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No Obama Money Here!

A couple of weeks ago,  the media in Detroit were filming people showing up at Cobo Hall to stand in line for assistance with their energy bills.  One woman gave a keen insight to why all these people showed up on a typical fall day in Detroit.  This is Obama money, you know the money he has in his stash and that's why we voted him into office.  Obviously the woman must have confused Obama with another politician,  William J "cold cash" Jefferson who actually had some money stashed in his freezer.  They must believe that all Democrats have freezers filled with cash and Obama is the one "nice" Democrat who is going to share.  They are right on one count.  It wouldn't be a surprise to know that Democrats are hiding their "cold cash" in many unique places.  After all there are a couple of tax evaders in the White House right now.  But, and here is the important point,  it is  doubtful that any one of the Democrats are willing to share their pile of dough.  They will stick their fingers into other people's wallet to help the needy. 
The media's coverage of the line at Cobo was typical.  Bland questions,  poor victims and isn't this a shame to see in this day and age.  Yes, it is a shame.  It's a shame that healthy able body people are not working.  It is a shame that when  people are finally able to pay the current energy bill,  the next one may be higher due to new regulations from cap and trade.  It is a shame that no one is questioning what happens when Obama decides he has no more money to throw around.  It is obvious that Detroit is Obama's kind of town.  He is looking for citizens who are dependent on the government for everything.  Here, thanks to the likes of Conyers and Kilpatrick,  he has found a willing group to go along with this plan.   Wait for the Obama Energy Bill Lottery to come to your town.  It will be electrifying.
When will the country come to the point to realize that Obama money is the equivalent to Monopoly money.  It isn't worth the paper it is printed on.  Ask China, they are getting  a little upset with the way Obama is handling the economy and driving the dollar down.  As a state, Michigan has 15.3 % unemployment, with Detroit leading the pack with the highest unemployment among Michigan cities.  It is at a staggering 17% as of August 2009.   Seems logical that Obama money is not the solution to the problem. If Detroit politicians were smart,  they would see that the real solution is JOBS.    It causes one to stop and think,  would the same people lining up for Obama money to pay their electric bills be willing to stand in line for a job?  Or have things really gotten so bad that they  have given up on being self-sufficient and decided it's better to let someone else take care of them? 
It is disturbing to see  that Detroit has been chosen to be a test pilot for handouts.   Once as a proud city that put America on wheels and  pride in becoming the best blue collar city in America.  Good paychecks, good homes and a good life.  Immigrants from all over the world came to the city to find their American Dream.  Many found it and in return gave so much more back to the city.  Detroit is now reduced to a welfare city where everyone wants their own entitlements from the government.  Welfare checks,  run down homes,  and broken dreams are part of Detroit's bleak picture.  Where has the pride in Detroit gone?  For the citizens of Detroit, and all of Michigan, it far better for them to want "My Money" and be independent.  Free to buy the whatever the heart desires or to save for the golden years.   "Obama Money" can't promise a golden future.  How sad that Detroit has given up on themselves and their future.
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Taking Michigan BACK!

How does one begin a blog that will definitely be viewed as negative and depressing?  Perhaps to cushion the blow just a touch with the assurance that all is not lost in Michigan or in America.  There are signs that the citizens are waking up to smell the coffee but there is so much to do in order to take back our country and our way of life.  In the last blog,  Michigan was discussed as the model or prototype of a welfare state.  What can and will happen if Obama Hope passes through Washington.  The cynic could say that Governor Jennifer Granholm collaborated with the Democrats and volunteered Michigan to be the state where all the socialist experiments would be tried first before going National.  However, that would entail that they would have known eight years ago that Obama would be president.  Great conspiracy theory, if one is into that.  However, today's blog aims at finding solutions.  If Michigan can be save,  so can the rest of America.  This is an offer to the Republican party to use Michigan as the state that almost failed but found it's way back, better and stronger.  Will they take this offer?  If they don't, then there must be other leaders out there who will be willing to step up to the plate and help bring life back into a dying state. 
Granholm's administration is touting the fact that they are turning Michigan into a "green" state.  Bringing in industries that would help Michigan become a leader in green-technology.  This all sounds good and even practical.  Given the fact that the sole industry that Michigan ever relied upon was the auto industry.  There are problems with this industry.  The technology to create the green energy has not been fully developed.  It is similar to when the first car was built.  The very first car was black, and could only go so fast.  Ford had to fine tune the vehicle before mass producing it, which meant he had to find a why to do so efficiently.  Thus he came up with the assembly line.  All these details into developing an industry don't  happen over night.  Usually they take years.  That is why when Granholm says proudly we will be the leader in green technology, she is also saying  under her breath, while crossing her fingers, "yes but the industry will not provide jobs for another  eleven years!"  The time to develop a new industry in a state is when economically there are other industries thriving.  The private sector would have the time and resources needed to create a strong foundation for an emerging industry.  Needless to say, this is another slam against the auto industry.  For years,  the government has piled legislation after legislation to force the auto companies to comply with "environmental" standards.  For an industry that was having problems financially this was the death notice.  Federal regulations equals more money spent on research. Money that GM or Chrysler did not have to spend.  
What is needed at this point in Michigan is JOBS.  There is no time to try to build an industry from scratch and hope that in eleven years there will still be people here left to employ.  With the number of citizens fleeing the state,  you would think the Governor would think of a more timely solution.  There are a couple of cream of the crop businessmen who should be invited to sit down to find ways to make Michigan economically solid. It wouldn't hurt to turn to the private sector and feel them out for solutions now.   As a matter of fact, it makes perfect sense.  The private sector is the money maker  not the government. 
Jobs are created by small and large businesses.  First the tax system that penalizes small business owners should be stripped away.  When business have money, they hire people. Additionally, when taxes and regulations are not oppressive it  invites new businesses to open shop.  Basic economic 101,  stimulate growth.  Now, the Democrats will contend that this is too simple of a plan.  If they strip away regulations and taxes, why that would hurt the government.  Actually, it helps the government because if the employment rate is up, there are more people contributing monetarily into the system.   What Democrats and some moderate Republicans are really afraid of is that they will lose power if  the burden of taxes and regulations are lifted from the private sector. 
Secondly,  governmental spending and waste has got to stop.  It is up to the citizens of Michigan to stand up and say "NO MORE".  When the first batch of Michiganders left for greener pastures,  Granholm first response was to raise taxes.  Have to make up for what was lost.  Apparently when a person becomes a politician or elected official they have no concept of making ends meet with the resources that you have.  The Middle class has had that painful lesson taught to them for eight years.   The state's budget at the moment is still up in the air.  At one point there was a threat that the state government would have to close down if  deadlines were not met.  With how inefficient this state government has been for the past eight years,  the citizens of Michigan should have been celebrating with a government shut down,  lawmakers could do no further harm.  If Michiganders will stand up and show the rest of the country what it takes to make lawmakers accountable when it comes to taxpayers money, there may be hope that it can be done in Washington to stop the Obama madness. Frankly, it comes down to voting the bums out.  This state and country can no longer tolerate men and women whose interests are lining their own pockets.  
Lastly,  this will be the hardest to accomplish but not impossible.  Take over Detroit.  The city has been run by crooks and croonies for too long.  Republicans need to take back the city in order to make it a power house economically again.  The city council has made a mockery of how to govern a city.  Let's not mention the Mayor who disgraced his position.  All of  the members who are currently serving should be asked to resign or be voted out next election.  This will take a major effort to educate the citizens of Detroit that it is to their benefits to have a thriving city and what it would take to make it thriving again.  It takes responsible leadership,  businesses who want to be part of he community and the citizens to be active participants in making this a reality.  All three  have got to come together.  Those who want to see this happen are welcome to stay.  Those who don't,  get out.  To put it bluntly,  it is time to make Detroit one of  the jewels in Michigan's crown.  
Governor Granholm,  and President Obama move out the way please.  Michigan does not need handouts.  It needs hurdles removed to make way for  progress.  Boy,  does Michigan need it now more than ever! 
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Corporate greed versus Government Greed

Corporate greed is bad.  It is everywhere and once Americans notice it, all companies must be scrutinized, investigated, taxed and bullied out of existence.  At least that is the picture that the media often presents when reporting on the big bad companies.  To hear them belly ache and complain about corporations, CEO's and capitalism one would think that  Average Joe is suffering needlessly under the feet of the Three Big C's.   Lucky for Average Joe,  One Big Government is bigger, bolder and bossier.  The type of government that squashes ingenuity, hope and prosperity.  Isn't Average Joe lucky to have One Big Government as a friend?  Truth of the matter is, Average Joe is being told a lie and the proof is in One Big  Government's greedy spending.  If it weren't so sad, it would be comical. 
An excellent source to refer to for tracking government waste is Citizens Against Government Waste, a nonpartisan group which tracks the spending of the Government.  Their website is filled with interesting facts and alerts to the taxpayers of how money is being wasted in government.  It is truly a treasure trove of accurate facts.  The 2009 Pig Book Summery details how greedy government is when they collect taxes and spend it on frivolous things.  It's isn't called Pig book for nothing it is filled with pork.  This book would make the Average Joe hope to see the Big Bad Wolf come along and not only ruin all the homes of the little piggies but huff away all the pet projects that have fed the little piggies' appetite.  Mich
One example of how frivolous the spending is comes from Senator Carl Levin, (D-Michigan), and his pals  Senator Debbie Stabenow (D- Michigan.  Michigan voters pronounce her name as  Senator Stab-me-now) and  House appropriator Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Michigan and also the former Detroit Mayor, Kwame's mother) , who spent $951,500 for downtown Detroit energy efficient street lighting.  Yes,  that 's right.  Detroit residents need better street lighting to see what a mess the City Council has done to the city, not to mention what a marvelous job Governor Granholm has done to the rest of the state.  For the sake of argument, the Democrats could argue that Detroit really needed to update the lighting so that the City saves money on lighting.  Okay,  but how is this a FEDERAL issue?  It's not.  This should be taken up with local or state money.  Oops!  Average Joe in Michigan is stuck with incompetent life long politicians running the city and state.  As a side note,  Detroit does not look any brighter or better with the almost million dollars spent on the city's behalf.   It looks grayer and ghostly. 
From the land of the Fruits and Nuts, and another state whose finances are so bad that a life preserver won't even save them, is an example of how stupid people can be when given lots of money.  Representative Howard Berman (D-California) has secured for his constituents, Providence Holy Cross Foundation, $200, 000 for their tattoo removal violence prevention program in Mission Hills.  What does this mean?  Seriously,  does this program help those who have gotten a tattoo under violent circumstances?  What do these people say when applying to get their tattoo removed?  "It was horrible.  Three guys strapped me down, smacked me till I was senseless and then when I woke up I had a butterfly tramp stamp! Please help me get it removed It's getting hard to explain to girls that a tramp stamp is manly!"  Is there a way to come up with an argument for this spending.  Actually no,  it defies all logic.    What is truly sad is just when you think Boxer and Pelosi have been in sun way too long, someone else comes along and proves that there is always someone more brain dead by the California sun. 
  Out of the Omnibus Appropriations Act,  Rep Rahm Emanuel (D-Illinois)  and Rep Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) were able to secure $95,500 for the Kohl Children's Museum where children could be entertained by such exhibits as  "doll day care, face paint and a discovery maze. This almost makes one think that Emanuel has a heart and really is a warm, lovable guy.  Not really, since this is the same schmuck who says that the best way to get what you want is to get it during a crisis.  Putting this aside, one has to ask some really tough questions regarding this project. Just a thought,  but how does this provide jobs for the city of Chicago?  Why is this a concern for the Federal Government?  And last but not least,  since the deceased adults get to vote in Chicago's election, do their deceased children get to go the museum to enjoy the exhibits too?  Of course, the last question is stupid and absurd. However, to liberals anything goes and so why not ask the insane question.  
Let's not just pick on the Democrats, because as voters well know, Republicans are also known to do stupid things  Quick example, Senate Appropriator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) spent $238,000 for the Alaska PTA in Anchorage to educate parents in their roles and responsibilities under the No Child Left Behind Act.  Average Joe of Alaska could be convinced that Senator Murkowski is just supporting President Bush's agenda.   Sort of like killing two birds with one stone.  She makes constituents happy and the Republicans think they have a party loyalist.  However,  why are Alaskan parents so incompetent that they do not know what role they play in their children's education?  Better yet,  why is the Senator neglecting to reach out to home school parents, private school parents and charter school parents?  Better yet,  why is the Senator spending so much money to interfere in how parents raise their children?  That seems to be real question.  Any takers on answering these questions? 
This is just a brief list of some of the ways that the One Big Government has been spending and greedily asking for more money from the taxpayers.  It is enough to make Average Joe lay awake at night worrying about what will show up in 2010 Pig Book.  Lots more of the same to be sure.   America is slowly becoming the land of no opportunities.  It is not Corporate Greed that should be to blame for the current state of affairs.  The blame rests on the government.  What is the solution?  Write to the President, your congressman, your senators and whoever else will listen to remind them that as a taxpayer, a voter,  and a citizens of the United States,  you are their boss and they must take the actions that you want.  Stop the insane spending.  Stop government greed.  Stop the attack on the American economy.    As for the media,  let them know your opinions too.  They must be reminded that if America businesses fail, so do they!  Their existence depends on a healthy economy.  Their existence relies on the Big C's whether they like it or not. 
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What went wrong in Detroit

The Big Three have gone to D.C. again to plead their case for a loan.  While the big wigs in Congress are wringing their hands and putting the auto executives on the hot seat,  at home, Detroiters are wondering what is going to happen next.  For the past couple of months there have been no clear answers to what went wrong with the Big Three.   Oh, sure  everyone is pointing fingers at everyone, but there are no clear answers or clear solutions.  It may help to trace back the origins to see how this mess got rolling and thus built up momentum to the point that it is ready to steam roll over everyone associated with  the industry.  
Some pundits have said that if the Big three would just make cars that people would want to buy, part of the problem would be solved.  WRONG.   People don't have the money to buy cars or they are waiting for things to get better before getting a new vehicle.  Let's face it, if your car is working pretty well, why replace it unless it is a necessity.  Take a look at the sales foreign car manufacturers, they are all down.  So the theory that the Big Three does not make cars people like is bogus.  The foreign auto makers sales should be up, but they're not.  The reason why car sales are down is largely due to the fact that the economy didn't turn bad over night, it was gradual.  As the stock market started to shake a little,  consumer confidence was down and the gas prices skyrocketed.  All these factors together didn't cause the total melt down of the Big Three, but it sure didn't help. 
Another cry from Congress and others,  the Auto Executives make too much money.  WRONG. How much should an executive be paid to run a multi million dollar company?  There is  a lot of responsibility at the top, not to mention that these men and women worked their way up to get to that position.   So who is really getting paid too much?  The autoworkers in the factories. The average pay is $28.00 per hour, that does not include the health care benefits, the overtime, vacation which brings the figure up to $33.65.  This wage is for workers who did not go to college,  did not learn a specialized skill, and in most cases do not move up the ladder, but do the same job, with the same task day in day out.  So why  is it that they deserve this amount of money?  If someone can explain that, besides the Union thugs, that would be one of this world's greatest mysteries solved. Please, do not add in that the workers have families, that is not a reason to pay them that much.   For years, the executives have been blasted for sending jobs overseas.  Can you blame them?  When  the cost of the  employees keep going up, the cost of dealing with specific government regulations are added on, not to mention taxes.  Why build an expensive car in the United States when you can build the same car cheaper in another country?   Don't  blame the Executives for the money they make, they are at the top.  They should get paid big bucks.  Blame the unions who acted like thugs and literally put a gun to all three companies demanding the wages for the workers when no other company in their right mind would give that kind of wages.  Ask anyone who works for Toyota. 
The Unions want to help out the Big Three and they are only in it to help the "workers"  WRONG.  The unions are what got Detroit in this problem.  They have become corrupt,  greedy and political. Union dues do not go back to the workers or help them in anyway.  They go to political parties and groups that support the thuggery that is the Unions.  Anytime there is a Democrat candidate,  the unions always put their nasty face in and demand that their members vote Democrat.  They are in bed with dirty politics and they will stay there until their demise.  What would be nice to see is if Congress says that they will give the bridge loan on the condition that the UAW and all unions would be disbanded. A pipe dream, for sure.  It will never happen but it should. The Unions have done more to damage the American workforce than any law legislation could.  They demand more pay for less production. If there is a fault in this statement,  let it be proven wrong with good solid evidence.  Warning:  it may take forever and a day to find it because it just is not out there. 
Finally, what went wrong with Detroit, is that the same government that the Big Three are turning to is the same one that piled on all the restrictions, the  taxes and worker demand on them. RIGHT.  The United States Government, especially the Democrats who are so cozy with the unions,  save the earth extremist and anyone who hates capitalism, have created this path for the Big Three to fail.  It was disheartening to  hear the CEO of GM, Rick Wagoner apologize and state that GM made mistakes.  The congressmen, every single one of them, gloated.  Watching the spectacle unfold on the news, the running line under the congressmen should haver read,  "Oh, wonderful the executives are taking the blame so no one can point at  us."   The one problem with the Big Three going to the Government is that it's like an abused spouse going back to the abuser.  Take the slaps, hits and insults  in order to get what is needed to survive.  This is what has become of the Big Three and Detroit. 
Should the Bridge loan be approved?  Yes but it is not going to be the "lifeline" this great city and industry needs. It will take much more than that.  Ford, GM and Chrysler  have made an industry that has not only kept Detroit running but also America.  If we want to see them succeed,  it has to start from the bottom up.  American consumers should support American companies by not only buying products that are made by Americans but also by demanding that congress get out of the companies way and let them do what they know how do do best.  We have been the best at designing cars that everyone in the world wants, it is time to reclaim that title.  Let this be the first consumer's voice to rise up and tell congress to stop standing in the way of progress, ingenuity and the creation of the American automobile. 
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