Ok this is getting ridiculous. So they say that any attack on them will be met with an "unimaginable response" and then they threaten to block the Straight of Hormuz. I know most people are in a fret about this because it would make gas go up another few bucks a gallon....oooohhhh...it's already $4, might as well hit $6. Let's make this interesting! Well here's what I have to say to Iran...
DO IT!!!
Block the SoH. Continue to piss off Israel. Continue to make threats to the U.S.A. One of these days you're going to write a check you can't cash and you're all out of Overdraft Protection. PLEEEEEEEEASE do it. I'm very willing to pay $6, $7, heck even $10 a gallon for a little while while Iran works their way into the "Ancient Civilizations" chapter of high school history books courtesy of the U.S.A, Israel and lord knows many other countries. At least we'll be paying for a show instead of just paying more for gas. I'm tired of this and I think the markets are as well. That's obvious considering a futures contract for a barrel of oil, dated December 2016, is selling for $136. That's scary.
So if anybody in the Iranian gov't read this...please...block the SoH. Do whatever crazy tactics you want to pull. It will be to our benefit.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Time for the U.S.A to split?
So after reading several articles today about oil and the future of this country, right now they are related at a more than comfortable level, I said to myself, "self, when do you think we will start to see articles about the U.S.A. splitting into two nations?" Then I said..."Why wait! I'll go ahead and say it!" So without further ado...
If you know anything about ancient civilizations then you know that at some point, all come to an end. This is proof that stupid people have been around for all of time and an indication that they are not going anywhere soon so we're just waiting on the next big stupid person to mess up a great thing. Have he/she already done so? I think so...but it was a collection of stupid people instead of one person. Anyways, a lot of people in their older ages (over 60/70) will tell you that they have lived through the best years the U.S.A has to offer and I fully agree with them judging by the lack of leadership that continues to show in D.C. as well as the upcoming youth of America. This makes me ponder a situation that I know will not happen but can't think of a good reason as to why it shouldn't.
What if the U.S.A. split into two nations. Of course we'd have to get beyond the details such as how the country would be geographically split and such but say that was handled in a non-violent matter...how would that work? My thought is taking America as it was say 10 years ago and they remain under the great name of the U.S.A. and then they Obama-ites can have their own country to "change" what they wish. We'll call it Bozoland for sake of differentiation in this story. My proposal is very simple here.
U.S.A - Remains as is, implement the Fair Tax, allow people to choose their education sources, block off illegal immigrants. Done. Those 3 simple changes fix most of our current problems. Maybe not directly, but trust me, if you understand the great affect that those three topics have on the country, then you understand why. I could make this server run out of physical storage space if I get into how those three subjects affect almost everything in this country. I'm sure you're saying "but how does that solve gas prices?". Well that was taken care of when we geographically split. See, since Bozoland citizens love to be reliant upon the current Oil Lords, we were given the necessary oil-rich lands to become self-sufficient. Also, since the huge crowd of power-hungry politicians was reduced because of the Fair Tax, there is no longer a silent blockade on alternative sources of energy so we are well on our way to becoming free from oil. I know, you're really impressed with my level of thinking right now...it's understandable. So now we have a country where capitalism is favored, rewarded, and encouraged and that is the crutch of the country. All other good things follow suit. This U.S.A. place becomes well on it's way to having the best quality of life on this planet again.
Now we have Bozoland. Bozoland - If we have any say in it, this will consist of California, Oregon, and Washington. If possible we will transplant most of the northeast to this location as well. What about the beautiful Northwestern shoreline us U.S.A. citizens will loose out on? Well, you can either visit Bozoland or travel else where. But remember, to visit Bozoland you will be required to pay all kinds of ridiculous taxes that they will have implemented so you may find it cheaper to go elsewhere...kind of like the situation corporations are facing now in the current U.S.A. Anyways, Bozoians can do whatever they heck they want. They can "change" anything, it will basically become a socialist country. Use your imagination to create the perfect Bozoland in your mind.
So now we have these two nations. I'd say that initially 60% of the current population, excluding illegals, will go to the new U.S.A. The other 40% will think Bozoland will be the best thing since welfare but they will be wrong. After maybe a year, things will degrade rapidly and then probably around 50% will wish to move to America. BUT...what they don't know is we wont let them...I don't even think going through our strict immigrations procedures will they be allowed. They spat on us so we will not allow America to become the old America. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt...not going back. If they want to fight...let them...but they won't. They will want to negotiate or something. At that point we will probably just destroy them all and call it a day...similarly fashioned to the way we did away with Iran. Except we may do it in a manner that does not destroy the land...land is land and they quit manufacturing it a long time ago. (***Subliminal Investment Tip***) Of course this is assuming Bozoland has not already self-destructed and killed off each other.
So anyways, that's my idea of splitting off. Now it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. (That will be a little harder to do now that Starbucks is closing 600 of its stores. They say it's due to less consumer spending...sorry I don't buy it. Your telling me that a Starbucks addict quit spending $40 a month on coffee in favor of gas before they reduced their monthly savings by $40 to continue to buy Starbucks....WHATEVER!!! I'm no fool. Most Starbucks customers would axe the money from their savings in order to not give up their necessary Starbucks fix. That's how most American's work.) This plan will probably not happen because it would be cool. BUT...at the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if it did. I'm sure back in 1750 some dude just like me was writing on his crappy paper with his ink pen about how it would be cool if people finally got tired of the English rule and decided to go start their own country. And if my history serves me properly...it happened!
If you know anything about ancient civilizations then you know that at some point, all come to an end. This is proof that stupid people have been around for all of time and an indication that they are not going anywhere soon so we're just waiting on the next big stupid person to mess up a great thing. Have he/she already done so? I think so...but it was a collection of stupid people instead of one person. Anyways, a lot of people in their older ages (over 60/70) will tell you that they have lived through the best years the U.S.A has to offer and I fully agree with them judging by the lack of leadership that continues to show in D.C. as well as the upcoming youth of America. This makes me ponder a situation that I know will not happen but can't think of a good reason as to why it shouldn't.
What if the U.S.A. split into two nations. Of course we'd have to get beyond the details such as how the country would be geographically split and such but say that was handled in a non-violent matter...how would that work? My thought is taking America as it was say 10 years ago and they remain under the great name of the U.S.A. and then they Obama-ites can have their own country to "change" what they wish. We'll call it Bozoland for sake of differentiation in this story. My proposal is very simple here.
U.S.A - Remains as is, implement the Fair Tax, allow people to choose their education sources, block off illegal immigrants. Done. Those 3 simple changes fix most of our current problems. Maybe not directly, but trust me, if you understand the great affect that those three topics have on the country, then you understand why. I could make this server run out of physical storage space if I get into how those three subjects affect almost everything in this country. I'm sure you're saying "but how does that solve gas prices?". Well that was taken care of when we geographically split. See, since Bozoland citizens love to be reliant upon the current Oil Lords, we were given the necessary oil-rich lands to become self-sufficient. Also, since the huge crowd of power-hungry politicians was reduced because of the Fair Tax, there is no longer a silent blockade on alternative sources of energy so we are well on our way to becoming free from oil. I know, you're really impressed with my level of thinking right now...it's understandable. So now we have a country where capitalism is favored, rewarded, and encouraged and that is the crutch of the country. All other good things follow suit. This U.S.A. place becomes well on it's way to having the best quality of life on this planet again.
Now we have Bozoland. Bozoland - If we have any say in it, this will consist of California, Oregon, and Washington. If possible we will transplant most of the northeast to this location as well. What about the beautiful Northwestern shoreline us U.S.A. citizens will loose out on? Well, you can either visit Bozoland or travel else where. But remember, to visit Bozoland you will be required to pay all kinds of ridiculous taxes that they will have implemented so you may find it cheaper to go elsewhere...kind of like the situation corporations are facing now in the current U.S.A. Anyways, Bozoians can do whatever they heck they want. They can "change" anything, it will basically become a socialist country. Use your imagination to create the perfect Bozoland in your mind.
So now we have these two nations. I'd say that initially 60% of the current population, excluding illegals, will go to the new U.S.A. The other 40% will think Bozoland will be the best thing since welfare but they will be wrong. After maybe a year, things will degrade rapidly and then probably around 50% will wish to move to America. BUT...what they don't know is we wont let them...I don't even think going through our strict immigrations procedures will they be allowed. They spat on us so we will not allow America to become the old America. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt...not going back. If they want to fight...let them...but they won't. They will want to negotiate or something. At that point we will probably just destroy them all and call it a day...similarly fashioned to the way we did away with Iran. Except we may do it in a manner that does not destroy the land...land is land and they quit manufacturing it a long time ago. (***Subliminal Investment Tip***) Of course this is assuming Bozoland has not already self-destructed and killed off each other.
So anyways, that's my idea of splitting off. Now it's time to wake up and smell the coffee. (That will be a little harder to do now that Starbucks is closing 600 of its stores. They say it's due to less consumer spending...sorry I don't buy it. Your telling me that a Starbucks addict quit spending $40 a month on coffee in favor of gas before they reduced their monthly savings by $40 to continue to buy Starbucks....WHATEVER!!! I'm no fool. Most Starbucks customers would axe the money from their savings in order to not give up their necessary Starbucks fix. That's how most American's work.) This plan will probably not happen because it would be cool. BUT...at the same time, it wouldn't surprise me if it did. I'm sure back in 1750 some dude just like me was writing on his crappy paper with his ink pen about how it would be cool if people finally got tired of the English rule and decided to go start their own country. And if my history serves me properly...it happened!
I'm Back...
I think I'm shifting my focus to less complaining about what our wonderful "leaders" in D.C. are doing because I don't have enough time in my day to complain about everything. I will try to focus more on my ideas and suggestions...we'll see how that goes.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
More on the Economy...
I want to make sure my view on this is understood. I don't want my previous post about the economy to make it seem like I am saying the economy is "recession"-proof. However, use "recession" carefully because while some people consider there to be recession stocks available right now, looking at the big picture in today's economy tells us that this minor "recession" we might see in the next coming months is in reality only a period of sluggish growth.
It's also important to note that a capitalist free market system is going to suffer periods of recession. The problem is that the media has made the word recession a horror word. They make it seem like everything is going to hell and that's simply NOT the case. Take today for example, the Dow fell around 300 points, this was almost completely due to short term traders. They can swing the market in any way they want to make their situation better. Now, over the long-term, us long term investors have our way with the market simply due to growth and prosperity in the economy. What you must understand is that the stock market is a GAME...it's just a big GAME people. Most reputable market analysts are saying that the 2nd half of this year will see a boom in the market. The only stick in the spoke on that one could be if traders really start to believe that the next President will be a Democrat, if that becomes the case we might see a delay or hesitation in the market because it will be about certain that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts will expire or be repealed soon than 2010. Why? Well that is because the capital gains tax will go up through the roof. The Democrats WANT this to happen and they make no secret about it. They are discouraging people from investing for their retirement. It's absolutely asinine. Currently, corporate stock dividends are taxed at a max of 15%...this will go up to 35%. Capital gains max will go up from 15% to I believe 20%.
Anyways, just wanted to make that point known.
It's also important to note that a capitalist free market system is going to suffer periods of recession. The problem is that the media has made the word recession a horror word. They make it seem like everything is going to hell and that's simply NOT the case. Take today for example, the Dow fell around 300 points, this was almost completely due to short term traders. They can swing the market in any way they want to make their situation better. Now, over the long-term, us long term investors have our way with the market simply due to growth and prosperity in the economy. What you must understand is that the stock market is a GAME...it's just a big GAME people. Most reputable market analysts are saying that the 2nd half of this year will see a boom in the market. The only stick in the spoke on that one could be if traders really start to believe that the next President will be a Democrat, if that becomes the case we might see a delay or hesitation in the market because it will be about certain that the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts will expire or be repealed soon than 2010. Why? Well that is because the capital gains tax will go up through the roof. The Democrats WANT this to happen and they make no secret about it. They are discouraging people from investing for their retirement. It's absolutely asinine. Currently, corporate stock dividends are taxed at a max of 15%...this will go up to 35%. Capital gains max will go up from 15% to I believe 20%.
Anyways, just wanted to make that point known.
Monday, February 4, 2008
An Example on Why the Govt Should Stay Out of Oil Company Business
The numbers I'm about to use here may be slightly off but they are close and will relay the picture. Please do your research and don't quote me on any of these number.
What I'm about to show you is why the government should keep out of the oil company business and let the market see things through. I'm using Exxon as an example. Here we go.
Exxon has been under fire for their profit and which is earnings per share for shareholders. Exxon's 2007 numbers showed for every $2 they spent on capital expenditures, they spent $3 on buying back stocks. That means they put 50% more into manipulating their numbers than they did investing in their oil reserves and their future. Do you see what I'm saying yet? You have to trim that stuff out of their "profit" and earnings. It's not real earnings...by real earnings I mean it's not operating earnings. It's not coming from the "meat and potatoes" of there business. People want the government to step in and "correct" this problem. No, that won't work so shut-up you ignorant people. Let the market do its' thing. Exxon has already suffered from this and when compared to other oil companies who are investing in their future, will suffer even greater. Their stock prices will drop because the free market will read them like a book and the market will adjust their stocks down, Exxon won't like it, and they will correct themselves if they want to continue as a successful business. Exxon stock opened the 2008 year at $94...as of Jan. 22 it was down to $80 and now it's at roughly $85. Their analysts are busy at work right now talking with the big guys telling them what happened and why. The big wigs are wondering why they show an amazing earnings per share yet their stock is dropping. It's because they are showing essentially false earnings.
See, people need to chill out and let the market ride. It knows. The people who "run" the market are smart. This is why people should be PROPERLY educated on this subject because if they were, we wouldn't have all these ridiculous ideas being thrown into the mix on how to FORCE the market to do what we want it to do.
What I'm about to show you is why the government should keep out of the oil company business and let the market see things through. I'm using Exxon as an example. Here we go.
Exxon has been under fire for their profit and which is earnings per share for shareholders. Exxon's 2007 numbers showed for every $2 they spent on capital expenditures, they spent $3 on buying back stocks. That means they put 50% more into manipulating their numbers than they did investing in their oil reserves and their future. Do you see what I'm saying yet? You have to trim that stuff out of their "profit" and earnings. It's not real earnings...by real earnings I mean it's not operating earnings. It's not coming from the "meat and potatoes" of there business. People want the government to step in and "correct" this problem. No, that won't work so shut-up you ignorant people. Let the market do its' thing. Exxon has already suffered from this and when compared to other oil companies who are investing in their future, will suffer even greater. Their stock prices will drop because the free market will read them like a book and the market will adjust their stocks down, Exxon won't like it, and they will correct themselves if they want to continue as a successful business. Exxon stock opened the 2008 year at $94...as of Jan. 22 it was down to $80 and now it's at roughly $85. Their analysts are busy at work right now talking with the big guys telling them what happened and why. The big wigs are wondering why they show an amazing earnings per share yet their stock is dropping. It's because they are showing essentially false earnings.
See, people need to chill out and let the market ride. It knows. The people who "run" the market are smart. This is why people should be PROPERLY educated on this subject because if they were, we wouldn't have all these ridiculous ideas being thrown into the mix on how to FORCE the market to do what we want it to do.
Our Economic Situation...
...is NOT as bad as certain news groups and people are trying to make it be. I figured this is a good time to discuss this since the economy is under microscope right now, and do not think this is a coincidence that this is a Presidential election year. Please read this whole piece, it will be good for you and you will probably learn something.
First off, let me bring the stock market into perspective. Did it drop to 12, 092 last week...yes. Is that "low"...well compared to what? If you are comparing it to the ALL-TIME high of 14,198 from October 8th of last year (approx 4 months ago) then yes, it's low. But that is like saying that that the 5-series BMW is crap...yeah, compared to the 7-series but it's still a BMW. Like saying that a car is slow because it lost a 1/4 mile race by .2 seconds when it ran 10.8...it lost, but it's still hauling extreme tail. Like saying the standard Kitchen Aid mixer is bottom of the line...compared to the new Commercial heavy-duty grade Kitchen Aid. Like saying 7' 1" Shaq is short when standing next to 7' 6" Yao Ming...he's still over 7 feet tall! Ok, hopefully you get my picture, if not, I've got some ocean-front property in Arizona I'll sell you! So my point is that while people are saying the stock market is "low", it's not low compared to what it has been in the past. During the last 10 months the stock market enjoyed incredible growth. The last 10 months shot the stock market to an all-time high and we are back down to where we were 10 months ago. At that time, we were also at an all-time high. We're talking 10 months...not 10 years. My point would have no validity if I were referring to a 10 year period. Of course, need I point out that the stock market has never, I repeat NEVER suffered a loss over a 10 year period. That is why investing works, but we can save that for another discussion. So, excluding the past 10 months where extreme growth took place in the market, the stock market is still high. Need evidence, right, because I would go through all this trouble just to make it up. Oh, yes, I know...the media does it but that's because they get paid to read what the teleprompter tells them to say...I don't. Anyways, go here and look at the 3-, 5-, or 10-year chart for the Dow and tell me I'm wrong. For that matter, just look at the history of the Dow. You'll see what I'm saying. Look at those charts and then tell me that the stock market is "low". Ok, I have now proven my point. You want "low"...go look at Lake Lanier...that can be considered "low".
Your next question will be "so if the market isn't "low" right now, why are people saying that". Well, valid question and I have a simple answer. Let's look at who is saying this. Well, first off we have the media. The liberal media. And, I'm not just talking about people saying "oh the market is low right now...yada yada yada"...I'm talking about the people who are saying "OH MY GOD...the market is in a harsh downfall...we're all gonna die!!!" and causing everybody to press the panic button. So the medias' motivation? It's an election year...they want a Democratic President to be elected. They make Bush look like he's at fault and then if the Democrats take office, the market goes back up, because that's what it does (not because the D's take office) and then the D's look like heroes. It's how the media works now. Next example, we have the people who want to sway the market for their own personal benefit. Take "short-sellers" for example. Short-sellers make money when the market goes DOWN. Basically people who short-sell, sell a "borrowed" number of shares of stock at say $100. Say they sell 10 "borrowed" shares at $10. They get $1,000. Well, they now own the brokerage firm 10 shares of ABC stock. When the market goes down, they purchase those 10 shares for say $90...or $900 total...they pay back the brokerage firm the 10 shares and they are left with $100...that's a 10% positive return for a 10% drop in the market. See, now these guys are doing this on a much larger scale so that money is a much greater amount. So, that's another reason to sway the market.
Another quick point is that the market went through, which isn't uncommon, a period of over-inflation. This drop can be thought of the free-market system at work. It's "correcting" itself. People freak out when they hear "so and so didn't perform to expectations"...well, usually that means they only saw growth of 10% instead of something like 11 or 12%. Well, they still went through a decent growth. Ok, moving on now. I'm pretty sure you see my point and hopefully have learned a thing or two.
A key indicator on the economy was released today...didn't really see any coverage on the major news networks. Probably because the news was GOOD news. Click here to see today's release by the US Department of Commerce's release on US manufacturing. To sum it up, new orders for manufactured goods in December increased by $10.1 Billion or 2.3%. This is the largest increase since 1992. This statistic has increased 6 out of the last 7 months. That's a good thing. This translates to a higher demand for US manufactured goods...also translating to increased jobs in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is a sore subject right now with jobs going oversees. This is a positive note. Again, did anybody see this on the news? Nope, didn't think so.
Ok, now I will touch on the housing market. Yes, the housing market does suck right now. Why, it's going through a stage of correcting itself, just like the stock market does. Another reason it sucks....greed. Greed by the people who want to buy more than they can afford. Greed by the lenders who knowingly put people in that dangerous situation by giving them these loans. No, that's not a shot against free market competition...there is a difference between good business and smart decisions and greed...the lenders were greedy. Greed AND stupidity by the builders who continued to throw up these houses while they saw the market slowing down. Yeah, new home inventory sitting there without selling is high...but that's partially due to the builders throwing the homes up while the market is slowing down. Notice how companies who sell Christmas products, STOP SELLING IN JANUARY...that's because somebody acknowledged that in January, demand decreased....DUH...they saw it coming and know what to expect. The housing builders failed to do this in the past few years. Anybody who lives near me knows this because they can't drive anywhere without passing a new home neighborhood going up...STILL.
To touch back on the market and Presidential election years, I would like to say that this is a mistake. All that causes is the government to try and stick their hands in the market to manipulate it instead of letting it run it's course. We have to let the market run it's course. This whole tax rebate thing, it's so they can get people to spend money in the economy. Why did the economy go up so high? Could part of the reason be that people spent TOO MUCH money in the past few years. Why is the market coming down from it's all-time high? Could part of the reason be that people are out of spending money now because they spent too much a few years ago and are now paying for it? So, what this could mean is that it's average itself back out. I'm not using real numbers here but I'd rather see the market at 10,000 one year and 20,000 the next as opposed to 15,000 for two years straight. A static market is a market where nobody makes money...either way.
Hopefully this sparked enough thought in your mind to look past the high-level false indicators of the economy and ignore all the people using hype to spread their "the economy is crashing" belief which is based off the wrong measures. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the economy is happy-go-lucky right now with everybody prospering wonderfully and no problems are present. What I'm saying is that you need to learn about the mechanics of the economy to fully understand what is really going on...stop trusting the people manipulating the facts to give you an altered and inaccurate view of the economy. The most important point I'm trying to make here is CONSIDER THE SOURCE, THINK ABOUT THEIR AGENDA.
Are we in a recession? Depends on who you ask. Are we heading towards a recession? Again, depends on who you ask. And I'm not saying we are not or not heading towards one either. It's all based around the source and the agenda behind the source. It's all relative...at least until the total country is in a crap-box with everyone loosing their jobs and the government handing out rations, I would say that is a recession. Now, I'm sure there would be people who read this and say "well you're wrong, we are going into a recession" or 6 months from now if the market continues to decline they will say "Ha...I told you so blah blah blah"...all I have to say to those people is come see me in 10 years. We'll talk then. If the market is lower, I'll buy you a happy meal.
First off, let me bring the stock market into perspective. Did it drop to 12, 092 last week...yes. Is that "low"...well compared to what? If you are comparing it to the ALL-TIME high of 14,198 from October 8th of last year (approx 4 months ago) then yes, it's low. But that is like saying that that the 5-series BMW is crap...yeah, compared to the 7-series but it's still a BMW. Like saying that a car is slow because it lost a 1/4 mile race by .2 seconds when it ran 10.8...it lost, but it's still hauling extreme tail. Like saying the standard Kitchen Aid mixer is bottom of the line...compared to the new Commercial heavy-duty grade Kitchen Aid. Like saying 7' 1" Shaq is short when standing next to 7' 6" Yao Ming...he's still over 7 feet tall! Ok, hopefully you get my picture, if not, I've got some ocean-front property in Arizona I'll sell you! So my point is that while people are saying the stock market is "low", it's not low compared to what it has been in the past. During the last 10 months the stock market enjoyed incredible growth. The last 10 months shot the stock market to an all-time high and we are back down to where we were 10 months ago. At that time, we were also at an all-time high. We're talking 10 months...not 10 years. My point would have no validity if I were referring to a 10 year period. Of course, need I point out that the stock market has never, I repeat NEVER suffered a loss over a 10 year period. That is why investing works, but we can save that for another discussion. So, excluding the past 10 months where extreme growth took place in the market, the stock market is still high. Need evidence, right, because I would go through all this trouble just to make it up. Oh, yes, I know...the media does it but that's because they get paid to read what the teleprompter tells them to say...I don't. Anyways, go here and look at the 3-, 5-, or 10-year chart for the Dow and tell me I'm wrong. For that matter, just look at the history of the Dow. You'll see what I'm saying. Look at those charts and then tell me that the stock market is "low". Ok, I have now proven my point. You want "low"...go look at Lake Lanier...that can be considered "low".
Your next question will be "so if the market isn't "low" right now, why are people saying that". Well, valid question and I have a simple answer. Let's look at who is saying this. Well, first off we have the media. The liberal media. And, I'm not just talking about people saying "oh the market is low right now...yada yada yada"...I'm talking about the people who are saying "OH MY GOD...the market is in a harsh downfall...we're all gonna die!!!" and causing everybody to press the panic button. So the medias' motivation? It's an election year...they want a Democratic President to be elected. They make Bush look like he's at fault and then if the Democrats take office, the market goes back up, because that's what it does (not because the D's take office) and then the D's look like heroes. It's how the media works now. Next example, we have the people who want to sway the market for their own personal benefit. Take "short-sellers" for example. Short-sellers make money when the market goes DOWN. Basically people who short-sell, sell a "borrowed" number of shares of stock at say $100. Say they sell 10 "borrowed" shares at $10. They get $1,000. Well, they now own the brokerage firm 10 shares of ABC stock. When the market goes down, they purchase those 10 shares for say $90...or $900 total...they pay back the brokerage firm the 10 shares and they are left with $100...that's a 10% positive return for a 10% drop in the market. See, now these guys are doing this on a much larger scale so that money is a much greater amount. So, that's another reason to sway the market.
Another quick point is that the market went through, which isn't uncommon, a period of over-inflation. This drop can be thought of the free-market system at work. It's "correcting" itself. People freak out when they hear "so and so didn't perform to expectations"...well, usually that means they only saw growth of 10% instead of something like 11 or 12%. Well, they still went through a decent growth. Ok, moving on now. I'm pretty sure you see my point and hopefully have learned a thing or two.
A key indicator on the economy was released today...didn't really see any coverage on the major news networks. Probably because the news was GOOD news. Click here to see today's release by the US Department of Commerce's release on US manufacturing. To sum it up, new orders for manufactured goods in December increased by $10.1 Billion or 2.3%. This is the largest increase since 1992. This statistic has increased 6 out of the last 7 months. That's a good thing. This translates to a higher demand for US manufactured goods...also translating to increased jobs in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is a sore subject right now with jobs going oversees. This is a positive note. Again, did anybody see this on the news? Nope, didn't think so.
Ok, now I will touch on the housing market. Yes, the housing market does suck right now. Why, it's going through a stage of correcting itself, just like the stock market does. Another reason it sucks....greed. Greed by the people who want to buy more than they can afford. Greed by the lenders who knowingly put people in that dangerous situation by giving them these loans. No, that's not a shot against free market competition...there is a difference between good business and smart decisions and greed...the lenders were greedy. Greed AND stupidity by the builders who continued to throw up these houses while they saw the market slowing down. Yeah, new home inventory sitting there without selling is high...but that's partially due to the builders throwing the homes up while the market is slowing down. Notice how companies who sell Christmas products, STOP SELLING IN JANUARY...that's because somebody acknowledged that in January, demand decreased....DUH...they saw it coming and know what to expect. The housing builders failed to do this in the past few years. Anybody who lives near me knows this because they can't drive anywhere without passing a new home neighborhood going up...STILL.
To touch back on the market and Presidential election years, I would like to say that this is a mistake. All that causes is the government to try and stick their hands in the market to manipulate it instead of letting it run it's course. We have to let the market run it's course. This whole tax rebate thing, it's so they can get people to spend money in the economy. Why did the economy go up so high? Could part of the reason be that people spent TOO MUCH money in the past few years. Why is the market coming down from it's all-time high? Could part of the reason be that people are out of spending money now because they spent too much a few years ago and are now paying for it? So, what this could mean is that it's average itself back out. I'm not using real numbers here but I'd rather see the market at 10,000 one year and 20,000 the next as opposed to 15,000 for two years straight. A static market is a market where nobody makes money...either way.
Hopefully this sparked enough thought in your mind to look past the high-level false indicators of the economy and ignore all the people using hype to spread their "the economy is crashing" belief which is based off the wrong measures. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying the economy is happy-go-lucky right now with everybody prospering wonderfully and no problems are present. What I'm saying is that you need to learn about the mechanics of the economy to fully understand what is really going on...stop trusting the people manipulating the facts to give you an altered and inaccurate view of the economy. The most important point I'm trying to make here is CONSIDER THE SOURCE, THINK ABOUT THEIR AGENDA.
Are we in a recession? Depends on who you ask. Are we heading towards a recession? Again, depends on who you ask. And I'm not saying we are not or not heading towards one either. It's all based around the source and the agenda behind the source. It's all relative...at least until the total country is in a crap-box with everyone loosing their jobs and the government handing out rations, I would say that is a recession. Now, I'm sure there would be people who read this and say "well you're wrong, we are going into a recession" or 6 months from now if the market continues to decline they will say "Ha...I told you so blah blah blah"...all I have to say to those people is come see me in 10 years. We'll talk then. If the market is lower, I'll buy you a happy meal.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Senator Specter Sticks His Nose in the NFL's Business
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3225539
Senator Arlen Specter is calling the NFL's Commissioner to speak in front of Congress about the destruction of 6 tapes confiscated by the league from the New England Patriots earlier this season. For those of you who don't know this situation...the New England Patriots were caught videotaping the New York Jets hand signals and play calls used for sending calls onto the field to the players. The Patriots admitted they did it and handed over the tapes.
Arlen Specter says "I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,"...well Mr. Specter the penalties were not limited by any means. The league slapped the head coach with the largest fine in league history at $500,000, and then they penalized the team $250,000 and their 1st round draft pick, which as NEVER been done before. How is that "limited"? He says he is concerned about the underlying facts on the taping? The Patriots admitted they were taping calls, handed over the tapes, and went about their business. A side note, the Patriots were playing a horrible team, not to mention that the Pats have layed the smack down on every team they played this season, staking themselves as undeniably the leagues best team. There were not "facts" on the tape...they were play call tapes.
And "most of all," he says, "the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,". What are you talking about? They destroyed the tapes because there was no use for them. The league looked at them, the tapes were mostly deemed as against the rules, so they were destroyed so nobody could get them back. Were they supposed to file them away somewhere? Chance somebody taking them? Chance them being sold on eBay? No...and he even compares this to the CIA destroying evidence. WHAT!?!? HELLOOOOOOO....this is the NFL...not the CIA. BIG difference ding dong.
Specter, do America a favor, instead of worrying about this, how about you guys go pass that false sense of "economic stimulation" you guys are piddling around with. Everybody's waiting on you guys in the Senate. Another option, go worry about many of the other IMPORTANT issues that we are facing right now...if you need a hint...IRAQ, IMMIGRATION, SOCIAL SECURITY, and TAXES should get you started up and keep you busy for a little while.
Senator Arlen Specter is calling the NFL's Commissioner to speak in front of Congress about the destruction of 6 tapes confiscated by the league from the New England Patriots earlier this season. For those of you who don't know this situation...the New England Patriots were caught videotaping the New York Jets hand signals and play calls used for sending calls onto the field to the players. The Patriots admitted they did it and handed over the tapes.
Arlen Specter says "I am very concerned about the underlying facts on the taping, the reasons for the judgment on the limited penalties and, most of all, on the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,"...well Mr. Specter the penalties were not limited by any means. The league slapped the head coach with the largest fine in league history at $500,000, and then they penalized the team $250,000 and their 1st round draft pick, which as NEVER been done before. How is that "limited"? He says he is concerned about the underlying facts on the taping? The Patriots admitted they were taping calls, handed over the tapes, and went about their business. A side note, the Patriots were playing a horrible team, not to mention that the Pats have layed the smack down on every team they played this season, staking themselves as undeniably the leagues best team. There were not "facts" on the tape...they were play call tapes.
And "most of all," he says, "the inexplicable destruction of the tapes,". What are you talking about? They destroyed the tapes because there was no use for them. The league looked at them, the tapes were mostly deemed as against the rules, so they were destroyed so nobody could get them back. Were they supposed to file them away somewhere? Chance somebody taking them? Chance them being sold on eBay? No...and he even compares this to the CIA destroying evidence. WHAT!?!? HELLOOOOOOO....this is the NFL...not the CIA. BIG difference ding dong.
Specter, do America a favor, instead of worrying about this, how about you guys go pass that false sense of "economic stimulation" you guys are piddling around with. Everybody's waiting on you guys in the Senate. Another option, go worry about many of the other IMPORTANT issues that we are facing right now...if you need a hint...IRAQ, IMMIGRATION, SOCIAL SECURITY, and TAXES should get you started up and keep you busy for a little while.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Obama wants summit with Muslim countries...
PARIS (Reuters) - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama told a French magazine in an interview that if he wins office, he will hold a summit with Muslim countries to better the United States
So Obama is concerned with what the Muslim countries think of us. Is he basing his concern off of the people of the US? Am I concerned what Muslim countries think of us? Not the slightest bit. In fact, I'm more concerned about that cow I saw this morning who was trying to cross a creek bed to get to some hay, than I am with the Muslim countries liking us. And also notice who Obama told this to...yes, a FRENCH interviewer. So Obama is already getting in bed with the French AND the Muslims. Wow, I can't think of any other two groups of people that I just can't wait to get more involved with....ha ha ha ha ha ha....yeah I couldn't hold that one in.
Am I way off base here with my thinking, or does the majority of this country actually care what they think. My opinion, they're lucky we still talk to them. It's people stemming from their religion that is causing all of the crap right now. They should be the ones standing up and saying it's not right but we're having to do their job for them. Too bad all of Obama's young followers, who think they are sophisticated-next leaders of tomorrow-type people but are really just uninformed hippies, don't realize this stuff. They can't read past that first level of BS and they can't put 2 and 2 together to see what all of this really means for us. I know those types and they all live in a fantasy world.
"Once I'm elected, I want to organize a summit in the Muslim world, with all the heads of state, to have an honest discussion about ways to bridge the gap that grows every day between Muslims and the West," Thursday's edition of Paris Match quoted Obama as saying,
"I want to ask them to join our fight against terrorism. We must also listen to their concerns," Obama said in the French-language transcript.
The
Surveys around the world show high levels of anti-Americanism in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion of
So Obama is concerned with what the Muslim countries think of us. Is he basing his concern off of the people of the US? Am I concerned what Muslim countries think of us? Not the slightest bit. In fact, I'm more concerned about that cow I saw this morning who was trying to cross a creek bed to get to some hay, than I am with the Muslim countries liking us. And also notice who Obama told this to...yes, a FRENCH interviewer. So Obama is already getting in bed with the French AND the Muslims. Wow, I can't think of any other two groups of people that I just can't wait to get more involved with....ha ha ha ha ha ha....yeah I couldn't hold that one in.
Am I way off base here with my thinking, or does the majority of this country actually care what they think. My opinion, they're lucky we still talk to them. It's people stemming from their religion that is causing all of the crap right now. They should be the ones standing up and saying it's not right but we're having to do their job for them. Too bad all of Obama's young followers, who think they are sophisticated-next leaders of tomorrow-type people but are really just uninformed hippies, don't realize this stuff. They can't read past that first level of BS and they can't put 2 and 2 together to see what all of this really means for us. I know those types and they all live in a fantasy world.
Monday, January 28, 2008
The Democratic Reponse to the SotU Address...
LOL....the lady started off by saying "I'm a Democrat". WOW...really? The fact that this is called the DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE didn't give that away! LOL...LOL...HA HA HA HA HA. Good job Pelossi, way to pick 'em.
Oh yes...this little response speech is a wake-up call to the country! Everyone listen. ***snore, snore, snore***
People are loosing their jobs? Get a better education
People are loosing their homes? Ummm....QUIT BUYING SHAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD
People are not being able to pay their bills? Yup, ditto from above.
So you guys want the President to sign the bill to give "10 million kids healthcare"...ok...how about you sleeze balls quit hiding BS spending and ridiculous requests in the bill. Can anybody say line-item veto?
Why is she talking about Greensburg, Kansas? Congratulations, your town rebuilt after a tornado. Hey lady...have you ever heard of New Orleans? Biloxi? Gulf Shores? Oh...yeah you're right...you probably haven't heard of the those last two. All the low lives who can't live without government support live in New Orleans.
The last 5 years have cost us many lives? Yup, and us Americans who were born with red, white, and blue blood running through our veins go to sleep every night thanking GOD that he blessed us with such brave, courageous, and selfless people to provide us with the greatest protection and security that will EVER walk the face of this planet. How about you Democrats try this for once?
I swear...if this lady says "We ask you Mr. President to join us" one more time, I am going to find a way to jump through my television, come out her teleprompter that she is so blatantly reading from, and wring her neck.
She says "God bless"....yeah...would you like to finish that statement lady??? God bless WHAT? Hmmm??? WHAT? Didn't want to say "God Bless America" did you. Anti-Christ communist. Woops...did I say that out loud?
Oh yeah...and yes Bush...the "No Child Left Behind Act" IS working...you're right. I saw a 9th grader with a mustache buying cigs and a 12-pack in the convenience store. Good job. Somebody ought to tell them that in private business...there is no "No Worker Left Behind Act". If you can't cut it...you get cut. The day somebody comes up with the "No Quarterback Left Behind Act" we know we are in REAL serious trouble. I could just see 1/2 of the Atlanta Falcons roster being made up of the sucky QB's that find their way to the city because they can't be cut from the team because of lack of skills and lack of willingness to learn new skill.
Ok, I'm going to finish reading Stephen Colbert's "I Am America and So Can You". I highly recommend it...but it's a tough book to read while you are trying to wind down for bed...it's pretty funny.
Oh yes...this little response speech is a wake-up call to the country! Everyone listen. ***snore, snore, snore***
People are loosing their jobs? Get a better education
People are loosing their homes? Ummm....QUIT BUYING SHAT YOU CAN'T AFFORD
People are not being able to pay their bills? Yup, ditto from above.
So you guys want the President to sign the bill to give "10 million kids healthcare"...ok...how about you sleeze balls quit hiding BS spending and ridiculous requests in the bill. Can anybody say line-item veto?
Why is she talking about Greensburg, Kansas? Congratulations, your town rebuilt after a tornado. Hey lady...have you ever heard of New Orleans? Biloxi? Gulf Shores? Oh...yeah you're right...you probably haven't heard of the those last two. All the low lives who can't live without government support live in New Orleans.
The last 5 years have cost us many lives? Yup, and us Americans who were born with red, white, and blue blood running through our veins go to sleep every night thanking GOD that he blessed us with such brave, courageous, and selfless people to provide us with the greatest protection and security that will EVER walk the face of this planet. How about you Democrats try this for once?
I swear...if this lady says "We ask you Mr. President to join us" one more time, I am going to find a way to jump through my television, come out her teleprompter that she is so blatantly reading from, and wring her neck.
She says "God bless"....yeah...would you like to finish that statement lady??? God bless WHAT? Hmmm??? WHAT? Didn't want to say "God Bless America" did you. Anti-Christ communist. Woops...did I say that out loud?
Oh yeah...and yes Bush...the "No Child Left Behind Act" IS working...you're right. I saw a 9th grader with a mustache buying cigs and a 12-pack in the convenience store. Good job. Somebody ought to tell them that in private business...there is no "No Worker Left Behind Act". If you can't cut it...you get cut. The day somebody comes up with the "No Quarterback Left Behind Act" we know we are in REAL serious trouble. I could just see 1/2 of the Atlanta Falcons roster being made up of the sucky QB's that find their way to the city because they can't be cut from the team because of lack of skills and lack of willingness to learn new skill.
Ok, I'm going to finish reading Stephen Colbert's "I Am America and So Can You". I highly recommend it...but it's a tough book to read while you are trying to wind down for bed...it's pretty funny.
The State of the Union Address...
...looks like a 1st grade classroom full of bratty kids split on both sides of the room because one side wants to play basketball at recess and the other wants to play dodgeball. I think it's hilarious that the Democrats, who are sitting on the Presidents' right side of the room, hardly ever stand or clap when the Republicans do. Bush just said something about properly funding the troops and non of them stood up. They just sit there like whiny little kids and have a stupid look on their face that makes me want to slap them.
Ok, I do have to say, I know Bush won't go down for the greatest speaking President...but I think he said my favorite line tonight about the 2001 tax cuts. He was saying that he urged Congress to pass the bill making the tax cuts permanent because the 116 million people that are currently saving on average $1,800 a year in taxes would appreciate it and for those who are against it, "...the IRS takes checks and money orders"...ha ha ha! Good one Bush...that was actually funny...I liked it. He kind of stuck one to the opposing Democrats with that one. Oh funny stuff.
Did anybody else's television screen suffer a weird blackout spot just to the right of where President Bush's head was on your screen. I think there was a really scary looking bony faced witch sitting there????? Not sure....just sayin. I like how Pelossi kept reading the program (or whatever it was) the whole time. Good ol' Ted Kennedy was doing so as well.
Oops...no President Bush...I don't think "Freeer" is a word. "More free" would probably have been more appropriate. I could be wrong, and for the sake of the failure of the "Bushisms" calendars, I hope I am wrong.
Hehe...Pelossi and the Democrats are the first to stand up when he mentions anything that results in giving our money to other countries because they can't develop their own economies like we did here in the Red, White, and Blue. They're quick to applaud acts of "world charity"...whatever. I'm working on my letter to my Congressman right now...here is what I have so far...
Dear Congressman,
Is it possible to ensure me that my tax money doesn't get sent to anymore foreign nations? Unless of course it is by way of a nuclear warhead and it is making it's appearance in the hell hole some people like to call the "Middle East".
Thanks.
Immigration...so they want to know the PROPER way to carry on immigration and what immigrants should be like. How about we examine the way that our great-great-grandparents came to this country. They did so with honor. They did so because they felt that they could do a better job running a country. They did so willing to risk anything and everything. They created a great country in result of it. The illegal MEXICANS (the shoe fits) just want to get a free ride and NOTHING more. The longer we let them do this...the bigger the slap in the face it is to our ancestors and founding fathers. I hope people realize this.
Yes..."God Bless the USA"...that's right Bush...good job.
Oh fun...now for the "Democratic Response"...something along the lines of "blah blah blah, we're stupid donkey sphincters, blah blah blah, we are socialists" can be expected. Ok, gotta let the typing fingers rest...3 minutes and counting down.
Ok, I do have to say, I know Bush won't go down for the greatest speaking President...but I think he said my favorite line tonight about the 2001 tax cuts. He was saying that he urged Congress to pass the bill making the tax cuts permanent because the 116 million people that are currently saving on average $1,800 a year in taxes would appreciate it and for those who are against it, "...the IRS takes checks and money orders"...ha ha ha! Good one Bush...that was actually funny...I liked it. He kind of stuck one to the opposing Democrats with that one. Oh funny stuff.
Did anybody else's television screen suffer a weird blackout spot just to the right of where President Bush's head was on your screen. I think there was a really scary looking bony faced witch sitting there????? Not sure....just sayin. I like how Pelossi kept reading the program (or whatever it was) the whole time. Good ol' Ted Kennedy was doing so as well.
Oops...no President Bush...I don't think "Freeer" is a word. "More free" would probably have been more appropriate. I could be wrong, and for the sake of the failure of the "Bushisms" calendars, I hope I am wrong.
Hehe...Pelossi and the Democrats are the first to stand up when he mentions anything that results in giving our money to other countries because they can't develop their own economies like we did here in the Red, White, and Blue. They're quick to applaud acts of "world charity"...whatever. I'm working on my letter to my Congressman right now...here is what I have so far...
Dear Congressman,
Is it possible to ensure me that my tax money doesn't get sent to anymore foreign nations? Unless of course it is by way of a nuclear warhead and it is making it's appearance in the hell hole some people like to call the "Middle East".
Thanks.
Immigration...so they want to know the PROPER way to carry on immigration and what immigrants should be like. How about we examine the way that our great-great-grandparents came to this country. They did so with honor. They did so because they felt that they could do a better job running a country. They did so willing to risk anything and everything. They created a great country in result of it. The illegal MEXICANS (the shoe fits) just want to get a free ride and NOTHING more. The longer we let them do this...the bigger the slap in the face it is to our ancestors and founding fathers. I hope people realize this.
Yes..."God Bless the USA"...that's right Bush...good job.
Oh fun...now for the "Democratic Response"...something along the lines of "blah blah blah, we're stupid donkey sphincters, blah blah blah, we are socialists" can be expected. Ok, gotta let the typing fingers rest...3 minutes and counting down.
Another Global Warming Issue...
So China is experiencing record snowfall right now and has been for the past week or so. It is basically putting the country in a stranglehold by shutting down train stations, delaying airports, closing highways, delaying food and supply trucks, etc. According to several sources, this is China's WORST weather event in the last 20-50 years and among the most severe snowfall the country has EVER seen.
So, I just wanted to thank Global WARMING for this huge dramatic snowfall. It's so amazing that a global WARMING trend can cause this widespread 2 foot blanket of snow to have fallen over extremely large areas. I mean, who would NOT have thought that a massive WARMING trend would continue to produce record snowfalls on different parts of the globe year after year....silly me...I thought warming trends meant INCREASED temperatures meaning LESS snow but I was wrong.
Oh yeah, last week Atlanta, GA experienced 2 winter events within 3 days. That hasn't happened for at least 25 years. To top that off, this past Friday night we received yet another "winter" event with a sleet mixture falling over central and north GA.
In conclusion, Global Warming is causing record snowstorms all over the globe year after year.
So, I just wanted to thank Global WARMING for this huge dramatic snowfall. It's so amazing that a global WARMING trend can cause this widespread 2 foot blanket of snow to have fallen over extremely large areas. I mean, who would NOT have thought that a massive WARMING trend would continue to produce record snowfalls on different parts of the globe year after year....silly me...I thought warming trends meant INCREASED temperatures meaning LESS snow but I was wrong.
Oh yeah, last week Atlanta, GA experienced 2 winter events within 3 days. That hasn't happened for at least 25 years. To top that off, this past Friday night we received yet another "winter" event with a sleet mixture falling over central and north GA.
In conclusion, Global Warming is causing record snowstorms all over the globe year after year.
Monday, January 21, 2008
"Tax Refunds"???...
...or is it a tax advance? Watch out and read the fine print closely. This $800 per taxpayer/$1,600 per family check that is being called a tax refund may have a dumbed-down title so most of society can understand it. This check may be an advance on the taxes you will be refunded/liable for the 2008 year. I'm only saying this because I am not yet clear on whether this will be a free and clear check (other than having to report it as income) or if it will be basically an interest free loan on your taxes. You're going to have to do your own research here. I'm still trying to find out myself.
So, the idea behind the refund checks (we'll just call 'em that for now) is to "boost" the economy. So they are going to give the boost a $150 BILLION dollar boost by doing this. Wanna know how the economy will get a bigger boost EVERY DAY? FAIR TAX! Let me just throw a few notes your way.
-Total cost of complying with current tax code is about $1.1 BILLION per DAY. Roughly $400 Billion per year. If this was not being spent on complying with our stupid tax code, where would it end up? The economy.
-So they want to help business owners put money back into the growth of their business. Well, what about the roughly $12 TRILLION dollars being sent off of our shores. "Offshore" investments. That could be money brought back here if the tax code is simplified to the Fair Tax. Basically, our tax code scares away $12 TRILLION from our economy.
The Fair Tax would be an easier, less convoluted solution to this stuff. They wouldn't have to "boost" the economy by sending every tax payer a check because the economy would already have that money in it.
Oh yeah...and the Democrats are trying to make this out to be against the poor...big surprise huh? The refunds are supposed to go to all "tax payers". Even if a poor person has a job making VERY little and pays no taxes, they still pays into Social Security. The D's are saying this isn't fair to them. Their logic (ha ha...I made a funny) is that the poor are still paying into "the tax system". Well, SS is NOT a tax so sorry, your bucket doesn't hold water. It's supposed to be money that comes back to us. So what are the D's saying? They are either saying that 1) we are NOT going to get our SS back because it's going freakin bankrupt or 2) they think the poor people deserve $800 each when they didn't even pay into the tax system. I think they are saying both.
Whatever...I'm going to move my money to Hong Kong and then buy a nice little house on an island in the Caribbean.
So, the idea behind the refund checks (we'll just call 'em that for now) is to "boost" the economy. So they are going to give the boost a $150 BILLION dollar boost by doing this. Wanna know how the economy will get a bigger boost EVERY DAY? FAIR TAX! Let me just throw a few notes your way.
-Total cost of complying with current tax code is about $1.1 BILLION per DAY. Roughly $400 Billion per year. If this was not being spent on complying with our stupid tax code, where would it end up? The economy.
-So they want to help business owners put money back into the growth of their business. Well, what about the roughly $12 TRILLION dollars being sent off of our shores. "Offshore" investments. That could be money brought back here if the tax code is simplified to the Fair Tax. Basically, our tax code scares away $12 TRILLION from our economy.
The Fair Tax would be an easier, less convoluted solution to this stuff. They wouldn't have to "boost" the economy by sending every tax payer a check because the economy would already have that money in it.
Oh yeah...and the Democrats are trying to make this out to be against the poor...big surprise huh? The refunds are supposed to go to all "tax payers". Even if a poor person has a job making VERY little and pays no taxes, they still pays into Social Security. The D's are saying this isn't fair to them. Their logic (ha ha...I made a funny) is that the poor are still paying into "the tax system". Well, SS is NOT a tax so sorry, your bucket doesn't hold water. It's supposed to be money that comes back to us. So what are the D's saying? They are either saying that 1) we are NOT going to get our SS back because it's going freakin bankrupt or 2) they think the poor people deserve $800 each when they didn't even pay into the tax system. I think they are saying both.
Whatever...I'm going to move my money to Hong Kong and then buy a nice little house on an island in the Caribbean.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Let Me Clarify....
My previous post on Mitt Romney is NOT an indication that I support him. I just figured since I didn't know too much about him, and I saw some things that I liked about him, that I would do some high-level research and post the information. It has been brought to my attention that he is not a big supporter of the 2nd amendment and contrary to what he says, his actions show he is soft on illegal immigration. If this is true, I will not support him and that would suck to me because I think from a business standpoint, he could have what it takes to financially turn this country around. Looks like Huckabee is still my front-runner. I almost feel as this Presidential election is like we are trying to assemble a winning dodgeball team from all the fat kids left off the other teams. (Not to offend any "overly healthly" people...but it was the best analogy I could think of)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
So Who Do I Support???
Well, I'm still deciding. Very early on, I was all for Rudy. Next I moved on to Huckabee. Now, although I haven't abandoned the Huckster...I think I am liking what Mitt Romney has to offer. Up until within the past few days, I knew relatively little about Romney. I'm not going to go through his whole belief system so if you want all the details then please click here and go to the "ISSUES" tab.
Anyways, I think Romney could bring some good change to Washington. Mitt and I, we share some common feelings on certain issues. Overall, Mitt is a smart and proven business man and I think that is what we need right now. He has his MBA from Harvard Business school, served as the CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and was a VP of one of the nations leading management consulting firms, and founded one of the nations most successful venture capital and investment firm.
Energy: He supports drilling in ANWR and increasing our offshore drilling to become self supportive. Currently, we use 25% of the worlds oil supply but we only posses about 1.7% of the crude oil supply. This doesn't make any sense...we are using more than we have available. This is simple....business fail if they do this...as will we if the US doesn't correct this problem. He also supports investing in the future methods of energy consumption. We agree here.
Homeland Security: He wants to increase the size of the military by 100,000 and change our military perspective from responsive to preventative. We agree here too...kick theirs before they kick ours.
Combating Jihad Terrorism: He actually has a plan and recognizes this is a threat. Done deal. He wants a special Army task force to be created to help governments combat Jihad terrorists. He also recognizes that there is a nuclear threat now. Good, some other people won't do that until one is used on somebody...then it's too late.
Economy: Here is where I think he could do a lot of good. Although he is not a "Fair Tax" supporter, I like his ideas which sadly may be more practical for right now. He wants to reduce the tax rates across ALL tax brackets. He also wants to completely eliminate taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains for anybody with an adjusted gross income of less than $200,000. This would mean no more "double-taxation" for those affected. Corporations are taxed on income and then again when they distribute income to their owners. This would be a great step towards giving us more savings freedom. He will make the Bush tax cuts permanent....these were good tax cuts. He wants to eliminate the "death" tax so families can pass their assets along to younger generations without the government sticking their dirty hands in the pass-along. There is NO reason for that. One of the really big things is he wants to lower the corporate income tax. Overall, he wants taxes to be more simple, flat, and lower. He also wants to implement a national tort reform to get rid of frivolous lawsuits against businesses. Case in point, stupid people who don't realize their coffee is HOT won't be able to sue McDonalds anymore.
Government Spending: Romney wants to tear Washington apart on their ridiculous spending. He says that if a CEO or CFO spent money like Washington does...they would be fired, so why is Washington still getting away with it. He will institute the line-item veto. No longer will politicians be able to attach their ridiculous spending habits to larger important spending bills like when the Democrats pulled the dirty trick earlier this year of attaching an important spending need to a troop withdrawl from Iraq. Hands are tied when they do this. He also wants to enact spending limits...wait...oh yeah...this is called a BUDGET! Wow...what a concept. I really think this would be one of his strongest points that is desperately needed right now in order for other areas of concern to be improved as well.
Illegal Immigration: He made a good point. Eliminate the magnets and the attraction goes away. Start penalizing employers for hiring illegals. Create a national non-citizen database to track the illegals. He does NOT favor amnesty and he is in favor of a border fence. I agree with his anti-amnesty idea but I'm not sure if it's feasible. I wish it was, but I don't know about that.
Health care: He is in favor of expanding and deregulating the private health care industry. This means increased competition...increased competition equals lower prices and more accessibility. This is opposed to the Democrats' plan of a federal health care system. He would also like to make all health care expenses tax deductible. Currently, I believe they are NOT deductible until your expenses hit over 7% of your AGI.
Society: He is really big on protecting this nations' children. No more second chances for sex offenders when children are involved. He wants to crack down on Internet schenanigans. He believes in old-fashioned American values that the USA was founded upon.
Education: I am a big supporter of his policies here. He wants the federal government to loose control over how states, parents, and teachers run the schools. He wants school choice programs to be enacted. This is yet another example of his strong backing of competition and the good that is brings. He wants to promote math and sciences to ensure that US students are able to compete in the job market. Romney supports performance-based pay for teachers. This is how everybody else is payed outside the government and it works. My wife is a teacher, during her orientation she was handed a pay schedule outlining what she will make and when. Wow, not much of an incentive to improve is it? He also believes in home school tax credits for families who home school their children. Makes sense to me.
So, hopefully this shed some light on Mitt Romney for you. Now, whether or not he can become the Republican nominee is a different story. I think he will run into problems because he isn't as well known as McCain. It's a shame too.
Anyways, I think Romney could bring some good change to Washington. Mitt and I, we share some common feelings on certain issues. Overall, Mitt is a smart and proven business man and I think that is what we need right now. He has his MBA from Harvard Business school, served as the CEO of the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, and was a VP of one of the nations leading management consulting firms, and founded one of the nations most successful venture capital and investment firm.
Energy: He supports drilling in ANWR and increasing our offshore drilling to become self supportive. Currently, we use 25% of the worlds oil supply but we only posses about 1.7% of the crude oil supply. This doesn't make any sense...we are using more than we have available. This is simple....business fail if they do this...as will we if the US doesn't correct this problem. He also supports investing in the future methods of energy consumption. We agree here.
Homeland Security: He wants to increase the size of the military by 100,000 and change our military perspective from responsive to preventative. We agree here too...kick theirs before they kick ours.
Combating Jihad Terrorism: He actually has a plan and recognizes this is a threat. Done deal. He wants a special Army task force to be created to help governments combat Jihad terrorists. He also recognizes that there is a nuclear threat now. Good, some other people won't do that until one is used on somebody...then it's too late.
Economy: Here is where I think he could do a lot of good. Although he is not a "Fair Tax" supporter, I like his ideas which sadly may be more practical for right now. He wants to reduce the tax rates across ALL tax brackets. He also wants to completely eliminate taxes on interest, dividends, and capital gains for anybody with an adjusted gross income of less than $200,000. This would mean no more "double-taxation" for those affected. Corporations are taxed on income and then again when they distribute income to their owners. This would be a great step towards giving us more savings freedom. He will make the Bush tax cuts permanent....these were good tax cuts. He wants to eliminate the "death" tax so families can pass their assets along to younger generations without the government sticking their dirty hands in the pass-along. There is NO reason for that. One of the really big things is he wants to lower the corporate income tax. Overall, he wants taxes to be more simple, flat, and lower. He also wants to implement a national tort reform to get rid of frivolous lawsuits against businesses. Case in point, stupid people who don't realize their coffee is HOT won't be able to sue McDonalds anymore.
Government Spending: Romney wants to tear Washington apart on their ridiculous spending. He says that if a CEO or CFO spent money like Washington does...they would be fired, so why is Washington still getting away with it. He will institute the line-item veto. No longer will politicians be able to attach their ridiculous spending habits to larger important spending bills like when the Democrats pulled the dirty trick earlier this year of attaching an important spending need to a troop withdrawl from Iraq. Hands are tied when they do this. He also wants to enact spending limits...wait...oh yeah...this is called a BUDGET! Wow...what a concept. I really think this would be one of his strongest points that is desperately needed right now in order for other areas of concern to be improved as well.
Illegal Immigration: He made a good point. Eliminate the magnets and the attraction goes away. Start penalizing employers for hiring illegals. Create a national non-citizen database to track the illegals. He does NOT favor amnesty and he is in favor of a border fence. I agree with his anti-amnesty idea but I'm not sure if it's feasible. I wish it was, but I don't know about that.
Health care: He is in favor of expanding and deregulating the private health care industry. This means increased competition...increased competition equals lower prices and more accessibility. This is opposed to the Democrats' plan of a federal health care system. He would also like to make all health care expenses tax deductible. Currently, I believe they are NOT deductible until your expenses hit over 7% of your AGI.
Society: He is really big on protecting this nations' children. No more second chances for sex offenders when children are involved. He wants to crack down on Internet schenanigans. He believes in old-fashioned American values that the USA was founded upon.
Education: I am a big supporter of his policies here. He wants the federal government to loose control over how states, parents, and teachers run the schools. He wants school choice programs to be enacted. This is yet another example of his strong backing of competition and the good that is brings. He wants to promote math and sciences to ensure that US students are able to compete in the job market. Romney supports performance-based pay for teachers. This is how everybody else is payed outside the government and it works. My wife is a teacher, during her orientation she was handed a pay schedule outlining what she will make and when. Wow, not much of an incentive to improve is it? He also believes in home school tax credits for families who home school their children. Makes sense to me.
So, hopefully this shed some light on Mitt Romney for you. Now, whether or not he can become the Republican nominee is a different story. I think he will run into problems because he isn't as well known as McCain. It's a shame too.
The GWINNETT BRAVES!!!!
Sorry, but I'm excited about this...no, I'm ecstatic about it! It was just announced that the Gwinnett Braves will be playing in a new $38 million dollar stadium that will be built by Gwinnett County. It will be located at 2500 Buford Drive in a new live, work, play complex that will occupy from the Publix to the Racetrac on Hwy 20. They wasted no time getting a website up...for those who care...click here!
I'm checking to see what kind of "front office" finance positions will be available! Oh yes!
Oh yeah, have I mentioned I'm excited???
To give you guys an idea of ticket prices....season tickets (72 home games) in the LOWER level in their current stadium are only $432 a seat....that is $6 a game for lower level!!! Now that is some inexpensive family fun right there! That's cheaper than a freaking rip-off movie ticket! (Don't even get me started on that...)
I'm checking to see what kind of "front office" finance positions will be available! Oh yes!
Oh yeah, have I mentioned I'm excited???
To give you guys an idea of ticket prices....season tickets (72 home games) in the LOWER level in their current stadium are only $432 a seat....that is $6 a game for lower level!!! Now that is some inexpensive family fun right there! That's cheaper than a freaking rip-off movie ticket! (Don't even get me started on that...)
Shame on YOU, Perdue
"Gov. Sonny Perdue indicated Tuesday morning his opposition to the National Rifle Association's attempt to pass legislation allowing Georgians to have guns in their cars at work."
Full story here http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/2008/01/15/perdue_0115.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
Thanks Pudgy Perdue. Way to uphold and solidify the 2nd Amendment. His argument is that allowing citizens to keep guns in their car infringes upon employers property rights. Well, MY car is an extension of MY home. Therefor, while MY car is parked in the employers public access lot I have a little personal property bubble floating around my car. But that's just how I see it.
In case you don't know, your car is an extension of your home, or your personal property of which in Georgia, we have the right to defend with deadly force. The "Castle Doctrine" allows us to do this. So, if in other laws our cars are considered a stretch of our home, and we can defend our "castles" with deadly force, I ask you this Perdue...why can we NOT defend our cars (in which case we are usually defending our lives) with deadly force too?
Perdue obviously felt the pressures of liberal and anti-gun business leaders on this one. In the past, Georgia has always been considered, like Perdue said, a "friend" of the NRA. Looks like we just pissed of a friend.
Full story here http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/2008/01/15/perdue_0115.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab
Thanks Pudgy Perdue. Way to uphold and solidify the 2nd Amendment. His argument is that allowing citizens to keep guns in their car infringes upon employers property rights. Well, MY car is an extension of MY home. Therefor, while MY car is parked in the employers public access lot I have a little personal property bubble floating around my car. But that's just how I see it.
In case you don't know, your car is an extension of your home, or your personal property of which in Georgia, we have the right to defend with deadly force. The "Castle Doctrine" allows us to do this. So, if in other laws our cars are considered a stretch of our home, and we can defend our "castles" with deadly force, I ask you this Perdue...why can we NOT defend our cars (in which case we are usually defending our lives) with deadly force too?
Perdue obviously felt the pressures of liberal and anti-gun business leaders on this one. In the past, Georgia has always been considered, like Perdue said, a "friend" of the NRA. Looks like we just pissed of a friend.
Richmond Braves Coming to Gwinnett!!!
Well it looks like Gwinnett County's image for being a "Sports Town" has drawn another professional team to the area. The Atlanta Braves are moving their top minor league AAA team, the Richmond (Virginia) Braves to Gwinnett County. As a matter of fact, a press conference is scheduled in about 1.5 hours to lay out all the details. Early reports indicate the new stadium will be built on Hwy 20/Buford Dr. near the Mall of Georgia next to I-85. Yes, the traffic will suck even worse on game days and nights. Move if you don't like it. Due to the overwhelming success of the Gwinnett Gladiators (which I happened to name :) ) and the previous success of the Arena Football team the Georgia Force, several sports consulting firms named Gwinnett County as a Top 3 Prospect for a minor league baseball team.
This is very exciting to me, as I'm sure it is to all other Braves fans. From what I hear, and if minor league hockey and AFL football is any indication, minor league baseball is a lot of fun to watch. Some good things we can expect are ticket prices that top out at around $12 with $5 "general" seating available in the outfield lawn. Well, not IN the outfield, but on the other side of the fence...you know what I mean. Total seating should be around 7,500 with 5,500 being permanent reserved seating (like Turner Field) and 1,500 being outfield lawn seats. The remaining 500 will come from private suites and boxes. I'm sure we can expect nothing less than a world class, high-tech, fun stadium to enjoy these games in. To top it all off, we can expect a league leading team on the field as the Richmond Braves won their "World Series" last year and are usually a top performer. The Braves organization is often considered one of the top organizations for young prospects in their minor leagues and with the AAA team as the last stop before playing in Turner Field (that gives me goose pimples to think about), these guys are playing their hearts out to show that they belong.
So, to make this relevant to my blog...this will have quite an economic and social impact on the area and Gwinnett County as a whole. Tax revenue could be around half a million a year for the county. Hundreds of jobs will be created for the community. Up to $7 million in consumer spending could be seen each year. And we would have yet another team contributing to the community.
Now, when all said and done I get the Department of Transportation will be wishing they had made Hwy 20 into an 8-lane highway and I will be lobbying to get my mini-helicopter license.
This is very exciting to me, as I'm sure it is to all other Braves fans. From what I hear, and if minor league hockey and AFL football is any indication, minor league baseball is a lot of fun to watch. Some good things we can expect are ticket prices that top out at around $12 with $5 "general" seating available in the outfield lawn. Well, not IN the outfield, but on the other side of the fence...you know what I mean. Total seating should be around 7,500 with 5,500 being permanent reserved seating (like Turner Field) and 1,500 being outfield lawn seats. The remaining 500 will come from private suites and boxes. I'm sure we can expect nothing less than a world class, high-tech, fun stadium to enjoy these games in. To top it all off, we can expect a league leading team on the field as the Richmond Braves won their "World Series" last year and are usually a top performer. The Braves organization is often considered one of the top organizations for young prospects in their minor leagues and with the AAA team as the last stop before playing in Turner Field (that gives me goose pimples to think about), these guys are playing their hearts out to show that they belong.
So, to make this relevant to my blog...this will have quite an economic and social impact on the area and Gwinnett County as a whole. Tax revenue could be around half a million a year for the county. Hundreds of jobs will be created for the community. Up to $7 million in consumer spending could be seen each year. And we would have yet another team contributing to the community.
Now, when all said and done I get the Department of Transportation will be wishing they had made Hwy 20 into an 8-lane highway and I will be lobbying to get my mini-helicopter license.
I'm Back!!!
After almost an 8 month down-time for the blog...I'm back with more fun and fury than ever before! Just in time for election coverage too...
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