world. Must. I am mandated to oppose the followers of the evil one. And while some of these people may not think they're his followers, they're certainly doing his work for him.
Anyone who tries to justify using images of other people's kids in a vicious lying ad campaign, well, words aren't enough to express my disgust.
As Auntie Em said, "And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!"
This is Cali -- we don't live in Kansas and Dorothy isn't going to be convinced to be a lesbian if her teacher marries another woman. It doesn't work that way. Anyone who thinks it does is an ignorant fool.
And anyone who thinks it's OK to use images of someone else's kids in an ad campaign and then has the gall to try to justify it, is worse than a fool.
Don't believe everything you see on TV.
Don't believe the hype.
And don't believe that the ends justify the means.
The Golden Rule still applies to this world.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Hmmmm, are there some folks out there who are missing the point???
Yeah, there are.
But they'd better be aware that this last chunk of lies has backfired. Parents are angry. Angry that their kids have been used. Angry that the backers of Yes On 8 are defying the parents' wishes. Angry that they're trying to justify stealing the images of those kids.
Oh yeah, it's not pretty.
The Light shines and exposes the Dark.
The Truth exposes lies.
And liars always trip themselves up, with just
one
more
lie...
Yes, it was a same sex marriage.
But come on now!! The children were celebrating the wedding of their teacher, they really, really don't care about the stuff you and I worry about.
In any case, these self righteous pretenders to Christianity are defending their use of the images of these children, without the families' permission, without regard to the children's feeling or rights, to promote the Yes On 8 campaign.
As a parent, I am absolutely horrified.
Even though the film was on the news, there's a HUGE difference between the news and a propaganda campaign misusing the images of someone else's kids.
That's like saying because your house can be viewed on Google maps, they can use that image in a political campaign that promotes (for example) eminent domain, even if you're 100% against it.
The idea that they can misuse images of kids!!
I hope that the parents sue the pants off of these special interest groups, most not even located in California, and win. And not just win, but take their assets so they can't pull this kind of underhanded unChristian lying BS again.
And, you know, I'm wondering just how this pack of jackals got the tape to start with. Did the TV news station SELL it to them? Or did they just steal it by taping the news story?
There are just too many groups out there, pretending to be Christians and claiming to speak for all of us, and then turning around and parading with the devil.
Yeah, you heard me.
They're not walking the Path, they're walking an unholy path that leads straight to Satan.
When you're trying to oppose something that you feel is unChristian, you sure as heck don't lie, cheat and steal to get your so-called point across.
The ends do not justify the means.
Not now.
Not ever.
The Word warns us against people who pretend to be something they're not. And that's just what the backers of Yes On 8 are.
Liars.
Cheats.
Thieves.
Yes on 8? Think not.
The ends don't justify the means. And that means my vote must go against the liars, cheats, thieves of this world. Must. I am mandated to oppose the followers of the evil one. And while some of these people may not think they're his followers, they're certainly doing his work for him.
Anyone who tries to justify using images of other people's kids in a vicious lying ad campaign, well, words aren't enough to express my disgust.
As Auntie Em said, "And now... well, being a Christian woman, I can't say it!"
This is Cali -- we don't live in Kansas and Dorothy isn't going to be convinced to be a lesbian if her teacher marries another woman. It doesn't work that way. Anyone who thinks it does is an ignorant fool.
And anyone who thinks it's OK to use images of someone else's kids in an ad campaign and then has the gall to try to justify it, is worse than a fool.
Don't believe everything you see on TV.
Don't believe the hype.
And don't believe that the ends justify the means.
The Golden Rule still applies to this world.
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Hmmmm, are there some folks out there who are missing the point???
Yeah, there are.
But they'd better be aware that this last chunk of lies has backfired. Parents are angry. Angry that their kids have been used. Angry that the backers of Yes On 8 are defying the parents' wishes. Angry that they're trying to justify stealing the images of those kids.
Oh yeah, it's not pretty.
The Light shines and exposes the Dark.
The Truth exposes lies.
And liars always trip themselves up, with just
one
more
lie...
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Self-Fulfilling Prophesies
As the election gets closer and closer, people are getting more and more worried.
Times are tough.
Some of our financial fluctuations are self-fulfilling prophesies.
The stock market is nervous. The media is blathering, The more the talking heads talk about recession, the more likely we are to fall into a recession.
People, stop jumping every time some talking head on TV says "boo!"
Don't be a sheeple.
Listen, I'm not saying to run out and spend your money like you used to. You can't afford it. In fact, you couldn't afford it back then either, but things were booming and you were full of optimism (and yourself) and thought things would be like this forever.
As my Pastor says, "If you don't like what's going on right now -- Change is coming!"
"And if everything is great, get ready -- Change is coming!!"
Our economy is like a huge ocean with tides. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down.
The media will doom and gloom you until you believe that things are all bad and they're never going to get better.
At that point, the prophesy fulfills itself.
So, Mom's advice today is to hang on. Tighten your belts, hang on for the ride. I foresee that by this time next year, things will be improving. You may have to make some sacrifices, like cut off the cable or the satellite dish, or go to dial-up instead of DSL, keep the same car for another couple of years, learn to cook, live in a smaller house, perhaps start all over again as a renter*, etc.
Times will get better.
Soon the talking heads will start blathering about how the financial markets are improving, that houses are selling, that the tide is again turning.
Soon the market will go up and the economy will be booming again.
(I hope gas drops below $2 a gallon first!)
Times will be good again.
But during the next swing upward, don't get so caught up in the hype. Don't forget this time. Save your money, plant a garden, buy a smaller house, drive a smaller car. Be frugal.
Don't let the self-fulfilling prophesies drag you down during the next cycle, the next wave of boom and bust.
Don't let the talking heads convince you that your life sucks.
Well, it might, but only you can change it!!
Use these tough times to improve your life.
It's another lesson. Learn from it.
Times are tough, yes, but I already see signs that we're pulling out of it. Houses are selling, gas prices are dropping darn near every day, banks are working with home-owners...
It's going to be OK.
Really.
(*If you lose your house and do a BK, in about three to four years you'll be able to buy again. It's NOT the end of the world to lose a house. You just have to get your financial house back in order, have three good credit lines, like a credit card with your bank, a small loan for a fridge or something, a small auto loan, and be current on everything. Note: I said SMALL!! And start saving your money. You should be able to qualify for an FHA loan. Been there, done that, and struggling right now to make my own mortgage payments, but it's going to be OK!!)
Times are tough.
Some of our financial fluctuations are self-fulfilling prophesies.
The stock market is nervous. The media is blathering, The more the talking heads talk about recession, the more likely we are to fall into a recession.
People, stop jumping every time some talking head on TV says "boo!"
Don't be a sheeple.
Listen, I'm not saying to run out and spend your money like you used to. You can't afford it. In fact, you couldn't afford it back then either, but things were booming and you were full of optimism (and yourself) and thought things would be like this forever.
As my Pastor says, "If you don't like what's going on right now -- Change is coming!"
"And if everything is great, get ready -- Change is coming!!"
Our economy is like a huge ocean with tides. Sometimes it's up, sometimes it's down.
The media will doom and gloom you until you believe that things are all bad and they're never going to get better.
At that point, the prophesy fulfills itself.
So, Mom's advice today is to hang on. Tighten your belts, hang on for the ride. I foresee that by this time next year, things will be improving. You may have to make some sacrifices, like cut off the cable or the satellite dish, or go to dial-up instead of DSL, keep the same car for another couple of years, learn to cook, live in a smaller house, perhaps start all over again as a renter*, etc.
Times will get better.
Soon the talking heads will start blathering about how the financial markets are improving, that houses are selling, that the tide is again turning.
Soon the market will go up and the economy will be booming again.
(I hope gas drops below $2 a gallon first!)
Times will be good again.
But during the next swing upward, don't get so caught up in the hype. Don't forget this time. Save your money, plant a garden, buy a smaller house, drive a smaller car. Be frugal.
Don't let the self-fulfilling prophesies drag you down during the next cycle, the next wave of boom and bust.
Don't let the talking heads convince you that your life sucks.
Well, it might, but only you can change it!!
Use these tough times to improve your life.
It's another lesson. Learn from it.
Times are tough, yes, but I already see signs that we're pulling out of it. Houses are selling, gas prices are dropping darn near every day, banks are working with home-owners...
It's going to be OK.
Really.
(*If you lose your house and do a BK, in about three to four years you'll be able to buy again. It's NOT the end of the world to lose a house. You just have to get your financial house back in order, have three good credit lines, like a credit card with your bank, a small loan for a fridge or something, a small auto loan, and be current on everything. Note: I said SMALL!! And start saving your money. You should be able to qualify for an FHA loan. Been there, done that, and struggling right now to make my own mortgage payments, but it's going to be OK!!)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Yes On 8 Is BUNK!!
I've been listening and watching the latest ad campaigns here in Cali, and I can tell you, that compost pile that we call an ad campaign is growing by the minute.
One of the most egregious is the Yes On 8 campaign.
Flat out lies fill the commercials that claim that children will be taught about gay marriage in schools, that churches will lose their non-profit status, that we will lose our rights as citizens.
Whoever came up with this garbage is LYING!
Do not be fooled by out of state special interests.
First, Cali has very stern rules about teaching certain topics to our kids. I have to sign a form before my son can be taught ANYTHING about family relations or sex education. It's not an opt-out system, I have to opt-in or he doesn't get that class. Period. No exceptions to the rules.
Second, non-profit status is from the Feds, so all that blather about churches is another flat out lie!
Third, regarding rights? What about the rights of our family, friends, co-workers to have a permanent relationship with their loved one? To love and cherish through sickness and in health.
Yes, I know that the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, has Words on homosexuality.
However, I also believe that God NEVER says "oops".
People are born the way they are, including their sexual orientation. Again, God never says "oops". So if people are born that way, and God knit us together in the womb, well, then, hmmmm........?
So who am I to judge and condemn people who love each other and want to make the commitment of marriage? In our country, marriage is a legal and business relationship anyway. And it's better that two people marry than to be fornicating around with every Tom, Dick and Harry (or Tammy, Donisha and Harriet).
Don't believe the overblown BS that this desperate ad campaign is throwing at you. It's FULL of LIES.
Oh, and that stuff about how four judges went against four million voters? Well, some of us did NOT vote for a ban on gay marriage. So don't include us in those fake numbers.
And by that logic, our Brothers and Sisters of Color would not be allowed to marry whites. In fact, like my gggrandmother, a free person of color, I would not be allowed to marry a white man either. Because it was once against the law for a person of color, any color, to marry a white.
I'm not all white.
My parents would not have been allowed to marry.
My grandparents, neither set, would have been allowed to marry.
My great grandparents would not have been allowed to marry (actually, they passed for white so they were able to marry).
Thank God for the judges who rule upon the constitutional rights of the citizens of this country, going against the popular prejudices of the times. Thank God for judges who look above and beyond the rantings of the haters among us, and look to the Constitution first, not last.
And hey, you know, if you insist on voting Yes on 8, voting to ban gay marriage, well it will be a wasted effort on your part. Because even if it passes, the judges will rule again, based on the Constitution, and your ranting and raving and votes will be for nothing.
Don't fall into the trap of believing everything you hear on TV. Especially if the ad is way over the top.
The ad campaign manager isn't underestimating the stupidity of the audience. Do yourself a favor and don't believe the hype.
Yes On 8 is BUNK!!
Don't believe the hype.
NEVER believe the hype!
One of the most egregious is the Yes On 8 campaign.
Flat out lies fill the commercials that claim that children will be taught about gay marriage in schools, that churches will lose their non-profit status, that we will lose our rights as citizens.
Whoever came up with this garbage is LYING!
Do not be fooled by out of state special interests.
First, Cali has very stern rules about teaching certain topics to our kids. I have to sign a form before my son can be taught ANYTHING about family relations or sex education. It's not an opt-out system, I have to opt-in or he doesn't get that class. Period. No exceptions to the rules.
Second, non-profit status is from the Feds, so all that blather about churches is another flat out lie!
Third, regarding rights? What about the rights of our family, friends, co-workers to have a permanent relationship with their loved one? To love and cherish through sickness and in health.
Yes, I know that the Bible, particularly the Old Testament, has Words on homosexuality.
However, I also believe that God NEVER says "oops".
People are born the way they are, including their sexual orientation. Again, God never says "oops". So if people are born that way, and God knit us together in the womb, well, then, hmmmm........?
So who am I to judge and condemn people who love each other and want to make the commitment of marriage? In our country, marriage is a legal and business relationship anyway. And it's better that two people marry than to be fornicating around with every Tom, Dick and Harry (or Tammy, Donisha and Harriet).
Don't believe the overblown BS that this desperate ad campaign is throwing at you. It's FULL of LIES.
Oh, and that stuff about how four judges went against four million voters? Well, some of us did NOT vote for a ban on gay marriage. So don't include us in those fake numbers.
And by that logic, our Brothers and Sisters of Color would not be allowed to marry whites. In fact, like my gggrandmother, a free person of color, I would not be allowed to marry a white man either. Because it was once against the law for a person of color, any color, to marry a white.
I'm not all white.
My parents would not have been allowed to marry.
My grandparents, neither set, would have been allowed to marry.
My great grandparents would not have been allowed to marry (actually, they passed for white so they were able to marry).
Thank God for the judges who rule upon the constitutional rights of the citizens of this country, going against the popular prejudices of the times. Thank God for judges who look above and beyond the rantings of the haters among us, and look to the Constitution first, not last.
And hey, you know, if you insist on voting Yes on 8, voting to ban gay marriage, well it will be a wasted effort on your part. Because even if it passes, the judges will rule again, based on the Constitution, and your ranting and raving and votes will be for nothing.
Don't fall into the trap of believing everything you hear on TV. Especially if the ad is way over the top.
The ad campaign manager isn't underestimating the stupidity of the audience. Do yourself a favor and don't believe the hype.
Yes On 8 is BUNK!!
Don't believe the hype.
NEVER believe the hype!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Borrowing Against Our Future -- AGAIN
OK, great. The Feds are going to give Bush a boatload of money to "bail out" the country.
What's wrong with this picture?
Ummm, guys, isn't this the very thing that everyone is ragging on homeowners about? We borrowed our way out of (and into) debt?
It doesn't work.
You can't borrow money to pay off debt, thereby making more debt that will sink your future.
What we NEED to do is finish our business in Iraq. Yes, I don't think we should abandon the Iraqi peoples, but we need to finish up and get out of their way. At this point, we may well be making things worse, not better.
Once we're out of there, we need to redistribute the monies spent on the war effort. (BTW: the war has been over a LONG time, this is a mopping up/police action.) We need to refurbish our Social Security system, pay down debt, assist families and homeowners with crushing debt, whether it's due to medical bills or fraudulent loans, assist them with proper loans with fixed rates so their lives are back in balance.
We need to assist with childcare costs, so people can afford to work, and childcare providers can afford to stay in business.
We need to do a lot of things in this country.
But borrowing against our future isn't the way to go.
Sorry Bush, you're just perpetuating the problem.
It's not going to work...
What's wrong with this picture?
Ummm, guys, isn't this the very thing that everyone is ragging on homeowners about? We borrowed our way out of (and into) debt?
It doesn't work.
You can't borrow money to pay off debt, thereby making more debt that will sink your future.
What we NEED to do is finish our business in Iraq. Yes, I don't think we should abandon the Iraqi peoples, but we need to finish up and get out of their way. At this point, we may well be making things worse, not better.
Once we're out of there, we need to redistribute the monies spent on the war effort. (BTW: the war has been over a LONG time, this is a mopping up/police action.) We need to refurbish our Social Security system, pay down debt, assist families and homeowners with crushing debt, whether it's due to medical bills or fraudulent loans, assist them with proper loans with fixed rates so their lives are back in balance.
We need to assist with childcare costs, so people can afford to work, and childcare providers can afford to stay in business.
We need to do a lot of things in this country.
But borrowing against our future isn't the way to go.
Sorry Bush, you're just perpetuating the problem.
It's not going to work...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
The Mortgage Meltdown
My neighbor lost his house.
I'm so sad for him.
In his case, he lost his job (oh, I know that one!) and got behind. With the market being the way it is, he couldn't refi and he couldn't get caught up. His ex is waiting, hoping that he can pick up the house later, once the foreclosure is finished and the bank puts the house on the market for a fraction of what my neighbor owed.
Yes, he's hoping to buy the house back. Those guys put so much work into their house, it's a darn shame this happened to them.
I know that I can't refi right now. I'm only about $20,000 upside down right now, so I'm stuck in my loan for a bit. In this market, at this time, it's not as bad as it sounds. Fortunately, I don't have to refi until 2010, so there's time for the market to swing up again.
I'm watching the mortgage meltdown with much cynicism.
You see, the mortgage companies are freaking greedy. They don't WANT to renegotiate loans. They don't WANT to give up a prepayment penalty so the customer can refinance into a better loan product. They don't WANT to work with the customer.
It's all backfired on them!
LOL, now they're paying the price for the misrepresentation of the loan products, of the under and over valuing of properties, for straight up fraud (like manufacturing the numbers without the customer even realizing what was done!).
Yes, sometimes they deliberately undervalued a property, forcing the homeowner into a less desirable but more profitable loan product, knowing that the homeowner had to refi NOW. Taking advantage of the situation doesn't make it right.
Even so, houses are starting to sell again. Prices have dropped enough that many people are starting to look toward buying that first home. Truly over valued house prices have dropped dramatically and people are looking to buy.
So the mortgage meltdown will eventually pass. Again.
Because this isn't the first time it's happened. Nor will it be the last.
The politicians and bankers and mortgage companies will all be on the bandwagon about what they did to help the consumer.
And we'll know they're all full of poop. Because nice guys like my neighbor don't live in this hood anymore.
The market will recover. So will he.
But the mortgage companies' lies, misrepresentation, and out and out fraud have been revealed.
Finally.
I'm looking for more banks and mortgage companies to go under before we completely recover from this mess. More fraud will be revealed. More lies and misrepresentations will appear to haunt these huge companies.
I don't know that I want the government to be all up in the mortgage business, but I do know that I want the rules and regulations, the laws that are already in place, to be enforced.
Make the greedy bastards pay.
And pay.
And pay.
Just like we, the consumers, usually have to pay.
It's nice to see it happen to the big guys for a change. Even though it messes with the economy for a while.
We little guys are used to it. We will survive the mortgage meltdown. It's just once more mess in our lives and we know how to hunker down and hang on.
That's the operative phrase in this mess, "Hang on!"
Hang on, change is coming!
Hang on!
I'm so sad for him.
In his case, he lost his job (oh, I know that one!) and got behind. With the market being the way it is, he couldn't refi and he couldn't get caught up. His ex is waiting, hoping that he can pick up the house later, once the foreclosure is finished and the bank puts the house on the market for a fraction of what my neighbor owed.
Yes, he's hoping to buy the house back. Those guys put so much work into their house, it's a darn shame this happened to them.
I know that I can't refi right now. I'm only about $20,000 upside down right now, so I'm stuck in my loan for a bit. In this market, at this time, it's not as bad as it sounds. Fortunately, I don't have to refi until 2010, so there's time for the market to swing up again.
I'm watching the mortgage meltdown with much cynicism.
You see, the mortgage companies are freaking greedy. They don't WANT to renegotiate loans. They don't WANT to give up a prepayment penalty so the customer can refinance into a better loan product. They don't WANT to work with the customer.
It's all backfired on them!
LOL, now they're paying the price for the misrepresentation of the loan products, of the under and over valuing of properties, for straight up fraud (like manufacturing the numbers without the customer even realizing what was done!).
Yes, sometimes they deliberately undervalued a property, forcing the homeowner into a less desirable but more profitable loan product, knowing that the homeowner had to refi NOW. Taking advantage of the situation doesn't make it right.
Even so, houses are starting to sell again. Prices have dropped enough that many people are starting to look toward buying that first home. Truly over valued house prices have dropped dramatically and people are looking to buy.
So the mortgage meltdown will eventually pass. Again.
Because this isn't the first time it's happened. Nor will it be the last.
The politicians and bankers and mortgage companies will all be on the bandwagon about what they did to help the consumer.
And we'll know they're all full of poop. Because nice guys like my neighbor don't live in this hood anymore.
The market will recover. So will he.
But the mortgage companies' lies, misrepresentation, and out and out fraud have been revealed.
Finally.
I'm looking for more banks and mortgage companies to go under before we completely recover from this mess. More fraud will be revealed. More lies and misrepresentations will appear to haunt these huge companies.
I don't know that I want the government to be all up in the mortgage business, but I do know that I want the rules and regulations, the laws that are already in place, to be enforced.
Make the greedy bastards pay.
And pay.
And pay.
Just like we, the consumers, usually have to pay.
It's nice to see it happen to the big guys for a change. Even though it messes with the economy for a while.
We little guys are used to it. We will survive the mortgage meltdown. It's just once more mess in our lives and we know how to hunker down and hang on.
That's the operative phrase in this mess, "Hang on!"
Hang on, change is coming!
Hang on!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Arnold, The Idiot You Voted In
Don't blame me, I didn't vote for that actor turned politician!
Heck no I didn't.
California's legislators FINALLY get a 2/3 vote to pass the budget, and doofus is threatening to veto it? And if his veto is overturned, he'll veto all the 800 or so bills that the legislators have worked so hard on?
Say what?
It's a DARN good thing I'm not in the legislature.
I would stand up, all five foot two of me, probably as red in the face as my hair, and tell him:
"You just go ahead. And then we'll vote to overturn it, we'll vote our budget in.
"And when you veto every one of our bills, we'll just vote them ALL back in!
"You think you're all that, dude, you aren't worth the bird poop on your windshield.
"So go for it, and see how stupid we can make you look."
I have ZERO patience with this idiot that the people of California were stupid enough to vote in.
Yes, California was stupid.
Actors are paid to put on characters. And politicians will tell you anything you want to hear, just so they get reelected. So actors make even better lying politicians...
Arnold should have stuck to acting. His movies were barely palatable.
He's utterly incompetent as a leader.
Good at being a lying politician, but incompetent at running our state.
Yeah, I know. California voted him in so we're stuck with him and his arrogant attitude toward us working people.
You get what you pay for.
And we'll keep paying...
And paying...
And paying...
Heck no I didn't.
California's legislators FINALLY get a 2/3 vote to pass the budget, and doofus is threatening to veto it? And if his veto is overturned, he'll veto all the 800 or so bills that the legislators have worked so hard on?
Say what?
It's a DARN good thing I'm not in the legislature.
I would stand up, all five foot two of me, probably as red in the face as my hair, and tell him:
"You just go ahead. And then we'll vote to overturn it, we'll vote our budget in.
"And when you veto every one of our bills, we'll just vote them ALL back in!
"You think you're all that, dude, you aren't worth the bird poop on your windshield.
"So go for it, and see how stupid we can make you look."
I have ZERO patience with this idiot that the people of California were stupid enough to vote in.
Yes, California was stupid.
Actors are paid to put on characters. And politicians will tell you anything you want to hear, just so they get reelected. So actors make even better lying politicians...
Arnold should have stuck to acting. His movies were barely palatable.
He's utterly incompetent as a leader.
Good at being a lying politician, but incompetent at running our state.
Yeah, I know. California voted him in so we're stuck with him and his arrogant attitude toward us working people.
You get what you pay for.
And we'll keep paying...
And paying...
And paying...
My Friend Isn't Going To Vote!?!
Oh - my - gosh!!
I can't believe this.
I was just talking to one of my buddies and he told me he isn't going to vote.
WHAT!!!
He isn't going to vote. I seriously can't believe it.
He's so stubborn, I know I won't be able to convince him that he should exercise his right to vote.
Yeah, I already tried...
You knew that didn't you?
I can't believe this.
I was just talking to one of my buddies and he told me he isn't going to vote.
WHAT!!!
He isn't going to vote. I seriously can't believe it.
He's so stubborn, I know I won't be able to convince him that he should exercise his right to vote.
Yeah, I already tried...
You knew that didn't you?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Obama And The Pastor
Here we go again.
I read about this last week, but honestly, I haven't had a lot of time to write.
So I'll keep this short and blunt.
What the heck does Obama have to do with his FORMER Pastor's apparent affair?
Not a blasted thing!
The Pastor apparently has some moral failings, in the area of marriage and relationships.
But what does this have to do with Presidential candidate Obama?
Not a darn thing!
I would hope that most Americans are smart enough to know that just because someone you know, whether your Pastor, boss, neighbor or friend, cheats on his/her wife or husband, it doesn't have a darn thing to do with your own morality.
Unless, of course, you knew all about it and helped cover it up.
Which is not relevant to the Pastor's latest media uproar.
AND
While I'm ranting about this, yes, Pastor Wright was all wrong if he had an affair.
And so was the woman.
It takes one to sin, but two to tango.
Pastor Wright sinned the minute he conceived the seduction. (Or maybe it was Elizabeth Payne, if she seduced him.) But the other party still had the opportunity to say NO.
Just like Adam and Eve.
Eve sinned not by being deceived but by disobeying God's instructions. She could have been deceived but then chose to obey, just because God said so. She could've chose to wait and ask God what He had to say about Satan's deceptions.
But Adam then quadrupled the problem, because he chose to sin. He CHOSE to take the forbidden fruit. And then he CHOSE to blame Eve for his own failure, even though he was equally guilty of the sin. He disobeyed God. Instead of saying, "hold up here, let's take this back to God and see what He says about this situation" Adam just went ahead and ate that forbidden fruit anyway.
And didn't repent.
Didn't take it right to God and say "We screwed up Lord."
Nope, tried to hide themselves, tried to hide the sin, tried to blame everyone else but themselves.
It took two to get kicked out of the Garden.
The same as Wright and Payne.
Whoever started it, well then, the other STILL had the CHOICE to not participate.
So I return to the question: What the heck does Pastor Wright's alleged affair have to do with Obama?
Not a darn thing.
Oh, yeah, and I have little sympathy for her crying now about her ruined marriage and being banned from her church.
Like, duh!!
The wages of sin are death.
But not all deaths are physical.
Death of a marriage. Death of a relationship. Death of her church membership. A high price to pay for an empty promise.
So what was it I was saying?
Oh, yeah, what does all this have to do with Obama?
Not a darn thing.
It's "just" another failed attempt by the media to make Obama look like he condones bad behavior.
Ummmm, yeah. Right.
Obama led his Pastor to sin? Really?
Ummmm, so do you blame your own bad behavior on the Twinkies you had with lunch? Or on the guy down at 7-11 that sold you the Twinkies? Or the food company that makes Twinkies?
Yeah, it's the same.
Obama doesn't have a thing to do with his FORMER Pastor's inability to follow marriage vows.
So move along now, let's get back to the issues.
Don't be distracted (and yes, this is deliberate distraction) from the issues.
Don't believe the hype. Don't believe everything you read.
A + B does NOT equal Z.
Wright plus Payne does NOT equal Obama.
NOPE, sure doesn't!!
I read about this last week, but honestly, I haven't had a lot of time to write.
So I'll keep this short and blunt.
What the heck does Obama have to do with his FORMER Pastor's apparent affair?
Not a blasted thing!
The Pastor apparently has some moral failings, in the area of marriage and relationships.
But what does this have to do with Presidential candidate Obama?
Not a darn thing!
I would hope that most Americans are smart enough to know that just because someone you know, whether your Pastor, boss, neighbor or friend, cheats on his/her wife or husband, it doesn't have a darn thing to do with your own morality.
Unless, of course, you knew all about it and helped cover it up.
Which is not relevant to the Pastor's latest media uproar.
AND
While I'm ranting about this, yes, Pastor Wright was all wrong if he had an affair.
And so was the woman.
It takes one to sin, but two to tango.
Pastor Wright sinned the minute he conceived the seduction. (Or maybe it was Elizabeth Payne, if she seduced him.) But the other party still had the opportunity to say NO.
Just like Adam and Eve.
Eve sinned not by being deceived but by disobeying God's instructions. She could have been deceived but then chose to obey, just because God said so. She could've chose to wait and ask God what He had to say about Satan's deceptions.
But Adam then quadrupled the problem, because he chose to sin. He CHOSE to take the forbidden fruit. And then he CHOSE to blame Eve for his own failure, even though he was equally guilty of the sin. He disobeyed God. Instead of saying, "hold up here, let's take this back to God and see what He says about this situation" Adam just went ahead and ate that forbidden fruit anyway.
And didn't repent.
Didn't take it right to God and say "We screwed up Lord."
Nope, tried to hide themselves, tried to hide the sin, tried to blame everyone else but themselves.
It took two to get kicked out of the Garden.
The same as Wright and Payne.
Whoever started it, well then, the other STILL had the CHOICE to not participate.
So I return to the question: What the heck does Pastor Wright's alleged affair have to do with Obama?
Not a darn thing.
Oh, yeah, and I have little sympathy for her crying now about her ruined marriage and being banned from her church.
Like, duh!!
The wages of sin are death.
But not all deaths are physical.
Death of a marriage. Death of a relationship. Death of her church membership. A high price to pay for an empty promise.
So what was it I was saying?
Oh, yeah, what does all this have to do with Obama?
Not a darn thing.
It's "just" another failed attempt by the media to make Obama look like he condones bad behavior.
Ummmm, yeah. Right.
Obama led his Pastor to sin? Really?
Ummmm, so do you blame your own bad behavior on the Twinkies you had with lunch? Or on the guy down at 7-11 that sold you the Twinkies? Or the food company that makes Twinkies?
Yeah, it's the same.
Obama doesn't have a thing to do with his FORMER Pastor's inability to follow marriage vows.
So move along now, let's get back to the issues.
Don't be distracted (and yes, this is deliberate distraction) from the issues.
Don't believe the hype. Don't believe everything you read.
A + B does NOT equal Z.
Wright plus Payne does NOT equal Obama.
NOPE, sure doesn't!!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Palin's Daughter Is News?
Let's put today's big news flash in perspective, per my own 17-year-old daughter.
"So she's like every other teen in America?"
Naturally, being a teen, she's a bit over the top with that statement.
However, like all too many teens, whether from intact or broken homes, evangelical Christian or not, political family or not, Palin's daughter has had sex.
OK. And ummm, the point was????
Look, the girl is 17, pregnant, keeping the baby, marrying the father.
Even Christian kids have sex and gasp, get pregnant!
Nothing to see here folks, move along to the issues.
This is not even news. The media needs to get back to the issues, both international and at-home.
Not "just" another teen pregnancy in America.
At least she's going to marry the father. Now THAT might be a small splash in the news. Nothing more.
Palin's daughter is news? Really?
Again, nothing to see here.
It's not news...
"So she's like every other teen in America?"
Naturally, being a teen, she's a bit over the top with that statement.
However, like all too many teens, whether from intact or broken homes, evangelical Christian or not, political family or not, Palin's daughter has had sex.
OK. And ummm, the point was????
Look, the girl is 17, pregnant, keeping the baby, marrying the father.
Even Christian kids have sex and gasp, get pregnant!
Nothing to see here folks, move along to the issues.
This is not even news. The media needs to get back to the issues, both international and at-home.
Not "just" another teen pregnancy in America.
At least she's going to marry the father. Now THAT might be a small splash in the news. Nothing more.
Palin's daughter is news? Really?
Again, nothing to see here.
It's not news...
Downgraded To A Category 2!!
YES!
Gustav has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane.
That still isn't good for New Orleans, I pray that the levees hold. I heard on the news that they're still expecting torrential rains and seven to ten foot storm surges. That can't be a good thing for those old levees.
I was pleased to see that the Republicans took this hurricane more seriously, delegates went home to handle their business. A convention is NOT as important as human lives. When a hurricane hits, it's not "business as usual".
Glad to see that lesson was learned with Katrina.
Gustav has been downgraded to a category 2 hurricane.
That still isn't good for New Orleans, I pray that the levees hold. I heard on the news that they're still expecting torrential rains and seven to ten foot storm surges. That can't be a good thing for those old levees.
I was pleased to see that the Republicans took this hurricane more seriously, delegates went home to handle their business. A convention is NOT as important as human lives. When a hurricane hits, it's not "business as usual".
Glad to see that lesson was learned with Katrina.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
New Orleans -- Here We Go Again!
As hurricane Gustav is bearing down on the Gulf Coast, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, a mandatory evacuation of New Orleans and Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, has been ordered.
People are scared and are fleeing inland. Rightly so, Gustav has been called the storm of the century.
But, but, but...
There's a problem that pretty much no one has focused on.
It's the end of the month. Many people don't get paid until the first and it being a holiday, won't get their checks until Tuesday, the day AFTER Gustav is supposed to hit land. In addition, the people on public assistance won't start getting their automatic deposits until the first. And I'm not sure how Louisiana has worked their public assistance program, but if they were in Cali, those deposits are staggered over three days, the first, second and third of the month.
Yes, there was a mile long line of people for buses that will take them out of town. But many people are afraid to leave. They don't have any money right now, no money for gas, no money for food, no money for a hotel and after the Super Dome fiasco, some are afraid to go to a shelter. If they have pets, what will they do with their animals? Are the animals allowed on the buses? (I don't know, but I doubt it.)
And bluntly, as the workers in the link (below) say, if they leave, they'll lose their jobs.
I know, you're saying, "No way, they can't get fired for evacuating!"
Oh yes they can!
Don't underestimate the hard-heartedness of the tourist industry. As long as there's one tourist in town that might spend a nickel, there will be places open for business. And those bosses, all too many of them, will expect their staff to be at work getting that last nickel.
Yes, that's horrible. But that's the reality of being a low-income worker.
I just hope and pray that the people who are staying behind are aware of what areas stayed dry during Katrina and can make their way to those places if the levees fail again. That they've stockpiled supplies and have an emergency plan, just in case.
I pray that the white communities around New Orleans, the ones that turned back fleeing residents at gunpoint, have been SHAMED into helping their Brothers and Sisters of every ethnicity, color, race, if Gustav turns out to be as bad as Katrina.
I pray that our politicians stop politicking and get their behinds in gear to help the residents of affected areas, wherever that may be, providing food, water, shelter within hours, not days and weeks, of Gustav hitting the Gulf Coast.
I pray that anyone who has a vehicle big enough to tow a trailer, even a Katrina trailer (that they aren't supposed to move), has that trailer hitched up and moving it and the family to safety. Better to ask forgiveness later than to let that family lose everything. Again.
I pray that somebody up in the Louisiana Welfare department wakes up this morning, realizes what's going on and gets some overtime going on, releasing the EBT benefits early, so that the participants who are still in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish can buy food and gas and evacuate before Gustav hits the coast. Again, despite the rules and regulations being broken by releasing funds early, better to ask forgiveness later.
And I pray that all these precautions become unnecessary and that somehow Gustav loses some of its strength before it hits land.
In the meantime, New Orleans, here we go again!!
Hang on and people, keep praying for our Brothers and Sisters!!
Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/30/new.orleans/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/31/gustav/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/30/gustav.prepare/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
People are scared and are fleeing inland. Rightly so, Gustav has been called the storm of the century.
But, but, but...
There's a problem that pretty much no one has focused on.
It's the end of the month. Many people don't get paid until the first and it being a holiday, won't get their checks until Tuesday, the day AFTER Gustav is supposed to hit land. In addition, the people on public assistance won't start getting their automatic deposits until the first. And I'm not sure how Louisiana has worked their public assistance program, but if they were in Cali, those deposits are staggered over three days, the first, second and third of the month.
Yes, there was a mile long line of people for buses that will take them out of town. But many people are afraid to leave. They don't have any money right now, no money for gas, no money for food, no money for a hotel and after the Super Dome fiasco, some are afraid to go to a shelter. If they have pets, what will they do with their animals? Are the animals allowed on the buses? (I don't know, but I doubt it.)
And bluntly, as the workers in the link (below) say, if they leave, they'll lose their jobs.
I know, you're saying, "No way, they can't get fired for evacuating!"
Oh yes they can!
Don't underestimate the hard-heartedness of the tourist industry. As long as there's one tourist in town that might spend a nickel, there will be places open for business. And those bosses, all too many of them, will expect their staff to be at work getting that last nickel.
Yes, that's horrible. But that's the reality of being a low-income worker.
I just hope and pray that the people who are staying behind are aware of what areas stayed dry during Katrina and can make their way to those places if the levees fail again. That they've stockpiled supplies and have an emergency plan, just in case.
I pray that the white communities around New Orleans, the ones that turned back fleeing residents at gunpoint, have been SHAMED into helping their Brothers and Sisters of every ethnicity, color, race, if Gustav turns out to be as bad as Katrina.
I pray that our politicians stop politicking and get their behinds in gear to help the residents of affected areas, wherever that may be, providing food, water, shelter within hours, not days and weeks, of Gustav hitting the Gulf Coast.
I pray that anyone who has a vehicle big enough to tow a trailer, even a Katrina trailer (that they aren't supposed to move), has that trailer hitched up and moving it and the family to safety. Better to ask forgiveness later than to let that family lose everything. Again.
I pray that somebody up in the Louisiana Welfare department wakes up this morning, realizes what's going on and gets some overtime going on, releasing the EBT benefits early, so that the participants who are still in New Orleans and Jefferson Parish can buy food and gas and evacuate before Gustav hits the coast. Again, despite the rules and regulations being broken by releasing funds early, better to ask forgiveness later.
And I pray that all these precautions become unnecessary and that somehow Gustav loses some of its strength before it hits land.
In the meantime, New Orleans, here we go again!!
Hang on and people, keep praying for our Brothers and Sisters!!
Link:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/30/new.orleans/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/31/gustav/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/weather/08/30/gustav.prepare/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Hmmm, Interesting Choice For Vice President
McCain's choice of a VP is pretty interesting.
In fact, I think it's brilliant!
As the talking heads were announcing that Sarah Palin was the choice, and started describing her, I felt my heart leap.
Dang, if I were a Republican, I'd vote for her!
Lucky me, I'm not, I'll stick with Obama.
But listen. McCain's choice is a smart one for many, many reasons. Yes, her experience is limited, but her life choices outweigh a lot of that.
What am I talking about?
McCain is going for the marginal (and not so marginal) votes.
Palin is a Christian, hunter, mooseburger eater, NRA member, anti-abortion advocate, anti-gay marriage that still followed her state's court rulings regarding discrimination against gays.
She has a Down Syndrome child that she CHOSE to have, despite the results of the prenatal testing. IE, no lip service here, she walks the walk.
Oh, and she's a white woman, still married to her first husband, with five kids and one is in the military, preparing to be deployed to Iraq.
She's a Moderate Republican's wet dream of an up and coming politician. She leans far enough to the Right to make most Republicans happy, without swinging so far that she's unpalatable to the undecided voters.
And she's quite attractive too. Which rarely hurts a candidate.
Don't underestimate the desirability of this woman to the Republicans and the wobblers. Don't underestimate her desirability to the Christian Right.
If she'd been paired with a better Presidential candidate, she'd be perfect, I might have even considered voting Republican.
McCain made a brilliant choice with his Vice Presidential candidate. She's going to pull in a LOT of votes that might(maybe) have went Democratic -- a lot of traditional, middle-American white votes.
But I don't think I could stand four more years of the Bush brotherhood of Republicans in charge.
I just can't do it.
Link:
http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm
In fact, I think it's brilliant!
As the talking heads were announcing that Sarah Palin was the choice, and started describing her, I felt my heart leap.
Dang, if I were a Republican, I'd vote for her!
Lucky me, I'm not, I'll stick with Obama.
But listen. McCain's choice is a smart one for many, many reasons. Yes, her experience is limited, but her life choices outweigh a lot of that.
What am I talking about?
McCain is going for the marginal (and not so marginal) votes.
Palin is a Christian, hunter, mooseburger eater, NRA member, anti-abortion advocate, anti-gay marriage that still followed her state's court rulings regarding discrimination against gays.
She has a Down Syndrome child that she CHOSE to have, despite the results of the prenatal testing. IE, no lip service here, she walks the walk.
Oh, and she's a white woman, still married to her first husband, with five kids and one is in the military, preparing to be deployed to Iraq.
She's a Moderate Republican's wet dream of an up and coming politician. She leans far enough to the Right to make most Republicans happy, without swinging so far that she's unpalatable to the undecided voters.
And she's quite attractive too. Which rarely hurts a candidate.
Don't underestimate the desirability of this woman to the Republicans and the wobblers. Don't underestimate her desirability to the Christian Right.
If she'd been paired with a better Presidential candidate, she'd be perfect, I might have even considered voting Republican.
McCain made a brilliant choice with his Vice Presidential candidate. She's going to pull in a LOT of votes that might(maybe) have went Democratic -- a lot of traditional, middle-American white votes.
But I don't think I could stand four more years of the Bush brotherhood of Republicans in charge.
I just can't do it.
Link:
http://www.ontheissues.org/Sarah_Palin.htm
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Is It Racist?
In a forum I hang out in, there are often whites posting this question:
Is it racist to vote for Obama because he is Black?
I find this pretty ironic, because for many long years, people have voted for candidates from their communities and no one ever thought about it being racist.
However, my response to this common question is:
If you vote for someone just because he's Black, it's not racist.
If you vote against someone just because he's Black, that's racist.
There is a huge difference that doesn't appear to be visible to a lot of people.
Voting for someone because he/she is a Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Black, Native American, Latino, Hispanic, Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, your friend, your neighbor, your cousin, from your state - none of that is racist or wrong. (Perhaps a little unenlightened if they don't support the things you believe in, but that's another topic entirely.)
Why?
Obviously, there is a positive element in voting FOR someone in/of/from your community, whatever community it may be, political, racial, ethnic, spiritual, etc. Supporting someone of your community isn't wrong. (Yes, even if your community is German, Irish, Swedish, French, English, white.)
Voting AGAINST someone because of any of those factors is wrong.
It's not racist to vote for Obama because he's Black.
Again, in my not-at-all-humble opinion, a bit foolish if you're a die-hard Republican who's voting against all you believe in JUST because Obama is Black.
But it's not racist.
Also, in my opinion, if you want to have the right to bitch, moan, whine, and complain about our government over the next four years, you'd better get to the polls and VOTE!
People who don't vote shouldn't be complaining when politicians make decisions on their behalf. They had a chance to vote the buggers in or out. If they didn't vote, they're just stuck in the same old rut with everyone else.
IE, if you choose not to participate in the process, don't be surprised when the process doesn't represent you.
Is it racist to vote for Obama because he is Black?
I find this pretty ironic, because for many long years, people have voted for candidates from their communities and no one ever thought about it being racist.
However, my response to this common question is:
If you vote for someone just because he's Black, it's not racist.
If you vote against someone just because he's Black, that's racist.
There is a huge difference that doesn't appear to be visible to a lot of people.
Voting for someone because he/she is a Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Black, Native American, Latino, Hispanic, Democratic, Republican, Green, Libertarian, your friend, your neighbor, your cousin, from your state - none of that is racist or wrong. (Perhaps a little unenlightened if they don't support the things you believe in, but that's another topic entirely.)
Why?
Obviously, there is a positive element in voting FOR someone in/of/from your community, whatever community it may be, political, racial, ethnic, spiritual, etc. Supporting someone of your community isn't wrong. (Yes, even if your community is German, Irish, Swedish, French, English, white.)
Voting AGAINST someone because of any of those factors is wrong.
It's not racist to vote for Obama because he's Black.
Again, in my not-at-all-humble opinion, a bit foolish if you're a die-hard Republican who's voting against all you believe in JUST because Obama is Black.
But it's not racist.
Also, in my opinion, if you want to have the right to bitch, moan, whine, and complain about our government over the next four years, you'd better get to the polls and VOTE!
People who don't vote shouldn't be complaining when politicians make decisions on their behalf. They had a chance to vote the buggers in or out. If they didn't vote, they're just stuck in the same old rut with everyone else.
IE, if you choose not to participate in the process, don't be surprised when the process doesn't represent you.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Joe Biden?
Joe Biden? Well, OK....
I know on KGO talk radio, the hosts were going off last night. According to several hosts, Obama and Clinton would've been the "Dream Team".
I completely disagree with that evaluation.
Clinton as Vice President might've gotten more Democratic votes, but Obama would've shot himself in the foot. There are just too many potential cross-over votes that he'd lose with a Clinton VP candidate. Too many Republicans absolutely HATE the Clintons.
Joe Biden?
Well, Biden is a safer choice than many of the other prospective candidates.
Let's see who McCain picks.
Then we'll have a better idea of which way the political wind is blowing...
I know on KGO talk radio, the hosts were going off last night. According to several hosts, Obama and Clinton would've been the "Dream Team".
I completely disagree with that evaluation.
Clinton as Vice President might've gotten more Democratic votes, but Obama would've shot himself in the foot. There are just too many potential cross-over votes that he'd lose with a Clinton VP candidate. Too many Republicans absolutely HATE the Clintons.
Joe Biden?
Well, Biden is a safer choice than many of the other prospective candidates.
Let's see who McCain picks.
Then we'll have a better idea of which way the political wind is blowing...
Sunday, August 10, 2008
So Edwards DID Cheat On His Wife!
So the rumors were right, Edwards did cheat on his wife.
You know, what I find more disturbing than his cheating on his terminally ill wife, is the fact that he lied about it.
Unfortunately, men do cheat.
Unfortunately, women are attracted to men who cheat.
There's not enough space in this blog to talk about the psychology of infidelity. There are many reasons and most are pretty complex, far beyond the sexual act.
And honestly, many men don't consider oral sex to be sex.
We already know that, Bill Clinton is a prime example. He really, really didn't think he'd had sex with Monica.
We women generally view this in a difference way. I'm sure Hilary considered it to be cheating. In fact, I'm sure Monica did too.
Edward's wife was furious? I don't blame her.
I also don't blame her for standing by her man. People, the woman is sick and she is going to die. She may be maintaining fairly well right now, but it's already been announced that her condition is terminal. I don't blame her for sticking with him, especially if he really is remorseful for what he's done.
I do have to say, I SURE am glad that Edwards isn't in the Presidential race.
But let me point out to you, Edwards cheated on his sick wife, but he is standing by her.
McCain, on the other hand, left his disabled wife for the rich blonde.
Yes, that was a long time ago.
But I question the morality of the people who are going to jump up and down pointing at Edwards, and ignoring the fact that McCain is no better.
If Edwards is wrong, then McCain was also wrong, and doubly wrong because he left his wife for the other woman. The only good thing is that McCain has provided medical coverage for his first wife, all these years. At least he was man enough to do that.
You know, though, it's commonly said that a cheater is a cheater is a cheater.
I hope that's wrong.
There are worse things than being a cheater.
Being a liar is one of them...
You know, what I find more disturbing than his cheating on his terminally ill wife, is the fact that he lied about it.
Unfortunately, men do cheat.
Unfortunately, women are attracted to men who cheat.
There's not enough space in this blog to talk about the psychology of infidelity. There are many reasons and most are pretty complex, far beyond the sexual act.
And honestly, many men don't consider oral sex to be sex.
We already know that, Bill Clinton is a prime example. He really, really didn't think he'd had sex with Monica.
We women generally view this in a difference way. I'm sure Hilary considered it to be cheating. In fact, I'm sure Monica did too.
Edward's wife was furious? I don't blame her.
I also don't blame her for standing by her man. People, the woman is sick and she is going to die. She may be maintaining fairly well right now, but it's already been announced that her condition is terminal. I don't blame her for sticking with him, especially if he really is remorseful for what he's done.
I do have to say, I SURE am glad that Edwards isn't in the Presidential race.
But let me point out to you, Edwards cheated on his sick wife, but he is standing by her.
McCain, on the other hand, left his disabled wife for the rich blonde.
Yes, that was a long time ago.
But I question the morality of the people who are going to jump up and down pointing at Edwards, and ignoring the fact that McCain is no better.
If Edwards is wrong, then McCain was also wrong, and doubly wrong because he left his wife for the other woman. The only good thing is that McCain has provided medical coverage for his first wife, all these years. At least he was man enough to do that.
You know, though, it's commonly said that a cheater is a cheater is a cheater.
I hope that's wrong.
There are worse things than being a cheater.
Being a liar is one of them...
Friday, August 8, 2008
DWB - Driving While Brown
Yes, I know, I'm not brown.
But I'm not a fool.
I live in Broderick, where there's supposedly a huge gang called the Broderick Boys.
(Hmmm, and yet the DA can't even name most of the members, despite the continued harassment of our local police. Funny how that happens. NOT!)
Broderick was once the "Mexican" side of town. So naturally, many of my neighbors are Latino/Hispanic.
With this BS gang injunction in place, pushed upon the neighborhood by the local DA, many people are being legally harassed by the police department. For example: there's a permanent 10pm curfew on all the Broderick Boys.
What??? Adults aren't allowed to be out in public after 10pm at night? In their own neighborhood?
And who determines who is a Broderick Boy? The local police.
(Talk about having the fox guarding the hen house!)
And how do they determine if you are or aren't a Broderick Boy? Well, let's see, you live in Broderick and you're brown. Basic criteria to deciding that you're a gang member.
Hello?
Can we say "profiling"?
Yes, I've driven down the main street at night and you know, funny how darn near EVERY person pulled over was brown. Even over on the "white" side of town. In fact, ESPECIALLY over on the white side of town.
Bad driving isn't color specific. And in fact, while we're at it, the meth addicts that hang out over on the corner of Jefferson and West Capitol are nearly all white. Why don't I see them being hassled by the local yokels?
Further, I have neighbors whose relatives moved over to the white side, IE the new houses. People have actually stopped and asked their kids if they belong there. Cops have followed them home and hassled them about being in that neighborhood.
Huh?
A brown child can't live over on the expensive side of town?
Dude, listen to me, bigotry and racism are alive and well in America.
I see it darn near every day. Driving while brown, DWB, is a reality in my neighborhood.
Fortunately, my children aren't driving yet. And I plan to be gone from here before my little brown son is on the road. Because the day he comes home and tells me that he's been targeted by the local police is the day that they find out what kind of mom I really am.
Pitbull comes to mind very quickly.
Yes, DWB is not cool.
Too bad the local cops, the DA, and the Yolo County Judge don't comprehend exactly how they've trampled on the rights of American citizens.
Oh, yes, the people being harassed are citizens. American citizens, born and raised right here in Broderick.
Yes, in the eyes of local law enforcement, in West Sacramento being brown is a crime.
Doubt me? Bring a brown cop in civilian clothes over here, let him get stopped a few times. Make sure he's driving a red car with a big Oakland Raider sticker on it, those are also "gang" symbols. See how he's treated by the local po-pos.
After he's been stopped a few times, let him testify about profiling.
DWB, a day in the life of Broderick.
Put the cop on the stand in his Blue uniform and see just how the local yokels harassment plays to the court.
ACLU, are you taking the hint???
But I'm not a fool.
I live in Broderick, where there's supposedly a huge gang called the Broderick Boys.
(Hmmm, and yet the DA can't even name most of the members, despite the continued harassment of our local police. Funny how that happens. NOT!)
Broderick was once the "Mexican" side of town. So naturally, many of my neighbors are Latino/Hispanic.
With this BS gang injunction in place, pushed upon the neighborhood by the local DA, many people are being legally harassed by the police department. For example: there's a permanent 10pm curfew on all the Broderick Boys.
What??? Adults aren't allowed to be out in public after 10pm at night? In their own neighborhood?
And who determines who is a Broderick Boy? The local police.
(Talk about having the fox guarding the hen house!)
And how do they determine if you are or aren't a Broderick Boy? Well, let's see, you live in Broderick and you're brown. Basic criteria to deciding that you're a gang member.
Hello?
Can we say "profiling"?
Yes, I've driven down the main street at night and you know, funny how darn near EVERY person pulled over was brown. Even over on the "white" side of town. In fact, ESPECIALLY over on the white side of town.
Bad driving isn't color specific. And in fact, while we're at it, the meth addicts that hang out over on the corner of Jefferson and West Capitol are nearly all white. Why don't I see them being hassled by the local yokels?
Further, I have neighbors whose relatives moved over to the white side, IE the new houses. People have actually stopped and asked their kids if they belong there. Cops have followed them home and hassled them about being in that neighborhood.
Huh?
A brown child can't live over on the expensive side of town?
Dude, listen to me, bigotry and racism are alive and well in America.
I see it darn near every day. Driving while brown, DWB, is a reality in my neighborhood.
Fortunately, my children aren't driving yet. And I plan to be gone from here before my little brown son is on the road. Because the day he comes home and tells me that he's been targeted by the local police is the day that they find out what kind of mom I really am.
Pitbull comes to mind very quickly.
Yes, DWB is not cool.
Too bad the local cops, the DA, and the Yolo County Judge don't comprehend exactly how they've trampled on the rights of American citizens.
Oh, yes, the people being harassed are citizens. American citizens, born and raised right here in Broderick.
Yes, in the eyes of local law enforcement, in West Sacramento being brown is a crime.
Doubt me? Bring a brown cop in civilian clothes over here, let him get stopped a few times. Make sure he's driving a red car with a big Oakland Raider sticker on it, those are also "gang" symbols. See how he's treated by the local po-pos.
After he's been stopped a few times, let him testify about profiling.
DWB, a day in the life of Broderick.
Put the cop on the stand in his Blue uniform and see just how the local yokels harassment plays to the court.
ACLU, are you taking the hint???
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Arnold Is An Idiot
Yes, I'm saying that straight up, in your face.
Arnold is an idiot.
Oh, yeah, he THINKS he's pulling this great political ploy to get California's legislators to pass a budget. Uh, huh.
He's as stupid as they come.
The State Controller has already said that state employees will be paid like always. There's not going to be a cut to the Federal minimum wage. And even if he was going to allow this, wouldn't CALIFORNIA's minimum wage be more appropriate? I'm not sure it's even legal for Arnie to think that he can lower wages past the California minimum wage law.
In any case, the Controller has this well in hand.
You see, something that isn't being trumpeted on CNN, is that many state employees are in the midst of negotiating new contracts. Oh yes. So by lowering wages, that's considered an unfair labor practice. The union is all over it already. And on top of the union grievances already filed, IF the Controller allowed our illustrious Governor to shoot himself in the foot, the price would be triple damages.
Yes, Arnold would cost the state THREE times the amount of wages not paid.
Plus the overtime down in payroll, figuring out all this mess twice, once to cut, once to reimburse the employees for the lost wages.
Arnold is an idiot.
Don't believe the hype. He thinks he's smarter, faster, better than the rest of us. He's forgotten where he came from -- or, well, maybe not. Austrians are notorious for major control issues. Maybe he's just reflecting his own upbringing.
Who knows, who cares?
The point is that he is an utter idiot who's putting our state's finances in jeopardy, deliberately, with a huge staged political ploy. Dirty politics at its worst.
Arnold, you're an idiot.
Kiss your political career goodbye.
If you ever run for office again, I'm going to be all over this like a fly on poop. I'm quite sure I won't be the only one.
Yup, Arnold is an idiot and now the star struck California voters can see the monster they've created.
Next time, my friends, vote for the guy that may have your best interests at heart. (Maybe.)
Not the guy who huffs and puffs and then tries to blow your house down...
Arnold is an idiot.
Oh, yeah, he THINKS he's pulling this great political ploy to get California's legislators to pass a budget. Uh, huh.
He's as stupid as they come.
The State Controller has already said that state employees will be paid like always. There's not going to be a cut to the Federal minimum wage. And even if he was going to allow this, wouldn't CALIFORNIA's minimum wage be more appropriate? I'm not sure it's even legal for Arnie to think that he can lower wages past the California minimum wage law.
In any case, the Controller has this well in hand.
You see, something that isn't being trumpeted on CNN, is that many state employees are in the midst of negotiating new contracts. Oh yes. So by lowering wages, that's considered an unfair labor practice. The union is all over it already. And on top of the union grievances already filed, IF the Controller allowed our illustrious Governor to shoot himself in the foot, the price would be triple damages.
Yes, Arnold would cost the state THREE times the amount of wages not paid.
Plus the overtime down in payroll, figuring out all this mess twice, once to cut, once to reimburse the employees for the lost wages.
Arnold is an idiot.
Don't believe the hype. He thinks he's smarter, faster, better than the rest of us. He's forgotten where he came from -- or, well, maybe not. Austrians are notorious for major control issues. Maybe he's just reflecting his own upbringing.
Who knows, who cares?
The point is that he is an utter idiot who's putting our state's finances in jeopardy, deliberately, with a huge staged political ploy. Dirty politics at its worst.
Arnold, you're an idiot.
Kiss your political career goodbye.
If you ever run for office again, I'm going to be all over this like a fly on poop. I'm quite sure I won't be the only one.
Yup, Arnold is an idiot and now the star struck California voters can see the monster they've created.
Next time, my friends, vote for the guy that may have your best interests at heart. (Maybe.)
Not the guy who huffs and puffs and then tries to blow your house down...
So McCain Thinks It's OK To Mock Obama?
If McCain thinks his nasty little campaign ads are funny, he's out of his pinhead mind!
Comparing Obama to Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton?
Excuse me?
Let's take this down the low road for just a minute.
What if some Obama supporters started making fun of McCain's disabilities? His withered arm? His bouts with skin cancer (melanoma)? His cheating on his first wife? Abandoning his DISABLED first wife to marry the rich blonde with political connections? Hmmm?
Oh, is that different?
REALLY?
I think not.
I think that the current ad campaign, mocking Obama, is beyond despicable.
I hope that the American voters see through this, and see the face of the man who thinks this kind of negativity and nasty humor is acceptable behavior for a President. I hope that they see that if we vote this man in, America will be represented by a man willing to take the lowest road to the top.
I don't want that.
McCain thinks it's OK to mock Obama?
I think we're seeing the inner character of the man. Ugly from the inside out.
Take off your sunglasses and blinders folks. The mean is shining through.
McCain is showing more and more of his true colors.
Bile is not a good color for a President...
Comparing Obama to Brittney Spears and Paris Hilton?
Excuse me?
Let's take this down the low road for just a minute.
What if some Obama supporters started making fun of McCain's disabilities? His withered arm? His bouts with skin cancer (melanoma)? His cheating on his first wife? Abandoning his DISABLED first wife to marry the rich blonde with political connections? Hmmm?
Oh, is that different?
REALLY?
I think not.
I think that the current ad campaign, mocking Obama, is beyond despicable.
I hope that the American voters see through this, and see the face of the man who thinks this kind of negativity and nasty humor is acceptable behavior for a President. I hope that they see that if we vote this man in, America will be represented by a man willing to take the lowest road to the top.
I don't want that.
McCain thinks it's OK to mock Obama?
I think we're seeing the inner character of the man. Ugly from the inside out.
Take off your sunglasses and blinders folks. The mean is shining through.
McCain is showing more and more of his true colors.
Bile is not a good color for a President...
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Gas Prices Are Dropping
Yes, prices are dropping, fairly rapidly.
Like I'm surprised?
As soon as Bush gave his speech and dropped the Presidential ban on offshore drilling, prices started coming down.
I'm not a bit surprised. This whole gas thing is killing my budget. And I've known all along that it IS all about the money.
Yes, we have been used and abused again. Just like Enron. Just like New Century. Just like IndyMac. Just like a whole lot of other big business that sees a way to gouge more money out of the American public.
Nothing new here.
There is NO reason why gas is so high, except for speculation on the oil market and the oil companies making the maximum amount of money off the backs of the American consumers. Yes, record profits. Just like Enron.
Now, don't get me wrong.
I still think that the speed limits should be lowered to 60 and that those limits should be enforced. Or at least enforce the 65mph speed limits we already have in place.
We should still continue to explore and promote solar, wind and nuclear power. Every little bit counts.
I still want a Mercedes 240D converted to veggie oil. (A diesel Rabbit or Volvo will also do nicely. Or an old diesel Datsun/Nissan. I'm not into looks, I'm into economy!!)
Just because prices are dropping, doesn't mean that we shouldn't anticipate the next big jump in prices. They will come.
Gas prices are dropping. But for how long, and how low will they go?
And will the US government look into the monopoly of the oil companies?
No, no they won't.
So the American consumer, like always, will carry the load.
Bush may give us the incentive rebates, but we will continue to pay so many hidden taxes in the goods, oil, food that we buy, it really won't make a bit of difference in the long run.
Honesty is the best policy?
Not in politics.
Trust me, gas prices are dropping, but we will continue to pay. And pay. And pay.
After all, this is America. Land of the free. Home of the brave. The land of "tax them until they drop" and then baffle them with BS. Repeat as needed.
Yes, gas prices are dropping.
And we're still going to get screwed...
Like I'm surprised?
As soon as Bush gave his speech and dropped the Presidential ban on offshore drilling, prices started coming down.
I'm not a bit surprised. This whole gas thing is killing my budget. And I've known all along that it IS all about the money.
Yes, we have been used and abused again. Just like Enron. Just like New Century. Just like IndyMac. Just like a whole lot of other big business that sees a way to gouge more money out of the American public.
Nothing new here.
There is NO reason why gas is so high, except for speculation on the oil market and the oil companies making the maximum amount of money off the backs of the American consumers. Yes, record profits. Just like Enron.
Now, don't get me wrong.
I still think that the speed limits should be lowered to 60 and that those limits should be enforced. Or at least enforce the 65mph speed limits we already have in place.
We should still continue to explore and promote solar, wind and nuclear power. Every little bit counts.
I still want a Mercedes 240D converted to veggie oil. (A diesel Rabbit or Volvo will also do nicely. Or an old diesel Datsun/Nissan. I'm not into looks, I'm into economy!!)
Just because prices are dropping, doesn't mean that we shouldn't anticipate the next big jump in prices. They will come.
Gas prices are dropping. But for how long, and how low will they go?
And will the US government look into the monopoly of the oil companies?
No, no they won't.
So the American consumer, like always, will carry the load.
Bush may give us the incentive rebates, but we will continue to pay so many hidden taxes in the goods, oil, food that we buy, it really won't make a bit of difference in the long run.
Honesty is the best policy?
Not in politics.
Trust me, gas prices are dropping, but we will continue to pay. And pay. And pay.
After all, this is America. Land of the free. Home of the brave. The land of "tax them until they drop" and then baffle them with BS. Repeat as needed.
Yes, gas prices are dropping.
And we're still going to get screwed...
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Banks, Banks and More Banks
Two more banks, 1st National Bank of Nevada and First Heritage Bank, in Nevada, Arizona and California, were taken over by the FDIC on Friday. Luckily for their customers, the banks will reopen on Monday as Mutual of Omaha Bank branches. Customers can still write checks and access funds with their ATM cards.
And IndyMac is defunct.
My best friend's mortgage is with IndyMac. I told her not to worry, the Feds will sell it off to some other bank. Despite all the dire news about mortgages and real estate, historically, as long as she can hang in there and make her payments, she'll be OK in the long run. She's struggling though.
I'm struggling too. I am having a really hard time right now. I had some unexpected expenses and am struggling to get my bills all paid on time. (I don't feel bad about my Internet bill though, I have dial up and pay $15 a month. It pays for itself with the stuff I sell online.) Between the mortgage and high gas costs, it's just hard right now.
I am not alone.
In my case, I was sort of duped into the loan I have right now. I HAD to refi, my mortgage had reset. I was doing OK except my [insert bad words here] contractor didn't finish the remodel in a timely way. So instead of being able to refi around the end of October as planned, I wasn't able to refi until MAY!!
Anyway, to add injury to insult, the mortgage company sent out an appraiser that vastly undervalued my property, so I wasn't able to get the loan I needed. (How do I know? I was trying to get a loan with my credit union and the appraiser valued the property $20,000 higher. I was ONE POINT too low on my FICO, so I didn't qualify for that good loan I wanted. Plus, I have a copy of my next door neighbor's appraisal, a smaller house, not as updated, that was $50,000 higher!! HELLO???)
So, I had to start the whole process again with another company. Then, I was dicked around until the last minute. I had no more money for a third appraisal or to start the process again. I was forced to take the loan I was offered, a much less desirable product. And then, to top it off, I was told that this loan would include the escrow account. NOT!
Again, at the very last minute, when I had no more choices, I was told that no, the payment did not include the escrow.
I was screwed and thus, back against the wall, I signed the paperwork.
I can hardly wait to refi again and as soon as I'm able, prepayment penalty or not, I am so out of this loan. I will NEVER do business with this company again. Never, ever, ever.
I am not alone.
I have talked to a number of people who've been pushed into the corner like I was, and then had a choice of refi or the mortgage payment would jump out of their reach. So they did what they had to do for the moment.
I am praying that this big bailout that Bush is supposed to sign this weekend will be the salvation, not for the companies, who deserve nothing but contempt for the way they've treated their customers, but for the consumers.
All I want is to refi one last time, get into a fixed rate loan, set up an automatic payment plan and get my finances back on track.
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I was told I could set up an automatic payment plan. NOT! It's not an option with the loan I have. I discovered that lie when I went online to check it out. Dang it all!!
Lies, lies and more lies.
No wonder banks and mortgage companies are going under. The weight of those lies is sucking them under.
My loan isn't with the banks that just went under, thank the good Lord. My mortgage company has managed to stay afloat -- so far.
And I will pull through this financial mess. The market will recover, there are already signs that houses ARE selling in my area. The market will stay flat for a while, but my house is actually still valued at close to what I owe, so I'm better off than many consumers.
My friend still has equity, so she is also better off than most.
But we'll still struggle for a while longer. As Jesus told us, through storms we shall pass.
The operative word is "PASS".
Links:
SFGate.com: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/25/financial/f214032D65.DTL
FDIC: www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2008/pr08063.html
1st National Bank of Nevada: http://www.fnbaonlinehb.com/
First Heritage Bank: http://www.firstheritage.net/
Bush signs housing rescue bill: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/23/financial/f143741D94.DTL
Details of the bill: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/23/national/w123421D90.DTL
And IndyMac is defunct.
My best friend's mortgage is with IndyMac. I told her not to worry, the Feds will sell it off to some other bank. Despite all the dire news about mortgages and real estate, historically, as long as she can hang in there and make her payments, she'll be OK in the long run. She's struggling though.
I'm struggling too. I am having a really hard time right now. I had some unexpected expenses and am struggling to get my bills all paid on time. (I don't feel bad about my Internet bill though, I have dial up and pay $15 a month. It pays for itself with the stuff I sell online.) Between the mortgage and high gas costs, it's just hard right now.
I am not alone.
In my case, I was sort of duped into the loan I have right now. I HAD to refi, my mortgage had reset. I was doing OK except my [insert bad words here] contractor didn't finish the remodel in a timely way. So instead of being able to refi around the end of October as planned, I wasn't able to refi until MAY!!
Anyway, to add injury to insult, the mortgage company sent out an appraiser that vastly undervalued my property, so I wasn't able to get the loan I needed. (How do I know? I was trying to get a loan with my credit union and the appraiser valued the property $20,000 higher. I was ONE POINT too low on my FICO, so I didn't qualify for that good loan I wanted. Plus, I have a copy of my next door neighbor's appraisal, a smaller house, not as updated, that was $50,000 higher!! HELLO???)
So, I had to start the whole process again with another company. Then, I was dicked around until the last minute. I had no more money for a third appraisal or to start the process again. I was forced to take the loan I was offered, a much less desirable product. And then, to top it off, I was told that this loan would include the escrow account. NOT!
Again, at the very last minute, when I had no more choices, I was told that no, the payment did not include the escrow.
I was screwed and thus, back against the wall, I signed the paperwork.
I can hardly wait to refi again and as soon as I'm able, prepayment penalty or not, I am so out of this loan. I will NEVER do business with this company again. Never, ever, ever.
I am not alone.
I have talked to a number of people who've been pushed into the corner like I was, and then had a choice of refi or the mortgage payment would jump out of their reach. So they did what they had to do for the moment.
I am praying that this big bailout that Bush is supposed to sign this weekend will be the salvation, not for the companies, who deserve nothing but contempt for the way they've treated their customers, but for the consumers.
All I want is to refi one last time, get into a fixed rate loan, set up an automatic payment plan and get my finances back on track.
Oh, yeah, I almost forgot. I was told I could set up an automatic payment plan. NOT! It's not an option with the loan I have. I discovered that lie when I went online to check it out. Dang it all!!
Lies, lies and more lies.
No wonder banks and mortgage companies are going under. The weight of those lies is sucking them under.
My loan isn't with the banks that just went under, thank the good Lord. My mortgage company has managed to stay afloat -- so far.
And I will pull through this financial mess. The market will recover, there are already signs that houses ARE selling in my area. The market will stay flat for a while, but my house is actually still valued at close to what I owe, so I'm better off than many consumers.
My friend still has equity, so she is also better off than most.
But we'll still struggle for a while longer. As Jesus told us, through storms we shall pass.
The operative word is "PASS".
Links:
SFGate.com: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/25/financial/f214032D65.DTL
FDIC: www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2008/pr08063.html
1st National Bank of Nevada: http://www.fnbaonlinehb.com/
First Heritage Bank: http://www.firstheritage.net/
Bush signs housing rescue bill: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/23/financial/f143741D94.DTL
Details of the bill: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/07/23/national/w123421D90.DTL
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Jesse, Shut Up!!
Attn: Jesse Jackson
Dude, you must be getting old. To actually think that a mike is turned off? OMG, dude, what were you thinking? Haven't you walked this road before?
And to talk mess about Obama on top of it?
OK, Jesse, what is up?
I find it hard to believe that you did this "by accident". What was your goal? Why are you trying to undercut Obama? What are you trying to distract the American public from?
Jesse, since MLK's death, you've been working to stay in front of America's cameras. Yes, I do want to believe that your intentions were and are good. You have done many good things in the past. You've brought attention to many important issues that may well have been swept aside without your efforts to expose the truth.
But dude, a whole lot of people remember what happened that sad day when MLK was murdered. You were NOT with him, next to him, on that balcony. But you sure ran to get in front of the cameras. You tried to jump up into MLK's place with a story that was blatantly untrue. People still hold that against you.
Jesse, if you want Obama to win, you need to shut up!
Yes, you heard me. Shut up and sit down and let the man work the crowds. He doesn't need your help. Hard as it may be for you to accept, he knows EXACTLY what he's doing and he doesn't need you trying to pump up the volume.
Obama is the new wave, the wave of the future. Whether he wins or loses, America is talking. America is taking note of the new Black man.
Obama is the face of Black America right now.
Jesse, shut up and let the man work!!
Dude, you must be getting old. To actually think that a mike is turned off? OMG, dude, what were you thinking? Haven't you walked this road before?
And to talk mess about Obama on top of it?
OK, Jesse, what is up?
I find it hard to believe that you did this "by accident". What was your goal? Why are you trying to undercut Obama? What are you trying to distract the American public from?
Jesse, since MLK's death, you've been working to stay in front of America's cameras. Yes, I do want to believe that your intentions were and are good. You have done many good things in the past. You've brought attention to many important issues that may well have been swept aside without your efforts to expose the truth.
But dude, a whole lot of people remember what happened that sad day when MLK was murdered. You were NOT with him, next to him, on that balcony. But you sure ran to get in front of the cameras. You tried to jump up into MLK's place with a story that was blatantly untrue. People still hold that against you.
Jesse, if you want Obama to win, you need to shut up!
Yes, you heard me. Shut up and sit down and let the man work the crowds. He doesn't need your help. Hard as it may be for you to accept, he knows EXACTLY what he's doing and he doesn't need you trying to pump up the volume.
Obama is the new wave, the wave of the future. Whether he wins or loses, America is talking. America is taking note of the new Black man.
Obama is the face of Black America right now.
Jesse, shut up and let the man work!!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
The Number One Concern Is The Economy
Huh?
The number one concern of American voters was Iraq.
Now it's the economy.
Not to be suspicious, but have you noticed that whenever the government wants to distract the American voter from an issue, the media starts broadcasting massive missives on another pressing topic?
What are they trying to distract us from now?
Suddenly, Bush's "war" isn't the top of the news, it's all about the economy. Gas prices, the stock market, food prices going up, the tomato/salmonella thing (look people, someone was using uncomposted chicken poop as fertilizer, WASH your veggies!), and the usual assortment of murders and crime.
I can't figure where this would help the Republicans, unless it's a ploy to distract us from something else that's even worse.
Of course, as Dad says, the news is all about the bad, and if the media can't find something bad to report, it'll make something up.
Or dredge something up from the past.
Speaking of, did you see that the news was actually reporting the anniversary of the OJ Simpson slow chase in Los Angeles? Like we really care about it??? Man, it really must've been a slow news day to bring that one up.
Or, being a tad paranoid, was it yet another chance to bring up the topic, "rich Black man did crime and got away with it", thereby making all rich Black men look bad? In fact, making ALL Black men look like they have the potential for violence?
Yes, you may think that my thoughts are a little on the paranoid side.
Well, our government has proven time and time again that there is NO hesitation to lie to the American public. Just this past week, it was reported that a POW from the Korean War was buried in China. Despite all previous declarations by our government and China that all POWs were returned and none were buried in China.
Me? Paranoid? Hmmmm.....
Maybe.
Then again, maybe I have a better nose for BS than the average American.
(Oh, and that UFO/Roswell/Area 51 thing, puleeze people, the government tested many, many experimental planes, some of which were triangle shaped. Check out the book World's Worst Aircraft by Bill Yenne and then tell me about funny shaped unidentified flying objects. Don't buy into everything you read. Even if I say it!!)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
If We Had Any Quality Candidates...
Yes, that's what my Dad said.
He's a die-hard Republican. Yet, he's not happy with his choices for President.
He won't vote anything but Republican, but he's not happy with McCain. I didn't really ask him why, but I suspect if he'd heard about McCain divorcing his first wife because he's a cheating man, that could be a BIG reason.
My Dad has little tolerance for a man who cheats on his wife. He's honest to a fault, BRUTALLY so.
If the die-hard Republican in the family is unhappy with our choices of candidates, what then for the rest of us?
If we had any quality candidates...
An interesting phrase from a man who votes a straight Republican ticket.
Change is coming. I can see it, feel it, smell it in the wind.
I don't know what it's going to be, but maybe next time around, in the next Presidential campaign, even Dad will see some quality candidates. Because I think Obama is going to be our first officially Black President.
(I know, you're saying, "Officially Black? Huh?" Do some research my friends, we've already had some "closet" Brothers as President. http://www.diversityinc.com/public/1461.cfm)
And the Republicans are going to have to make some changes in order to try to regain the Presidency.
The next four years are going to be very interesting.
Change is coming!
He's a die-hard Republican. Yet, he's not happy with his choices for President.
He won't vote anything but Republican, but he's not happy with McCain. I didn't really ask him why, but I suspect if he'd heard about McCain divorcing his first wife because he's a cheating man, that could be a BIG reason.
My Dad has little tolerance for a man who cheats on his wife. He's honest to a fault, BRUTALLY so.
If the die-hard Republican in the family is unhappy with our choices of candidates, what then for the rest of us?
If we had any quality candidates...
An interesting phrase from a man who votes a straight Republican ticket.
Change is coming. I can see it, feel it, smell it in the wind.
I don't know what it's going to be, but maybe next time around, in the next Presidential campaign, even Dad will see some quality candidates. Because I think Obama is going to be our first officially Black President.
(I know, you're saying, "Officially Black? Huh?" Do some research my friends, we've already had some "closet" Brothers as President. http://www.diversityinc.com/public/1461.cfm)
And the Republicans are going to have to make some changes in order to try to regain the Presidency.
The next four years are going to be very interesting.
Change is coming!
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