I cannot believe that I logged onto T-Mobiles site to pay my bill to find that I am being coerced into signing up for paperless billing or be penalized with an extra charge each month and while I'm sure there are enough media drones on to regurgiate the "environmental impact" of paper being used and mail being delivered (God forbid we live in such a society with a reliable maling service and print ink on paper) I'm not happy about this. As a consumer I'm appalled and regardless of one's opinion on the matter as a consumer we should all be appalled.
I called T-Mobile to complain the moment I received this notice and was told by their Customer Service Representative that I cannot cancel my contract without an early termination fee. I was also told by T-Mobiles CSR that every other wireless provider charges for billing as well. Both were lies.
1) Under section 5 of the Terms & Conditions states: If we (T-Mobile) materially modify these T&Cs in a way that is materially adverse to you (me, the consumer), or if a change increases your set monthly recurring charge(s), we will provide you with at least 30 days notice and you may terminate your service without an early termination fee by notifying us within 30 days after reception of said notice.
Not only is my set monthly bill going to be more than originally agreed upon this change does adversely affect me as I am opposed for political reasons among others.
2) I visited Sprint's website and was told by their online CSR that they do not charge for receiving your bill in the mail. I'm told by those who have Cingular and Verizon that they are not charged for receiving their bill in the mail either.
So on both counts I was lied to by T-Mobile.
Everyone who is oppossed to this, which as a consumer how can anyone not be: Cancel now as after 30 days of notice it is assumed you accepted the new T&Cs.
Should T-Mobile get away with this new fine what will be next? Not only will other companies follow suit but T-Mobile and others will become more rash and emboldened in levying new fees towards their consumers. End it now.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Blind Investments
Life is nothing but a journey of hope as there is no perfect life and without perfection we are left with the hope of a better tomorrow. Rich or poor, loved or hated, we all share the element of hope. The hope for a good closing of your stock, the hope for that winning scratcher, the hope that our loved ones will make it home safe or the hope that maybe we might find someone to love us tomorrow. No matter the path one walks the hope for tomorrow is alive for the absence of hope is the absence of life.
Nothing is certain and all is ever changing, in an instant our life can be taken or degraded. Quality is of greater value than that of quantity. The smoker may be scorned and may be condemned to a shorter life but if that life is of greater quality than the life that is deprived who is the winner in the end. Life is a challenge of making choices, choices that may result in fortune or ruin so we hope in the end that our choice made is the best though we are never for certain. To assume certainty is to assign yourself to ignorance.
The certainty that all is calm or will be resolved based on the hope invested in a single individual is nothing less than certain ignorance. Hope invested in the faith of others is hope wasted. You can hope in nothing more than your own self and the will of the Lord for all else will leave you forsaken in this world.
Blind faith without reason is throwing caution to the wind. Our world is filled with venom and deceit, trust is not something to be handed out lightly for not even in the beginning ages of our world was trust a commodity not first earned. To put trust, faith, and hope in any individual you must first be certain of the nature and characteristics of said individual which cannot be merely assumed.
Many of us have put our faith and hope and trust into a single man whose true character we have never seen in the light. In a stretch of not yet a full season we have witnessed numerous contradictions, preemptive profiling of our brethren, derogative statements aimed at the each of us, mass dissipation of worth we do not possess, hostile seizures of our industries and blatant maneuvers to farther polarize our society with the worse yet to come. We must also not forget the wasteful quarter million dollars, more actually, to frighten Manhattan residents as well as the additional burden placed on the smoking community.
In the times to come we can expect to see a take over of what will soon become our internet “privileges” as Congress allots full authority over the net into the hands of the individual occupying the Oval Office with no oversight that includes, but not limited to, full access to all internet databases as well as the power to shut us all out of the net at any whim. We may also be subjected to taxes when shopping online from across state lines which could result in doubled taxes for online purchases and most certainly drive small businesses off the net.
Additionally, our cost of living will continue to rise rapidly as we experience an undue hike in energy costs that will affect us at home and on the road as well as at the grocery store, we may even be looking at a tax on our individual mileage. We may also lose our right to work if big unions get their way which will also result in our $3 box of cereal rising to $6, as the difference is here in California between Wal-Mart and the unionized grocery stores.
America has blindly invested their hope in a man they did not know and still do not know today. America has handed out their trust as if it’s plentiful and valueless, which for some of us it may very well be but our nation, our accustom to living is most certainly not valueless nor plentiful as there is no other nation in this world that allots you the same freedoms as does America. To carelessly put our nation and our lifestyle into the hands of a single majority with a radical agenda to bring it all to pasture is a grave mistake.
For those of us who have retained our faith and not handed it out we can find solace in that faith knowing that the Lord shall see us through and provide all we might need no matter what destruction may lie ahead. As faith can move a mountain perhaps our faith may even move those making the decisions to use wisdom rather than haste, but let us not lose sight of replacing those who've failed us in coming election cycles as we need to regain control of our government, of our nation, of our lives.
We the people, in God we trust. Not the government nor in politicians we trust.
Nothing is certain and all is ever changing, in an instant our life can be taken or degraded. Quality is of greater value than that of quantity. The smoker may be scorned and may be condemned to a shorter life but if that life is of greater quality than the life that is deprived who is the winner in the end. Life is a challenge of making choices, choices that may result in fortune or ruin so we hope in the end that our choice made is the best though we are never for certain. To assume certainty is to assign yourself to ignorance.
The certainty that all is calm or will be resolved based on the hope invested in a single individual is nothing less than certain ignorance. Hope invested in the faith of others is hope wasted. You can hope in nothing more than your own self and the will of the Lord for all else will leave you forsaken in this world.
Blind faith without reason is throwing caution to the wind. Our world is filled with venom and deceit, trust is not something to be handed out lightly for not even in the beginning ages of our world was trust a commodity not first earned. To put trust, faith, and hope in any individual you must first be certain of the nature and characteristics of said individual which cannot be merely assumed.
Many of us have put our faith and hope and trust into a single man whose true character we have never seen in the light. In a stretch of not yet a full season we have witnessed numerous contradictions, preemptive profiling of our brethren, derogative statements aimed at the each of us, mass dissipation of worth we do not possess, hostile seizures of our industries and blatant maneuvers to farther polarize our society with the worse yet to come. We must also not forget the wasteful quarter million dollars, more actually, to frighten Manhattan residents as well as the additional burden placed on the smoking community.
In the times to come we can expect to see a take over of what will soon become our internet “privileges” as Congress allots full authority over the net into the hands of the individual occupying the Oval Office with no oversight that includes, but not limited to, full access to all internet databases as well as the power to shut us all out of the net at any whim. We may also be subjected to taxes when shopping online from across state lines which could result in doubled taxes for online purchases and most certainly drive small businesses off the net.
Additionally, our cost of living will continue to rise rapidly as we experience an undue hike in energy costs that will affect us at home and on the road as well as at the grocery store, we may even be looking at a tax on our individual mileage. We may also lose our right to work if big unions get their way which will also result in our $3 box of cereal rising to $6, as the difference is here in California between Wal-Mart and the unionized grocery stores.
America has blindly invested their hope in a man they did not know and still do not know today. America has handed out their trust as if it’s plentiful and valueless, which for some of us it may very well be but our nation, our accustom to living is most certainly not valueless nor plentiful as there is no other nation in this world that allots you the same freedoms as does America. To carelessly put our nation and our lifestyle into the hands of a single majority with a radical agenda to bring it all to pasture is a grave mistake.
For those of us who have retained our faith and not handed it out we can find solace in that faith knowing that the Lord shall see us through and provide all we might need no matter what destruction may lie ahead. As faith can move a mountain perhaps our faith may even move those making the decisions to use wisdom rather than haste, but let us not lose sight of replacing those who've failed us in coming election cycles as we need to regain control of our government, of our nation, of our lives.
We the people, in God we trust. Not the government nor in politicians we trust.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Activist Judges, Yet Another Example
6th District Judge Peter D. McDermott in Eastern Idaho had a defendant's mouth duct taped shut due to his supposed outbursts in court. Not only is this a demonstration of the gross abuse of power these judges perform but to find out the defendant is possibly mentally unstable. This is no different than pushing someone because they're in your way despite that person being on crutches. If the defendant is incapable of controlling his outbursts why is he even in court and if the Judge can't tolerate the behavior of this defendant then perhaps it's time for McDermott's resignation.
I am not sure what charges are against the defendant other than that he was convicted for felony theft in 2008 and sentenced to treatment but after being released he apparently refused to take his medication which is a violation of his probation. To this I say: What about the homeless people? How many homeless people do we have running around our cities who are homeless by choice and pose a threat to society either by not taking their medication or just being mean-spirited? It's okay for the homeless to not take medication and to harass society, perhaps even endangering, but for this one guy it's an issue? I don't get that.
No less, the bigger issue is this judge having the defendants mouth taped shut. Judges are a public servant who are to mediate disputes free of any bias judgment, they are not there to humiliate, harass, intimidate or cause undue stress or hardship on those in the hearing.
Just as how Congress has gotten out of control as well as the White House Americans have allowed their judges to grow bigoted, selfish and self-righteous. Americans need to demand their voice back and reign in the tyranny of our government. From the oval office down to our city council our public servants need to be reminded of who they work for.
I am not sure what charges are against the defendant other than that he was convicted for felony theft in 2008 and sentenced to treatment but after being released he apparently refused to take his medication which is a violation of his probation. To this I say: What about the homeless people? How many homeless people do we have running around our cities who are homeless by choice and pose a threat to society either by not taking their medication or just being mean-spirited? It's okay for the homeless to not take medication and to harass society, perhaps even endangering, but for this one guy it's an issue? I don't get that.
No less, the bigger issue is this judge having the defendants mouth taped shut. Judges are a public servant who are to mediate disputes free of any bias judgment, they are not there to humiliate, harass, intimidate or cause undue stress or hardship on those in the hearing.
Just as how Congress has gotten out of control as well as the White House Americans have allowed their judges to grow bigoted, selfish and self-righteous. Americans need to demand their voice back and reign in the tyranny of our government. From the oval office down to our city council our public servants need to be reminded of who they work for.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Leave It To A Queer...
Miss USA has always, in my opinion, been politically charged if not downright bias as half the time the winner, in comparison to the other girls, wasn't as attractive or spirited which I contribute to it's decline in ratings. This last Miss USA pageant was no less political but the politics were overtly demonstrated during it's telecast when openly homosexual "blogger" Perez Hilton (/shiver) asked Miss California if she believes in same-sex marriage.
Carrie Prejean, Miss California, responding saying "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
/applaud
I cannot agree more. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, a bridge and groom, and no matter how many times Websters changes it's definition of marriage the tradition of this sacred, timeless union remains true: A bride and groom. Personally, and I know I'm not alone, I believe the same rights afforded to married couples needs to be extended to same-sex couples such as tax benefits and hospital rights.
Love is blind and the heart does not choose to whom ownership will be given. Given that honest fact and looking at love as two hearts entwined, as opposed to male and female as the heart does not discriminate against sexes, if two hearts come together in a solid union of faith, love and happiness why must the outward sex matter? It doesn't, it should not. But Marriage is a time-honored tradition of a sacred union between bride and groom. In some faiths it is a ritual.
Who is the gay community to come out in attack against marriage demanding it be redefined for their own political purposes? They are wrong and tyrannical as demonstrated by their hate-charged brigade following the passage of Prop 8 in California demonizing the Church of Latter-Day Saints as well as any supporters of the prop. There have been reports of vandalism and harassment of anyone who demonstrated supported and now this hateful movement is seeking the courts to overturn the will of the people which is an even greater problem as no court or government entity ought have the right to overturn the will of the people. In fact, that why this country was founded on and what our Constitution outlines.
Same-sex unions in the name of such is a good idea, a fair idea and necessary. But to redefine marriage, absolutely not, especially when the gay community has shown their intention of not wanting the same rights but to obstruct the sacredness of marriage. Same-sex unions have been proposed which homosexual activists shot down. For me and many other Americans it's about equality but for the gay community it's about robbing the public of their traditions.
Back to Miss USA... First of all, who is Perez Hilton to be a judge, and they wonder their ratings are falling (They always have incompetent, unqualified judges). I remember once this Hilton guy at Kitson to sign autographs, disgusting... I never thought there would ever be anyone more undeserving of fame than reality-TV "stars," looks like there is. And of course we can leave it to this openly gay "blogger" to overtly politicize the Miss America Pageant.
It shouldn't be of any surprise to anyone how the mainstream media feels about same-sex marriage (Personally I think they side with Obama and the rest of America but to garner the gay votes for their Liberal agenda they act as if they support same-sex marriage, just as how Obama pretended to support it during his campaign). What is odd though is how Hollywood lies in regards to same-sex marriage but then demonizes anyone who speaks to truth which Miss California did.
So, not only does this guy ask a question knowing there is a right and wrong answer in his mind and everyone elses but puts it at the same level of "saving the world" or some other goodwill mission that nobody would be opposed to. Those are the kind of questions asked at these pageants which of course this gives-gays-a-bad-name queer didn't seem to understand or purposely wanted to highlight same-sex marriage to advance the agenda or demonize this girl.
I give Carrie Prejean immense props as she had to know before she answered that she either sells herself out or speaks her beliefs and lose. Well done. There is much to be said about anyone who stands firm in their beliefs especially when faced with known consequences as Prejean has done.
Someone else who stands strong in her beliefs in front of heinous opposition is Sarah Palin. Anyone who will sell themselves out to get ahead such as Obama done during his campaign is nothing more than an opportunist with an ulterior motive. Palin, who stands next to her beliefs and won't be disheveled, we can trust to not sell us out as she is honest upfront.
Here's hoping for a Palin 2012 victory.
Carrie Prejean, Miss California, responding saying "We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite. And you know what, I think in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's how I was raised."
/applaud
I cannot agree more. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman, a bridge and groom, and no matter how many times Websters changes it's definition of marriage the tradition of this sacred, timeless union remains true: A bride and groom. Personally, and I know I'm not alone, I believe the same rights afforded to married couples needs to be extended to same-sex couples such as tax benefits and hospital rights.
Love is blind and the heart does not choose to whom ownership will be given. Given that honest fact and looking at love as two hearts entwined, as opposed to male and female as the heart does not discriminate against sexes, if two hearts come together in a solid union of faith, love and happiness why must the outward sex matter? It doesn't, it should not. But Marriage is a time-honored tradition of a sacred union between bride and groom. In some faiths it is a ritual.
Who is the gay community to come out in attack against marriage demanding it be redefined for their own political purposes? They are wrong and tyrannical as demonstrated by their hate-charged brigade following the passage of Prop 8 in California demonizing the Church of Latter-Day Saints as well as any supporters of the prop. There have been reports of vandalism and harassment of anyone who demonstrated supported and now this hateful movement is seeking the courts to overturn the will of the people which is an even greater problem as no court or government entity ought have the right to overturn the will of the people. In fact, that why this country was founded on and what our Constitution outlines.
Same-sex unions in the name of such is a good idea, a fair idea and necessary. But to redefine marriage, absolutely not, especially when the gay community has shown their intention of not wanting the same rights but to obstruct the sacredness of marriage. Same-sex unions have been proposed which homosexual activists shot down. For me and many other Americans it's about equality but for the gay community it's about robbing the public of their traditions.
Back to Miss USA... First of all, who is Perez Hilton to be a judge, and they wonder their ratings are falling (They always have incompetent, unqualified judges). I remember once this Hilton guy at Kitson to sign autographs, disgusting... I never thought there would ever be anyone more undeserving of fame than reality-TV "stars," looks like there is. And of course we can leave it to this openly gay "blogger" to overtly politicize the Miss America Pageant.
It shouldn't be of any surprise to anyone how the mainstream media feels about same-sex marriage (Personally I think they side with Obama and the rest of America but to garner the gay votes for their Liberal agenda they act as if they support same-sex marriage, just as how Obama pretended to support it during his campaign). What is odd though is how Hollywood lies in regards to same-sex marriage but then demonizes anyone who speaks to truth which Miss California did.
So, not only does this guy ask a question knowing there is a right and wrong answer in his mind and everyone elses but puts it at the same level of "saving the world" or some other goodwill mission that nobody would be opposed to. Those are the kind of questions asked at these pageants which of course this gives-gays-a-bad-name queer didn't seem to understand or purposely wanted to highlight same-sex marriage to advance the agenda or demonize this girl.
I give Carrie Prejean immense props as she had to know before she answered that she either sells herself out or speaks her beliefs and lose. Well done. There is much to be said about anyone who stands firm in their beliefs especially when faced with known consequences as Prejean has done.
Someone else who stands strong in her beliefs in front of heinous opposition is Sarah Palin. Anyone who will sell themselves out to get ahead such as Obama done during his campaign is nothing more than an opportunist with an ulterior motive. Palin, who stands next to her beliefs and won't be disheveled, we can trust to not sell us out as she is honest upfront.
Here's hoping for a Palin 2012 victory.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
USC: School of Intollerance
Katie Couric recently received a Walter Cronkite award for "excellency" in Journalism at a USC campus in Orange County for her interview with Sarah Palin... Odd considering how instead of interviewing Palin she simply kept asking the same question over and over and over and over and over again. I think the broken record is more deserving of this award that uses the word excellency lightly instead. Nonetheless, she received this award. Anyone surprised a "journalist" who puts her political faith before the art of reporting receives such an award from an obviously Liberal institution?
John Ziegler, a documentary film maker, was not invited to the event. His latest documentary explores how the media mistreated Palin, odd he wasn't invited. Zielger was at the event though to catch footage and ask questions as well as hand out free copies of his documentary regarding Palin to attendees when he was asked to leave. (You can view footage of this incident at the link below)
Ziegler was well within his right as he was not obstructing the peace nor the entryway and was indeed several feet away from the building as originally instructed (This award ceremony is apparently quite threatened by real journalism). Regardless of his total cooperation he was harrassed, intimidated, threatened, handcuffed and escorted off campus by law enforcement.
What did Ziegler do wrong? What did Ziegler do so wrong that not I nor you nor any other American wouldn't be guilty of? Is it illegal now to stand and observe? Are we barred from carrying cameras or asking questions or handing out pamphlets? If on a USC campus, apparently so.
No matter what one's political inclination might be this issue has nothing to do with politics. This issue is about you or I being harrassed by law enforcement agents for standing on a sidewalk as that is what happend to Ziegler who committed no more wrong than you or I. I am outraged.
Ziegler not only suffered injuries to his wrist from the rough treatment by these law enforcement agents but was eventually unhandcuffed as they knew he done no wrong. This was pure harrassment and intimidation and assault launched by USC and carried out by our tax funded, supposed, keepers of the peace and defenders of justice.
It should be of no surprise to anyone that just about every school in the nation (from elementary to grad school) is dominated by the political left. If this is news to you: Sorry you skipped on college, I hope you at least graduated high school. As for the rest of us, it can be a scary place.
A student was called a "bastard" and demeaned by his teacher for his speech in class about the Bible and his feelings of same-sex marriage right here at Los Angeles Valley College. We had a student tasered for trying to ask a question in Florida when John Kerry was speaking. And now journalists are being escorted off campus.
What age is this we live in? If it has become a crime to ask questions or speak your mind or stand on a sidewalk: What is acceptable behaviour? As far as I can see the only form of acceptable behaviour is to keep your mouth shut and remain placed where the government positions you.
Is this the "change" we wanted from Obama?
- View the video of harassment, intimidation, assault and arresst here.
- For Zieglers current work visit here.
John Ziegler, a documentary film maker, was not invited to the event. His latest documentary explores how the media mistreated Palin, odd he wasn't invited. Zielger was at the event though to catch footage and ask questions as well as hand out free copies of his documentary regarding Palin to attendees when he was asked to leave. (You can view footage of this incident at the link below)
Ziegler was well within his right as he was not obstructing the peace nor the entryway and was indeed several feet away from the building as originally instructed (This award ceremony is apparently quite threatened by real journalism). Regardless of his total cooperation he was harrassed, intimidated, threatened, handcuffed and escorted off campus by law enforcement.
What did Ziegler do wrong? What did Ziegler do so wrong that not I nor you nor any other American wouldn't be guilty of? Is it illegal now to stand and observe? Are we barred from carrying cameras or asking questions or handing out pamphlets? If on a USC campus, apparently so.
No matter what one's political inclination might be this issue has nothing to do with politics. This issue is about you or I being harrassed by law enforcement agents for standing on a sidewalk as that is what happend to Ziegler who committed no more wrong than you or I. I am outraged.
Ziegler not only suffered injuries to his wrist from the rough treatment by these law enforcement agents but was eventually unhandcuffed as they knew he done no wrong. This was pure harrassment and intimidation and assault launched by USC and carried out by our tax funded, supposed, keepers of the peace and defenders of justice.
It should be of no surprise to anyone that just about every school in the nation (from elementary to grad school) is dominated by the political left. If this is news to you: Sorry you skipped on college, I hope you at least graduated high school. As for the rest of us, it can be a scary place.
A student was called a "bastard" and demeaned by his teacher for his speech in class about the Bible and his feelings of same-sex marriage right here at Los Angeles Valley College. We had a student tasered for trying to ask a question in Florida when John Kerry was speaking. And now journalists are being escorted off campus.
What age is this we live in? If it has become a crime to ask questions or speak your mind or stand on a sidewalk: What is acceptable behaviour? As far as I can see the only form of acceptable behaviour is to keep your mouth shut and remain placed where the government positions you.
Is this the "change" we wanted from Obama?
- View the video of harassment, intimidation, assault and arresst here.
- For Zieglers current work visit here.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thanks Obama, Selling Out Smokers
Already early in his term as America's greatest error Obama has put us farther in debt with Pelosi's run away "spendulus" bill disguised as a "stimulus" that does nothing more than expand government's role of invading our personal life. Nobody read the bill, it was thrown together on a whim, and it has accomplished nothing other than digging us farther into a hole.
The bill allowed for bonuses to be given to AIG execs which considering their annual salary of $1, is this an issue, no. Was this even news to anyone who approved this bill? No, and if it was shame on them for not taking their job seriously, but it was indeed a Democrat, Chris Dodd (of Conn.), who guaranteed the bonuses. Again, amidst an annual salary of $1 is the bonus even an issue? No. What is an issue? Over half of our tax dollars being used to bail-out these companies for the sole purpose of unfreezing credit lines so Americans can begin consuming again going to overseas investments. But does anyone bring this up? No.
Now with the rabid spending out of the way, or just beginning (check out Obama's budget proposal), we have the Liberal hate machine attacking smokers.
Our cigarette prices recently gone up thanks to Obama signing a Left-sided bill that raises the federal tax on on a pack of cigarettes to over $1, a bill Bush has refused to sign into law. For what reasons are our cigarette taxes going up? Well, for one, the Democratic party doesn't appreciate the act of smoking (Yes, even weed, as Obama reiterated recently). The Democratic party doesn't condone you making your own decisions rather it be to smoke or eat McDonalds or consume transfat or even have a soda (Debra Ortiz, CA Senator, wants to raise taxes on soda, as does Democratic NY Governor Patterson).
Additionally, and this is of my own personal theory, the tobacco industry is a big money maker which generally derives from Red States. What else is a big money maker? The movie industry. Arts and Entertainment. That industry supports what states, California and New York, the two most Liberal states in the union that set the stage for all the other states who sell out. The auto industry makes big money too, or at least once upon a time, and that industry is too controlled by big union which gives them a Left bent. Is it just me or does it seem that any industry that makes money that isn't towards the Left quickly becomes a public enemy? Tobacco, fast food, "Chilies," and soda... Anything that is perhaps center-right becomes an issue with the Liberal media which, as most evident by our last Presidenital election, dictates how society will behave. Another public enemy is Wal-Mart. Why? Big money maker and certainly center-right which makes the company a prime target for the Liberal hate machine.
All the above: Cigarettes, Soda, Fast Food, Chilies-like restaurants and Wal-Mart not only reel a nice profit without proceeds going fully to left-wing causes but give everyone an option. While the rich, such as Pelosi and Obama, can dine wherever they like and be treated with respect and unwind however they desire, can the poor to average family do the same? No. But anyone, at one time, could afford the relaxing effects of a cigarette. Anyone could afford to make their meal extra special with a chilled soda of delicious flavors to complement their plate. The poor can eat out at their local fast food restaurant and the middle-class could do the same or visit their mid-range chain restaurant such as Chilies or Red Lobster. And of course, everyone can go to their local Wal-Mart super center and afford the essentials such as tooth paste and a brush as well as groceries for their family, unlike here in Los Angeles where we are deprived of Wal-Marts and must grocery shop at stores run by unions where any item you put in the cart will set you back at least $5. The employees at these union-run stores are unfriendly, unhelpful, and lazy as well; a total 360 of the type of work force you'd find at any Wal-Mart.
But of course, the entire goal of the Democratic party is to dictate your life which means depriving you of your right to choose. Rather it be through a flat-out ban or heavy taxes it makes no different to them as the law doesn't apply to the elite who enforce it (Look at Geitner or any other Obama pick) nor do the taxes cause them undue burden as it does for every other American citizen. I must digress, back to the topic at hand....
The Liberal media has most certainly succeeded in demonizing smokers, the tobacco industry, and employees of the tobacco industry. Smokers have been run out of restaurants, bars and hotels, run off of the sidewalk and even off the street, and now even out of their own cars and homes. When does it stop? Where does it stop? It doesn't, unless of course your Lindsay Lohan who can not only afford to pay the government 130+ percent in taxes but also be overlooked by the law based on social class, which given the misled outrage over the AIG bonuses, has Obama brought this country together or only sparked social warfare?
So first we have the largest single federal tax increase on a single product which oversteps the rights of the states in determining their own taxes so more select children, more than likely illegals, can farther drain our system and now we also have FDA regulation to look forward.
The House passed yet another bill that Bush threatened to veto that will not only give full government regulation of another private industry but will result in the ban of flavored tobacco (Possibly even menthol), more obscene warnings on packaging that undermine the freedom of the tobacco companies, and farther limit marketing. The FDA is already spread far too thin. How many products do you buy that states: Not FDA approved? Just about anything I pick up states this. Clearly they are overwhelmed and everyday we have new developments about XX causing heart attacks or "if you or a loved one" because the FDA clearly didn't do their job. And now they're going to be regulating tobacco?
Despite the obvious concerns listed above that come with the bill this will severly limit new product lines as they will have to go through the FDA to get approval, which is bogus. Even with the aids virus and cancer, even if there was a cure, which there is always some kind of development, how long will it take to reach the market? It'll probably be even longer for tobacco products.
We also got flavored smokes banned. We're going to have possibly new ingredients that may or may not suit current smokers. We're going to have even more invasive "warnings" on the packaging which isn't going to discourage anyone from smoking but rob the tobacco companies of their creativity. I'd like to see Hollywood sit back while all DVDs are released with a major WARNING covering half the cover about how sitting in front of the TV causes obsesity or laziness.
Also, already marketing options are severly limited for tobacco companies. They barely get away with magazine ads which I am sure will cease to exist soon. But the bigger concern is: What about alcohol? Why is it okay for alcohol to sponsor a race car or a sports arena or a concert but not tobacco? Anyone who tells you alcohol is less of a concern than tobacco is either a liar or ignorant. The Left wants to attack big tobacco companies but if they'd leave them be, if we could go back to where we were in the '90s, we could have nicer communities would tobacco be allowed to put their money in. But no. God forbid.
This bill has passed the House and is going to be introduced in the Senate by someone who probably should've been smoking instead of stuffing his face, Edward Kennedy. Kennedy who says tobacco is "the most lethal of all consumer products" obviously didn't get the memo about how dangerous transfat and McDonalds is or how many smokers, if not most, live a life no different than a non-smoker and many die at the same age as non-smokers as opposed to someone who drinks in a single night and either:
A) Car crash (Drove drunk and crashed or a victim of a drunk driver).
B) Alcohol poisoning.
C) Fall off a balcony, down some stairs, harrasses other patrons at a bar and gets tied to a barbed wire fence... The list is endless of how drinking can lead to immediate, or slow, death.
D) Cancer... Yes, alcohol can cause cancer of the throat just as how smoking can as well as in other areas.
E) Choke on tongue.
Of course drinking doesn't always lead to death but can also lead to an enlarged, inflamed nose and possibly even mental retardation, both evidenced by Edward Kennedy, as well as mass weight gain.
All this talk about America supposedly having an obsesity epidemic... Well, when people smoked we didn't have such an epidemic. People in Asia smoke, they ain't fat. People in Europe smoke, they ain't fat. Perhaps we need to bring cigarettes back as opposed to demonizing smokers and these attempts to rob the public of their cigarettes.
At the end, should this bill pass, it's just yet another government take over of the private sector in a bid by the Left to farther regulate our lives and deprive us of our right to make our own decisions. Those hurt the most by this unconstitutional legislation will of course be the poor, the number one of victim of the actions of the Left.
The bill allowed for bonuses to be given to AIG execs which considering their annual salary of $1, is this an issue, no. Was this even news to anyone who approved this bill? No, and if it was shame on them for not taking their job seriously, but it was indeed a Democrat, Chris Dodd (of Conn.), who guaranteed the bonuses. Again, amidst an annual salary of $1 is the bonus even an issue? No. What is an issue? Over half of our tax dollars being used to bail-out these companies for the sole purpose of unfreezing credit lines so Americans can begin consuming again going to overseas investments. But does anyone bring this up? No.
Now with the rabid spending out of the way, or just beginning (check out Obama's budget proposal), we have the Liberal hate machine attacking smokers.
Our cigarette prices recently gone up thanks to Obama signing a Left-sided bill that raises the federal tax on on a pack of cigarettes to over $1, a bill Bush has refused to sign into law. For what reasons are our cigarette taxes going up? Well, for one, the Democratic party doesn't appreciate the act of smoking (Yes, even weed, as Obama reiterated recently). The Democratic party doesn't condone you making your own decisions rather it be to smoke or eat McDonalds or consume transfat or even have a soda (Debra Ortiz, CA Senator, wants to raise taxes on soda, as does Democratic NY Governor Patterson).
Additionally, and this is of my own personal theory, the tobacco industry is a big money maker which generally derives from Red States. What else is a big money maker? The movie industry. Arts and Entertainment. That industry supports what states, California and New York, the two most Liberal states in the union that set the stage for all the other states who sell out. The auto industry makes big money too, or at least once upon a time, and that industry is too controlled by big union which gives them a Left bent. Is it just me or does it seem that any industry that makes money that isn't towards the Left quickly becomes a public enemy? Tobacco, fast food, "Chilies," and soda... Anything that is perhaps center-right becomes an issue with the Liberal media which, as most evident by our last Presidenital election, dictates how society will behave. Another public enemy is Wal-Mart. Why? Big money maker and certainly center-right which makes the company a prime target for the Liberal hate machine.
All the above: Cigarettes, Soda, Fast Food, Chilies-like restaurants and Wal-Mart not only reel a nice profit without proceeds going fully to left-wing causes but give everyone an option. While the rich, such as Pelosi and Obama, can dine wherever they like and be treated with respect and unwind however they desire, can the poor to average family do the same? No. But anyone, at one time, could afford the relaxing effects of a cigarette. Anyone could afford to make their meal extra special with a chilled soda of delicious flavors to complement their plate. The poor can eat out at their local fast food restaurant and the middle-class could do the same or visit their mid-range chain restaurant such as Chilies or Red Lobster. And of course, everyone can go to their local Wal-Mart super center and afford the essentials such as tooth paste and a brush as well as groceries for their family, unlike here in Los Angeles where we are deprived of Wal-Marts and must grocery shop at stores run by unions where any item you put in the cart will set you back at least $5. The employees at these union-run stores are unfriendly, unhelpful, and lazy as well; a total 360 of the type of work force you'd find at any Wal-Mart.
But of course, the entire goal of the Democratic party is to dictate your life which means depriving you of your right to choose. Rather it be through a flat-out ban or heavy taxes it makes no different to them as the law doesn't apply to the elite who enforce it (Look at Geitner or any other Obama pick) nor do the taxes cause them undue burden as it does for every other American citizen. I must digress, back to the topic at hand....
The Liberal media has most certainly succeeded in demonizing smokers, the tobacco industry, and employees of the tobacco industry. Smokers have been run out of restaurants, bars and hotels, run off of the sidewalk and even off the street, and now even out of their own cars and homes. When does it stop? Where does it stop? It doesn't, unless of course your Lindsay Lohan who can not only afford to pay the government 130+ percent in taxes but also be overlooked by the law based on social class, which given the misled outrage over the AIG bonuses, has Obama brought this country together or only sparked social warfare?
So first we have the largest single federal tax increase on a single product which oversteps the rights of the states in determining their own taxes so more select children, more than likely illegals, can farther drain our system and now we also have FDA regulation to look forward.
The House passed yet another bill that Bush threatened to veto that will not only give full government regulation of another private industry but will result in the ban of flavored tobacco (Possibly even menthol), more obscene warnings on packaging that undermine the freedom of the tobacco companies, and farther limit marketing. The FDA is already spread far too thin. How many products do you buy that states: Not FDA approved? Just about anything I pick up states this. Clearly they are overwhelmed and everyday we have new developments about XX causing heart attacks or "if you or a loved one" because the FDA clearly didn't do their job. And now they're going to be regulating tobacco?
Despite the obvious concerns listed above that come with the bill this will severly limit new product lines as they will have to go through the FDA to get approval, which is bogus. Even with the aids virus and cancer, even if there was a cure, which there is always some kind of development, how long will it take to reach the market? It'll probably be even longer for tobacco products.
We also got flavored smokes banned. We're going to have possibly new ingredients that may or may not suit current smokers. We're going to have even more invasive "warnings" on the packaging which isn't going to discourage anyone from smoking but rob the tobacco companies of their creativity. I'd like to see Hollywood sit back while all DVDs are released with a major WARNING covering half the cover about how sitting in front of the TV causes obsesity or laziness.
Also, already marketing options are severly limited for tobacco companies. They barely get away with magazine ads which I am sure will cease to exist soon. But the bigger concern is: What about alcohol? Why is it okay for alcohol to sponsor a race car or a sports arena or a concert but not tobacco? Anyone who tells you alcohol is less of a concern than tobacco is either a liar or ignorant. The Left wants to attack big tobacco companies but if they'd leave them be, if we could go back to where we were in the '90s, we could have nicer communities would tobacco be allowed to put their money in. But no. God forbid.
This bill has passed the House and is going to be introduced in the Senate by someone who probably should've been smoking instead of stuffing his face, Edward Kennedy. Kennedy who says tobacco is "the most lethal of all consumer products" obviously didn't get the memo about how dangerous transfat and McDonalds is or how many smokers, if not most, live a life no different than a non-smoker and many die at the same age as non-smokers as opposed to someone who drinks in a single night and either:
A) Car crash (Drove drunk and crashed or a victim of a drunk driver).
B) Alcohol poisoning.
C) Fall off a balcony, down some stairs, harrasses other patrons at a bar and gets tied to a barbed wire fence... The list is endless of how drinking can lead to immediate, or slow, death.
D) Cancer... Yes, alcohol can cause cancer of the throat just as how smoking can as well as in other areas.
E) Choke on tongue.
Of course drinking doesn't always lead to death but can also lead to an enlarged, inflamed nose and possibly even mental retardation, both evidenced by Edward Kennedy, as well as mass weight gain.
All this talk about America supposedly having an obsesity epidemic... Well, when people smoked we didn't have such an epidemic. People in Asia smoke, they ain't fat. People in Europe smoke, they ain't fat. Perhaps we need to bring cigarettes back as opposed to demonizing smokers and these attempts to rob the public of their cigarettes.
At the end, should this bill pass, it's just yet another government take over of the private sector in a bid by the Left to farther regulate our lives and deprive us of our right to make our own decisions. Those hurt the most by this unconstitutional legislation will of course be the poor, the number one of victim of the actions of the Left.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Financial Crisis Suicide
While companies that have benefited from the bailout plan are using our tax dollars to party (AIG, who received an additional $30+ billion in tax dollars) and coming down on consumers (home foreclosures, credit freezes, rising interest, no compassion for high debt/late payments), the American public is in a frenzy with no where else to turn but death.
It's a shame that when the people need their government the government is instead using our hard-earned income they acquired illegally through the unconstitutional federal income tax to reward those who are responsible for the mess we are in leaving only death for relief of those in distress.
If any of the tax payers dollars were going to be spent in assistance of our ailing economy it should've gone from the ground up, addressing the issue from it's point of origin: bad mortgages. The government should've bought up these bad home loans to allow families to remain intact without being uprooted to the streets. This would've benefited countless homeowners, families, and restore the gaps in our financial institutions.... A move denounced by Obama but supported by McCain.
John McCain's HOME Plan Will Keep 200,000 To 400,000 Families From Losing Their Homes. "But at the same time, McCain is calling for aggressive federal action to help keep 200,000 to 400,000 families from losing their homes. That plan has many of the elements of a proposal by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., requiring participating lenders to forgive part of the loan principal and then write a new loan that would be backed by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration." (Tom Raum, "Everyone's Invited: McCain Economic Plan Draws From Both Parties," Tucson Citizen, 4/17/08)
AP Report
An out-of-work money manager in California loses a fortune and wipes out his family in a murder-suicide. A 90-year-old Ohio widow shoots herself in the chest as authorities arrive to evict her from the modest house she called home for 38 years.
In Massachusetts, a housewife who had hidden her family's mounting financial crisis from her husband sends a note to the mortgage company warning: "By the time you foreclose on my house, I'll be dead."
Then Carlene Balderrama shot herself to death, leaving an insurance policy and a suicide note on a table.
Across the country, authorities are becoming concerned that the nation's financial woes could turn increasingly violent, and they are urging people to get help. In some places, mental-health hot lines are jammed, counseling services are in high demand and domestic-violence shelters are full.
"I've had a number of people say that this is the thing most reminiscent of 9/11 that's happened here since then," said the Rev. Canon Ann Malonee, vicar at Trinity Church in the heart of New York's financial district. "It's that sense of having the rug pulled out from under them."
With nowhere else to turn, many people are calling suicide-prevention hot lines. The Samaritans of New York have seen calls rise more than 16 percent in the past year, many of them money-related. The Switchboard of Miami has recorded more than 500 foreclosure-related calls this year.
"A lot of people are telling us they are losing everything. They're losing their homes, they're going into foreclosure, they've lost their jobs," said Virginia Cervasio, executive director of a suicide resource enter in southwest Florida's Lee County.
But tragedies keep mounting:
• In Los Angeles last week, a former money manager fatally shot his wife, three sons and his mother-in-law before killing himself.
Karthik Rajaram, 45, left a suicide note saying he was in financial trouble and contemplated killing just himself. But he said he decided to kill his entire family because that was more honorable, police said.
Rajaram once worked for a major accounting firm and for Sony Pictures, and he had been part-owner of a financial holding company. But he had been out of work for several months, police said.
After the murder-suicide, police and mental-health officials in Los Angeles took the unusual step of urging people to seek help for themselves or loved ones if they feel overwhelmed by grim financial news. They said they were specifically afraid of the "copycat phenomenon."
"This is a perfect American family behind me that has absolutely been destroyed, apparently because of a man who just got stuck in a rabbit hole, if you will, of absolute despair," Deputy Police Chief Michel Moore said. "It is critical to step up and recognize we are in some pretty troubled times."
• In Tennessee, a woman fatally shot herself last week as sheriff's deputies went to evict her from her foreclosed home.
Pamela Ross, 57, and her husband were fighting foreclosure on their home when sheriff's deputies in Sevierville came to serve an eviction notice. They were across the street when they heard a gunshot and found Ross dead from a wound to the chest. The case was even more tragic because the couple had recently been granted an extra 10 days to appeal.
• In Akron, Ohio, the 90-year-old widow who shot herself on Oct. 1 is recovering. A congressman told Addie Polk's story on the House floor before lawmakers voted to approve a $700 billion financial rescue package. Mortgage finance company Fannie Mae dropped the foreclosure, forgave her mortgage and said she could remain in the home.
• In Ocala, Fla., Roland Gore shot his wife and dog in March and then set fire to the couple's home, which had been in foreclosure, before killing himself. His case was one of several in which people killed spouses or pets, destroyed property or attacked police before taking their own lives.
"The financial stress builds up to the point the person feels they can't go on, and the person believes their family is better off dead than left without a financial support," said Kristen Rand, legislative director of the Washington D.C.-based Violence Policy Center.
Dr. Edward Charlesworth, a clinical psychologist in Houston, said the current crisis is breeding a sense of chronic anxiety among people who feel helpless and panic-stricken, as well as angry that their government has let them down.
"They feel like in this great society that we live in we should have more protection for the individuals rather than just the corporation," he said.
It's not yet clear there is a statistical link between suicides and the financial downturn since there is generally a two-year lag in national suicide figures. But historically, suicides increase in times of economic hardship. And the current financial crisis is already being called the worst since the Great Depression.
Rising mortgage defaults and falling home values are at the heart of it. More than 4 million Americans were at least one month behind on their mortgages at the end of June, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
A record 500,000 had entered the foreclosure process. And that trend is expected to continue through next year, despite the current programs from the government and the lending industry to refinance delinquent homeowners into more affordable loans.
Counselors at Catholic Charities USA report seeing a "significant increase" in the need for housing counseling.
One counselor said half of her clients were on some form of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. The agency has seen a decrease in overall funding, but it has expanded foreclosure counseling and received nearly $2 million for such services in late 2007.
Adding to financially tense households is an air of secrecy. Experts said it's common for one spouse to blame the other for their financial mess or to hide it entirely, as Balderrama did.
After falling 3 1/2 years behind in payments, the Taunton, Mass., housewife had been intercepting letters from the mortgage company and shredding them before her husband saw them. She tried to refinance but was declined.
In July, on the day the house was to be auctioned, she faxed the note to the mortgage company. Then the 52-year-old walked outside, shot her three beloved cats and then herself with her husband's rifle.
Notes left on the table revealed months of planning. She'd picked out her funeral home, laid out the insurance policy and left a note saying, "pay off the house with the insurance money."
"She put in her suicide note that it got overwhelming for her," said her husband, John Balderrama. "Apparently she didn't have anyone to talk to. She didn't come to me. I don't know why. There's gotta be some help out there for people that are hurting, (something better) than to see somebody lose a life over a stupid house."
It's a shame that when the people need their government the government is instead using our hard-earned income they acquired illegally through the unconstitutional federal income tax to reward those who are responsible for the mess we are in leaving only death for relief of those in distress.
If any of the tax payers dollars were going to be spent in assistance of our ailing economy it should've gone from the ground up, addressing the issue from it's point of origin: bad mortgages. The government should've bought up these bad home loans to allow families to remain intact without being uprooted to the streets. This would've benefited countless homeowners, families, and restore the gaps in our financial institutions.... A move denounced by Obama but supported by McCain.
John McCain's HOME Plan Will Keep 200,000 To 400,000 Families From Losing Their Homes. "But at the same time, McCain is calling for aggressive federal action to help keep 200,000 to 400,000 families from losing their homes. That plan has many of the elements of a proposal by Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., and Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., requiring participating lenders to forgive part of the loan principal and then write a new loan that would be backed by the federal government through the Federal Housing Administration." (Tom Raum, "Everyone's Invited: McCain Economic Plan Draws From Both Parties," Tucson Citizen, 4/17/08)
AP Report
An out-of-work money manager in California loses a fortune and wipes out his family in a murder-suicide. A 90-year-old Ohio widow shoots herself in the chest as authorities arrive to evict her from the modest house she called home for 38 years.
In Massachusetts, a housewife who had hidden her family's mounting financial crisis from her husband sends a note to the mortgage company warning: "By the time you foreclose on my house, I'll be dead."
Then Carlene Balderrama shot herself to death, leaving an insurance policy and a suicide note on a table.
Across the country, authorities are becoming concerned that the nation's financial woes could turn increasingly violent, and they are urging people to get help. In some places, mental-health hot lines are jammed, counseling services are in high demand and domestic-violence shelters are full.
"I've had a number of people say that this is the thing most reminiscent of 9/11 that's happened here since then," said the Rev. Canon Ann Malonee, vicar at Trinity Church in the heart of New York's financial district. "It's that sense of having the rug pulled out from under them."
With nowhere else to turn, many people are calling suicide-prevention hot lines. The Samaritans of New York have seen calls rise more than 16 percent in the past year, many of them money-related. The Switchboard of Miami has recorded more than 500 foreclosure-related calls this year.
"A lot of people are telling us they are losing everything. They're losing their homes, they're going into foreclosure, they've lost their jobs," said Virginia Cervasio, executive director of a suicide resource enter in southwest Florida's Lee County.
But tragedies keep mounting:
• In Los Angeles last week, a former money manager fatally shot his wife, three sons and his mother-in-law before killing himself.
Karthik Rajaram, 45, left a suicide note saying he was in financial trouble and contemplated killing just himself. But he said he decided to kill his entire family because that was more honorable, police said.
Rajaram once worked for a major accounting firm and for Sony Pictures, and he had been part-owner of a financial holding company. But he had been out of work for several months, police said.
After the murder-suicide, police and mental-health officials in Los Angeles took the unusual step of urging people to seek help for themselves or loved ones if they feel overwhelmed by grim financial news. They said they were specifically afraid of the "copycat phenomenon."
"This is a perfect American family behind me that has absolutely been destroyed, apparently because of a man who just got stuck in a rabbit hole, if you will, of absolute despair," Deputy Police Chief Michel Moore said. "It is critical to step up and recognize we are in some pretty troubled times."
• In Tennessee, a woman fatally shot herself last week as sheriff's deputies went to evict her from her foreclosed home.
Pamela Ross, 57, and her husband were fighting foreclosure on their home when sheriff's deputies in Sevierville came to serve an eviction notice. They were across the street when they heard a gunshot and found Ross dead from a wound to the chest. The case was even more tragic because the couple had recently been granted an extra 10 days to appeal.
• In Akron, Ohio, the 90-year-old widow who shot herself on Oct. 1 is recovering. A congressman told Addie Polk's story on the House floor before lawmakers voted to approve a $700 billion financial rescue package. Mortgage finance company Fannie Mae dropped the foreclosure, forgave her mortgage and said she could remain in the home.
• In Ocala, Fla., Roland Gore shot his wife and dog in March and then set fire to the couple's home, which had been in foreclosure, before killing himself. His case was one of several in which people killed spouses or pets, destroyed property or attacked police before taking their own lives.
"The financial stress builds up to the point the person feels they can't go on, and the person believes their family is better off dead than left without a financial support," said Kristen Rand, legislative director of the Washington D.C.-based Violence Policy Center.
Dr. Edward Charlesworth, a clinical psychologist in Houston, said the current crisis is breeding a sense of chronic anxiety among people who feel helpless and panic-stricken, as well as angry that their government has let them down.
"They feel like in this great society that we live in we should have more protection for the individuals rather than just the corporation," he said.
It's not yet clear there is a statistical link between suicides and the financial downturn since there is generally a two-year lag in national suicide figures. But historically, suicides increase in times of economic hardship. And the current financial crisis is already being called the worst since the Great Depression.
Rising mortgage defaults and falling home values are at the heart of it. More than 4 million Americans were at least one month behind on their mortgages at the end of June, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
A record 500,000 had entered the foreclosure process. And that trend is expected to continue through next year, despite the current programs from the government and the lending industry to refinance delinquent homeowners into more affordable loans.
Counselors at Catholic Charities USA report seeing a "significant increase" in the need for housing counseling.
One counselor said half of her clients were on some form of antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication. The agency has seen a decrease in overall funding, but it has expanded foreclosure counseling and received nearly $2 million for such services in late 2007.
Adding to financially tense households is an air of secrecy. Experts said it's common for one spouse to blame the other for their financial mess or to hide it entirely, as Balderrama did.
After falling 3 1/2 years behind in payments, the Taunton, Mass., housewife had been intercepting letters from the mortgage company and shredding them before her husband saw them. She tried to refinance but was declined.
In July, on the day the house was to be auctioned, she faxed the note to the mortgage company. Then the 52-year-old walked outside, shot her three beloved cats and then herself with her husband's rifle.
Notes left on the table revealed months of planning. She'd picked out her funeral home, laid out the insurance policy and left a note saying, "pay off the house with the insurance money."
"She put in her suicide note that it got overwhelming for her," said her husband, John Balderrama. "Apparently she didn't have anyone to talk to. She didn't come to me. I don't know why. There's gotta be some help out there for people that are hurting, (something better) than to see somebody lose a life over a stupid house."
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