The problem that faces the country today can be tied to greed and lack of oversight
Greed not only in our corporate executive but throughout government as well.
If our Federal Government was an actual business it would be looking for a bailout as well.
Here are a few ideas for reform at the top
Campaign Finance Reform
During the last campaign over $5 Billion was spent by candidates to basically buy their way into office.
The two candidates running for President spent $1.2 Billion on their campaigns alone.
Now what type of example does that set?
People do not have enough money to put food on the table but we can afford to spend $5 Billion on campaign expenses.
And to add insult to injury many local campaigns actually receive matching funds that come from you guessed it the taxpayers.
Matching funds were originally instituted to even the playing field but obviously that has not worked.
Maybe we should limit the amount of money allowed to be spent on campaigns at various levels.
Don’t you think that $5 Billion is a little excessive?
If they are going to go after corporate executives for excessive spending they should hold the mirror up to themselves as well.
Between the spending and the time spent away from their official responsibilities our elected officials are no better then their Wall Street counterparts.
Reform has to start at the top.
Government Spending
Do you remember the scene in “Dave” where he sits with his cabinet to come up with money to save a day care center?
He asks the question “Why do we keep paying companies for services not delivered”?
That’s what we need to do at all level of government.
Discontinue contracts to companies that have not delivered and distribute them to other eligible companies.
The same needs to be done with grant recipients
Don’t let these companies and recipients walk away without delivering.
Once we begin showing more accountability in government maybe we will get some in corporate America.
Do As I Say Not As I Do
Unfortunately many of our elected officials do not practice what they preach.
We have Congressman who besides two private homes also has multiple rent stabilized apartments
We have an Attorney General who is going after corporate excesses while accepting up to $50,000 contributions from these same people to attend his birthday party.
These are just two examples.
There are many others
How are people supposed to take what they say seriously?
Who Has The Authority?
Government has created so many agencies that operate with little or no oversight.
In New York we have the Authorities,
From the MTA to the PA these independent agencies basically make up there own rules.
They expand way past their original responsibilities and when they get into fiscal trouble the taxpayer is the one who pays.
The MTA is a perfect example as to why we need to eliminate the Authorities.
Just last year they raised fares with the promise of extra service.
Having not delivered on any of the promises they are now asking for additional fare increases as well as subsidies from the city.
An agency that has repeatedly been accused of hiding profits with questionable bookkeeping practices is basically allowed to do what it pleases and answers to no one.
You can get similar stories from all of the Authorities and government created agencies.
Where do the billions in tolls collected by the TBA go?
Why is the PA even involved in buildings such as the World Trade Center?
And we would love to talk about all the other agencies such as the LMDC but we just don’t have the time.
Where Do We Go From Here
We all know that we are in for some tough times.
Most of us are resigned to the fact that taxes will rise.
Paying taxes is a fact of life but when your taxes are raised to cover mismanagement and governmental excess it is a bitter pill to swallow.
Why should we be called on to bail government out if they are not doing their part?
Tomorrow Some Possible Solutions
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Creativity can solve almost any problem
Creativity can solve almost any problem
The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.
George Lois
As every new day seems to unveil another major financial collapse many have become increasingly worried.
Banks, financial institutions, the major auto manufacturers one by one they are failing.
Executives of these companies have walked away with millions and left their employees and investors holding the bag.
The ones that remain are now counting on the government to bail them out.
A government that is already trillions of dollars in debt.
If this was any other country in the world, the end would surely be in site
But if the history of America has proven anything it is that you can never underestimate the ingenuity and resolve of Americans.
And while we have allowed a small percentage of our population bring us to the edge of financial ruin it will be the majority of the hard working people that will bring us back.
It’s not going to be the executives, it is not going to be the elected officials and it is definitely not going to be the bankers
As Mark Twain once said “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
For too long we have allowed bankers and banker types run this country.
And they have run it into the ground.
It is time for the American people to demand a change.
We need to stop the recycling of executives and elected officials.
By the way we keep bringing the same people back one would think this was the NBA or the NHL.
Hey here’s a guy who just ran Home Depot into the ground lets hire him to run Ford.
Over 75% of Congress has been in place during this debacle and what do we do?
We elect them all again and watch them point fingers at each other as the Dow hits lows it hasn’t seen in years.
We need to change the mentality from Washington to Wall Street.
If the government is bailing companies out then limit the salaries of the executives.
If they complain let them find other jobs as there are certainly thousands of others who would gladly step in.
Bonuses for these Government subsidized companies should only be granted if the company turns a real profit.
And all bonuses should be paid in stock options exercisable after five years to encourage sustainability.
Also any government subsidized company should not be allowed to pay for lobbyists as that would definitely create a conflict of interest.
And back on Capital Hill.
We should push for a “Political Pre-Nup” to hold our elected officials accountable. (See below for details)
And hold all government agencies to the same scrutiny.
And you can start with Few Emergencies Managed Adequately
As this agency has been following the same corporate strategy as our friends on Wall Street.
With no bid contracts and mismanagement millions have been denied the disaster assistance they needed.
And if it weren’t for the unlimited government checkbook they would be bankrupt as well.
Let the local grassroots get involved as they know what is need where it is needed and when it is needed.
There are thousands of great organizations that have helped millions while operating on shoe string budgets.
When is the last time the government even considered some of these programs?
If we are going to get back on track this is where it needs to start.
But it will only work if “We the People” are involved.
Tune in tomorrow for some creative ideas.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
The creative act, the defeat of habit by originality, overcomes everything.
George Lois
As every new day seems to unveil another major financial collapse many have become increasingly worried.
Banks, financial institutions, the major auto manufacturers one by one they are failing.
Executives of these companies have walked away with millions and left their employees and investors holding the bag.
The ones that remain are now counting on the government to bail them out.
A government that is already trillions of dollars in debt.
If this was any other country in the world, the end would surely be in site
But if the history of America has proven anything it is that you can never underestimate the ingenuity and resolve of Americans.
And while we have allowed a small percentage of our population bring us to the edge of financial ruin it will be the majority of the hard working people that will bring us back.
It’s not going to be the executives, it is not going to be the elected officials and it is definitely not going to be the bankers
As Mark Twain once said “A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.
For too long we have allowed bankers and banker types run this country.
And they have run it into the ground.
It is time for the American people to demand a change.
We need to stop the recycling of executives and elected officials.
By the way we keep bringing the same people back one would think this was the NBA or the NHL.
Hey here’s a guy who just ran Home Depot into the ground lets hire him to run Ford.
Over 75% of Congress has been in place during this debacle and what do we do?
We elect them all again and watch them point fingers at each other as the Dow hits lows it hasn’t seen in years.
We need to change the mentality from Washington to Wall Street.
If the government is bailing companies out then limit the salaries of the executives.
If they complain let them find other jobs as there are certainly thousands of others who would gladly step in.
Bonuses for these Government subsidized companies should only be granted if the company turns a real profit.
And all bonuses should be paid in stock options exercisable after five years to encourage sustainability.
Also any government subsidized company should not be allowed to pay for lobbyists as that would definitely create a conflict of interest.
And back on Capital Hill.
We should push for a “Political Pre-Nup” to hold our elected officials accountable. (See below for details)
And hold all government agencies to the same scrutiny.
And you can start with Few Emergencies Managed Adequately
As this agency has been following the same corporate strategy as our friends on Wall Street.
With no bid contracts and mismanagement millions have been denied the disaster assistance they needed.
And if it weren’t for the unlimited government checkbook they would be bankrupt as well.
Let the local grassroots get involved as they know what is need where it is needed and when it is needed.
There are thousands of great organizations that have helped millions while operating on shoe string budgets.
When is the last time the government even considered some of these programs?
If we are going to get back on track this is where it needs to start.
But it will only work if “We the People” are involved.
Tune in tomorrow for some creative ideas.
It's Time For A Political Pre-Nup
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43838
Monday, November 24, 2008
WHAT'S $20 MILLION AMONG FRIENDS?
Another day another bailout.
As you have probably heard Congress has agreed to extend the bailout to Citigroup and will be taking over their toxic investments to the tune of $21 Billion.
I might be a cynic but I would have to think that the $20 million that Citigroup pays its Washington lobbyists every year might have something to do with them making the cut.
Maybe the Big Three auto firms need to get themselves better lobbyists.
The whole thing just continues to spin out of control.
One by one these corporations that have never given the consumer a break are getting bailed out.
Maybe Citigroup, Amex and all the other credit card companies might have thought about lowering their rates to give their clients a chance to get back on their feet.
No not them, and these are the same people asking and getting bailouts from the Government.
When did we lose control?
New York State is just as bad.
It continues to let the Authorities to run amok with little or no oversight.
Now it’s the MTA cutting service and raising rates with a tin can in hand up in Albany.
How soon before the TBA and the PA follow suit?
Authorities that were created to circumvent the system with specific objectives.
The MTA to manage subways and buses.
The PA to manage the ports.
The TBA to manage the bridges.
But we allowed these Authorities to branch out into real estate and investments with public money.
What has that have to do with bridges, subways and ports?
Why is the World Trade Center part of the Port Authority?
What does the tallest structure in New York have to do with the ports?
But in the future if they ever get it rebuilt and find that they have no tenants the government will be asked to either subsidize the building or move government employees from perfectly fine buildings into the site.
And the carousel of insanity continues.
And they wonder why we are going broke.
As you have probably heard Congress has agreed to extend the bailout to Citigroup and will be taking over their toxic investments to the tune of $21 Billion.
I might be a cynic but I would have to think that the $20 million that Citigroup pays its Washington lobbyists every year might have something to do with them making the cut.
Maybe the Big Three auto firms need to get themselves better lobbyists.
The whole thing just continues to spin out of control.
One by one these corporations that have never given the consumer a break are getting bailed out.
Maybe Citigroup, Amex and all the other credit card companies might have thought about lowering their rates to give their clients a chance to get back on their feet.
No not them, and these are the same people asking and getting bailouts from the Government.
When did we lose control?
New York State is just as bad.
It continues to let the Authorities to run amok with little or no oversight.
Now it’s the MTA cutting service and raising rates with a tin can in hand up in Albany.
How soon before the TBA and the PA follow suit?
Authorities that were created to circumvent the system with specific objectives.
The MTA to manage subways and buses.
The PA to manage the ports.
The TBA to manage the bridges.
But we allowed these Authorities to branch out into real estate and investments with public money.
What has that have to do with bridges, subways and ports?
Why is the World Trade Center part of the Port Authority?
What does the tallest structure in New York have to do with the ports?
But in the future if they ever get it rebuilt and find that they have no tenants the government will be asked to either subsidize the building or move government employees from perfectly fine buildings into the site.
And the carousel of insanity continues.
And they wonder why we are going broke.
Happy Thanksgiving
Dear Friends
As we enter this Holiday Season, there is no better time to reflect and be grateful for our friends, family and health. Please accept our gratitude and good wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Someone passed this on to me and I thought I would share it
The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time............
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Also, please take the time during this holiday season to remember those less fortunate....
Happy Thanksgiving
Your Friends at Where to Turn
As we enter this Holiday Season, there is no better time to reflect and be grateful for our friends, family and health. Please accept our gratitude and good wishes to you and your loved ones for a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Someone passed this on to me and I thought I would share it
The Best Prayer I Have Heard In A Long Time............
Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Also, please take the time during this holiday season to remember those less fortunate....
Happy Thanksgiving
Your Friends at Where to Turn
Friday, November 21, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........PART II
Back in June we posted the following:
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43174
Take a few moments and read the article below to learn a little more about how the process works and why we cannot get proper care.
LHI scrutinized for handling of 9/11 responder insurance, care
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/11/16/news/02medical1116.txt
Business as usual as the connected get richer at the expense of those in need
IT'S NOT WHAT YOU KNOW.........
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=43174
Take a few moments and read the article below to learn a little more about how the process works and why we cannot get proper care.
LHI scrutinized for handling of 9/11 responder insurance, care
http://www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/11/16/news/02medical1116.txt
Business as usual as the connected get richer at the expense of those in need
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
