By Butch Wells, Troy, AL
The financial situation our country is facing right now should get every working, tax paying American’s undivided attention. Our elected officials are working on a plan to bail out banking and mortgage companies for billions of dollars worth of bad decisions that they made while collecting huge salaries and bonuses.
All of this money can come from one source and one source only. It has to come from the people who work and pay taxes. Politicians don’t work and pay taxes. They collect checks from taxes paid by the working class and they pay taxes on that money with more taxes paid by the working class. The working class pays the politicians salary, medical, retirement, social security, and vacation pay with the money they pay in taxes. The working class pays income taxes, sales taxes, gasoline taxes, tobacco taxes, land taxes, advalorum taxes, capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, and worst of all, taxes to the mortician for burial services. That doesn’t even get me to the sin taxes. Lord I need to start going to Church more.
Blue collar workers, is a term used a lot when it comes to the working class. I guess I could be considered a blue collar worker, because I wear a blue shirt every day. I think its blue since people tell me its blue, but, I’m color blind so I have to trust people to tell me what color it is.
Blue collar workers know how it feels to get up every day and go to work so they can provide for their needs. Blue collar workers know how it feels to do that and realize that what is left after taxes, doesn’t leave enough to provide for those needs.
This 750 billion dollar bail out is not for blue collar America. It is for big bank and mortgage CEO’s to continue their lavish lifestyles. There is nothing in this thing that will help the everyday working stiff. But I have a solution.
Instead of giving these big shot CEOs billions of dollars to spend on some secluded island some where, why not use it to keep some working people in their homes. Buy these mortgages that are being, or about to be foreclosed on. Buy these mortgages for pennies on the dollar and tell these otherwise, soon to be working homeless people, that they can stay in their homes.
The next step is some what simple. Use some of that money to set up a system whereby the working people can pay their mortgage payments at a reduced rate, since we bought the mortgages at pennies on the dollar. All these non-working politicians say we need change, now wouldn’t that be some kind of a change?
I have heard a lot of the rhetoric from a lot of politicians who blame this on the ordinary working people who applied for home loans that they couldn’t afford. It was politicians who put that train wreck on the tracks to start with. Now the politicians want to fix it all with a plan that would still leave these people homeless. I say NO!!!
Don’t bail out a bunch of rich cats that have already made millions of dollars from this. Reach out to those working people who got suckered into your idiotic policies to start with.
I’m not a United States Senator, but if I was, this would be burning in my innermost being right about now.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Enough is Enough
I have finally had it with George Bush and his administration. You can't say that I haven't been supportive of him for almost 8 years. But his decision to bailout the Big 3 Automakers after Congress and the American public made it clear that a bailout is not favored is the last straw.
It was wrong to spend taxpayer money to bail out the insurance and financial industries and it is wrong to use taxpayer money to bail out the automotive industries. I'm no Constitutional scholar but what happened to equal protection under the law? If the government is going to protect some businesses from failing, aren't all businesses due the same protection?
I wonder if this protection is retroactive? I had a business fail a few years ago. Can I go chow down at the public trough?
Where in the Constitution is it written that you and I (taxpayers) can be forced to buy stock in a car company. That's what is happening. We already own part of the banking and insurance industry. I don't know about you but I am ready to sell my interest.
And what makes the government think it can run the car companies? Have they looked at their own books lately? If we ran our businesses like the Congress runs the government's business we would be put in jail.
I think before the government starts buying into a bunch of failed companies they should get their own house in order.
What say you?
It was wrong to spend taxpayer money to bail out the insurance and financial industries and it is wrong to use taxpayer money to bail out the automotive industries. I'm no Constitutional scholar but what happened to equal protection under the law? If the government is going to protect some businesses from failing, aren't all businesses due the same protection?
I wonder if this protection is retroactive? I had a business fail a few years ago. Can I go chow down at the public trough?
Where in the Constitution is it written that you and I (taxpayers) can be forced to buy stock in a car company. That's what is happening. We already own part of the banking and insurance industry. I don't know about you but I am ready to sell my interest.
And what makes the government think it can run the car companies? Have they looked at their own books lately? If we ran our businesses like the Congress runs the government's business we would be put in jail.
I think before the government starts buying into a bunch of failed companies they should get their own house in order.
What say you?
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Mea Culpa
Since the election I haven't had much ambition so there hasn't been many posts. I promise to do better soon. My promises are more dependable than Obamas.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
U.S. Automakers That Failed Without Being Bailed
FOXNews.com
Long before GM, Ford and Chrysler became the Big Three, there were hundreds of automobile manufacturers that went out of business without ever asking for a government bailout.
More than a century ago nearly every major city in America had a company building automobiles. In 1895 the Chicago Motor Corporation built what it called a motocycle. The term didn't last and neither did the manufacturer. According to automotive historian Kit Foster, “car companies sometime failed simply because they were under-capitalized.”
Companies like Brush Auto ran into another problem. At a cost of $550 they couldn't compete with the Ford Model T, which, during its nearly two-decade assembly-line production run sold for as little as $300.
Other manufacturers were simply victims of the Depression. Many specialized in upscale and luxury automobiles. The 1929 stock market crash brought down St. Louis-based Moon Auto and Buffalo’s Pierce Arrow. Also unable to ride out hard times: DuPont, the car of choice for film star Douglas Fairbanks, boxer Jack Dempsey and other celebrities. The “playboy car” of the era, an eight-cylinder DuPont cost over $4,000. Reputation alone was not enough to keep the car in production and in 1932 the last DuPont rolled out of the Wilmington, Delaware factory.
Even cars offering some of the latest innovations couldn’t stay in business. Have you driven a Cord lately? No, not Ford—Cord. The company was one of the first to offer vehicles with front-wheel drive, but it closed its doors in 1937.
Automakers that survived the crash did so “by producing commercial vehicles and smaller economy vehicles” according to Jeff Bliemeister, curator of Hershey Pennsylvania’s Antique Automobile Club of America Museum. Bliemeister says the key to survival was producing cars within a budget that the average person could afford.
Following the Second World War, when auto factories were converted for military production, a few new car companies managed to open. But despite the booming economy and shortage of new vehicles, most didn't last long. While you probably never heard of a Kaiser automobile, the name Tucker lives on, thanks mostly to a Hollywood movie about the company's famous demise.
Despite joining forces, better-known auto makers Studebaker and Packard also couldn't survive. After ceasing U.S. operations in 1963, the combined company struggled to stay in the automotive business at a plant in Hamilton, Ontario before shutting its doors for good in 1966.
Wisconsin-based American Motors was formed thanks to the merger of Hudson and Nash Kelvinator in the 1950s. The company, with quirky designs and models named Rebel, Gremlin, and Pacer, focused on making small, fuel-efficient cars. But by the 1980s AMC lost its way and became part of Chrysler.
As the surviving U.S. auto manufacturers struggle to stay in business, product lines are still being trimmed. Already gone are GM’s Oldsmobile and Chrysler’s Plymouth divisions. Even with a Washington bailout some analysts say the future for the U.S. auto industry will be tough.
“The American car-buying public is fickle, they can change their tastes much more rapidly than an automaker can retool with a new type of product,” Foster warns. The only expansion that seems certain is more museum space dedicated to cars no longer in production.
Long before GM, Ford and Chrysler became the Big Three, there were hundreds of automobile manufacturers that went out of business without ever asking for a government bailout.
More than a century ago nearly every major city in America had a company building automobiles. In 1895 the Chicago Motor Corporation built what it called a motocycle. The term didn't last and neither did the manufacturer. According to automotive historian Kit Foster, “car companies sometime failed simply because they were under-capitalized.”
Companies like Brush Auto ran into another problem. At a cost of $550 they couldn't compete with the Ford Model T, which, during its nearly two-decade assembly-line production run sold for as little as $300.
Other manufacturers were simply victims of the Depression. Many specialized in upscale and luxury automobiles. The 1929 stock market crash brought down St. Louis-based Moon Auto and Buffalo’s Pierce Arrow. Also unable to ride out hard times: DuPont, the car of choice for film star Douglas Fairbanks, boxer Jack Dempsey and other celebrities. The “playboy car” of the era, an eight-cylinder DuPont cost over $4,000. Reputation alone was not enough to keep the car in production and in 1932 the last DuPont rolled out of the Wilmington, Delaware factory.
Even cars offering some of the latest innovations couldn’t stay in business. Have you driven a Cord lately? No, not Ford—Cord. The company was one of the first to offer vehicles with front-wheel drive, but it closed its doors in 1937.
Automakers that survived the crash did so “by producing commercial vehicles and smaller economy vehicles” according to Jeff Bliemeister, curator of Hershey Pennsylvania’s Antique Automobile Club of America Museum. Bliemeister says the key to survival was producing cars within a budget that the average person could afford.
Following the Second World War, when auto factories were converted for military production, a few new car companies managed to open. But despite the booming economy and shortage of new vehicles, most didn't last long. While you probably never heard of a Kaiser automobile, the name Tucker lives on, thanks mostly to a Hollywood movie about the company's famous demise.
Despite joining forces, better-known auto makers Studebaker and Packard also couldn't survive. After ceasing U.S. operations in 1963, the combined company struggled to stay in the automotive business at a plant in Hamilton, Ontario before shutting its doors for good in 1966.
Wisconsin-based American Motors was formed thanks to the merger of Hudson and Nash Kelvinator in the 1950s. The company, with quirky designs and models named Rebel, Gremlin, and Pacer, focused on making small, fuel-efficient cars. But by the 1980s AMC lost its way and became part of Chrysler.
As the surviving U.S. auto manufacturers struggle to stay in business, product lines are still being trimmed. Already gone are GM’s Oldsmobile and Chrysler’s Plymouth divisions. Even with a Washington bailout some analysts say the future for the U.S. auto industry will be tough.
“The American car-buying public is fickle, they can change their tastes much more rapidly than an automaker can retool with a new type of product,” Foster warns. The only expansion that seems certain is more museum space dedicated to cars no longer in production.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Bailout My Butt
Several folks have asked my opinion of the government bailout of all the businesses that have been in the news. My gut reaction to the Fannie May and Freddie Mac bailouts was, the government created this mess, let them fix it. Then I realized they were using our tax dollars for the fix. This is wrong on several levels.
First you have to realize that government is the only entity in the country that can take your money at the point of a gun. If you don't pay your power bill, the power is cut off but you can't be forced to pay it. If you don't pay your taxes, first the government takes all your assets. They rob your bank account and put leins against your property. If you still refuse to pay, they send armed agents of the government to put you in jail. At the point of a gun if necessary. So the gun thing is not an exaggeration.
So what the government is doing is using your money, taken at the point of a gun if necessary, to help private businesses. Look at the "Big 3" automakers. All the years they were making gazillions of dollars they never offered to share it with you. Instead they built palaces for their corporate headquarters and millions and millions on CEO pay. I never faulted them for doing this. It is a private business and they could do what they wanted with their money. This is as it should be. You and I should be able to run our businesses and do what we want with our money.
But if you and I build palaces and pay exorbitant salaries instead of developing products that make us competitive in the marketplace our businesses go into bankruptcy. If we run to the government for help we are laughed out of town. What makes these big businesses special?
The government gave 700 billion, (that's with a "B") to one man to spend however he wants to help the economy recover. Never before have we given such a sum to one person with no idea how he will spend it. Now the auto industry is asking for another 25 billion. Where does it all end? At the barrel of a gun.
First you have to realize that government is the only entity in the country that can take your money at the point of a gun. If you don't pay your power bill, the power is cut off but you can't be forced to pay it. If you don't pay your taxes, first the government takes all your assets. They rob your bank account and put leins against your property. If you still refuse to pay, they send armed agents of the government to put you in jail. At the point of a gun if necessary. So the gun thing is not an exaggeration.
So what the government is doing is using your money, taken at the point of a gun if necessary, to help private businesses. Look at the "Big 3" automakers. All the years they were making gazillions of dollars they never offered to share it with you. Instead they built palaces for their corporate headquarters and millions and millions on CEO pay. I never faulted them for doing this. It is a private business and they could do what they wanted with their money. This is as it should be. You and I should be able to run our businesses and do what we want with our money.
But if you and I build palaces and pay exorbitant salaries instead of developing products that make us competitive in the marketplace our businesses go into bankruptcy. If we run to the government for help we are laughed out of town. What makes these big businesses special?
The government gave 700 billion, (that's with a "B") to one man to spend however he wants to help the economy recover. Never before have we given such a sum to one person with no idea how he will spend it. Now the auto industry is asking for another 25 billion. Where does it all end? At the barrel of a gun.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Aftermath
Obama has started disassembling the war on terror already. He has his staff preparing a plan to close down the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (Gitmo) where the captured terrorists are held and move the prisoners to US soil. I'm sure he realizes that once their feet hit the ground here that they all are afforded access to our criminal courts and the rights of our citizens.
This may seem proper to you but even my simple mind can see problems with this. Overlooking the clogging of our court system, the main problem facing our freedom is the defendants right to face their accuser. I know all the undercover CIA operatives will stand in line to reveal their identities in open court. How many of these operatives families would live another week once they are revealed?
And how about the Iraqui citizens that turned in many of these bad guys? I'm quite sure they will hop the first camel coming this way to answer a subpoena. And without this testimony revealing national security secrets these killers will go free, probably released here in this country. Al Quaeda won't have to smuggle terrorists into this country. We'll bring them here ourselves, compliments of Hussein Obama.
Obama may not be a Muslim but he is playing for their team.
This may seem proper to you but even my simple mind can see problems with this. Overlooking the clogging of our court system, the main problem facing our freedom is the defendants right to face their accuser. I know all the undercover CIA operatives will stand in line to reveal their identities in open court. How many of these operatives families would live another week once they are revealed?
And how about the Iraqui citizens that turned in many of these bad guys? I'm quite sure they will hop the first camel coming this way to answer a subpoena. And without this testimony revealing national security secrets these killers will go free, probably released here in this country. Al Quaeda won't have to smuggle terrorists into this country. We'll bring them here ourselves, compliments of Hussein Obama.
Obama may not be a Muslim but he is playing for their team.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
What in the Hell Have We Done
It's a sad day for America. This nation of fools has elected a liberal appeaser as President. The Islamic nations are rejoicing in the streets. They see the "Big Satan" (us) coming under Islamic rule.
Here are some predictions for the upcoming 4 years. We will be attacked by Islamic terrorists on the scale of 9/11. You'll see interest rates soar to over 20%. You'll see an attempt by Congress to come after your guns. Unemployment will go to double digits. You'll be forced into a healthcare program not of your choosing with criminal prosecution if you try to go outside of it. Gas prices will be back up around $5. You will see special concessions made to the Islamic religion not available to Christians. They already have Muslim footbaths at some airports.
Somebody save these predictions and see if they come true. And keep looking in the mailbox for that check the Chosen One has promised. It's a sad day for America.
Here are some predictions for the upcoming 4 years. We will be attacked by Islamic terrorists on the scale of 9/11. You'll see interest rates soar to over 20%. You'll see an attempt by Congress to come after your guns. Unemployment will go to double digits. You'll be forced into a healthcare program not of your choosing with criminal prosecution if you try to go outside of it. Gas prices will be back up around $5. You will see special concessions made to the Islamic religion not available to Christians. They already have Muslim footbaths at some airports.
Somebody save these predictions and see if they come true. And keep looking in the mailbox for that check the Chosen One has promised. It's a sad day for America.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Its Almost Over
Thank the good Lord this election is almost over. I believe it will be easier to say President Obama than listen to another campaign speech.The race is tightening up but I'm still afraid Sarah can't pull it out.
I have been worried about elections in the past. But this one really scares me. That Obama clown is a scary fellow. I hope raise taxes is all he does but I'm afraid that will only be the beginning. We better start hunting a place to hide our guns. We just might get that knock on the door at 3:00am.
I feel this country has degenerated into a mess that Jesus himself couldn't save. Whoever wins this election, we are in for some tough times. I really don't think there will be another great depression. But I can just about guarantee a return to the conditions of the Carter administration.Gutted military, gas lines, inflation and 23% mortgages. And I'm not sure we'll have another Reagen in 4 years.
I have been worried about elections in the past. But this one really scares me. That Obama clown is a scary fellow. I hope raise taxes is all he does but I'm afraid that will only be the beginning. We better start hunting a place to hide our guns. We just might get that knock on the door at 3:00am.
I feel this country has degenerated into a mess that Jesus himself couldn't save. Whoever wins this election, we are in for some tough times. I really don't think there will be another great depression. But I can just about guarantee a return to the conditions of the Carter administration.Gutted military, gas lines, inflation and 23% mortgages. And I'm not sure we'll have another Reagen in 4 years.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Obama's Redistribution of Wealth
Contributed by Ass. Mayor
Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money".
I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" Button, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--I pointed out the homeless guy outside.
The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was very grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.
Today on my way to lunch I passed a homeless guy with a sign that read "Vote Obama, I need the money".
I laughed.
Once in the restaurant my server had on a "Obama 08" Button, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference -- just imagine the coincidence.
When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need--I pointed out the homeless guy outside.
The server angrily stormed from my sight.
I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I've decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was very grateful.
At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more.
I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Yes I Said Stupid
If you have watched the news today you have seen that Colin Powell has endorsed Barak Hussein Obama for president. I can't count the times that I have said I would vote for Colin Powell for president. I'm now glad he never ran for if he is stupid enough to vote for Obama then he's too stupid to run the country.
I always wondered what the infighting was all about when he was Bush's Sec of State. I didn't know he was being stupid even then.
I always thought anyone who would vote for Obama was ignorant. But it was pointed out to me that ignorance is a lack of knowledge. Stupidity is the inability to learn. Stupid better fits Powell. For I don't believe he is a socialist like Obama but he can't help but know that backing him paints him with the socialist brush also.
I don't know how Powell achieved such high station in the military and still is stupid enough to back Obama. I also can't believe so many people in this country are just as stupid. I might be offending a lot of you but so be it. This is the most important election in my lifetime. I hate to see a vote squandered on a Chicago trained corrupt politico.
I always wondered what the infighting was all about when he was Bush's Sec of State. I didn't know he was being stupid even then.
I always thought anyone who would vote for Obama was ignorant. But it was pointed out to me that ignorance is a lack of knowledge. Stupidity is the inability to learn. Stupid better fits Powell. For I don't believe he is a socialist like Obama but he can't help but know that backing him paints him with the socialist brush also.
I don't know how Powell achieved such high station in the military and still is stupid enough to back Obama. I also can't believe so many people in this country are just as stupid. I might be offending a lot of you but so be it. This is the most important election in my lifetime. I hate to see a vote squandered on a Chicago trained corrupt politico.
Friday, October 17, 2008
I am an American.
I believe the money I make belongs to me and my family, not some Liberal governmental functionary be it Democratic or Republican!
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer; it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything.
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.
My heroes are John Wayne, and whoever canceled Jerry Springer.
I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or arguing about it.
I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you!
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you came from and change your own country! This is AMERICA.
If you were born here and don't like it you are free to move to any Socialist country that will have you.
I think the cops should have the right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running from them.
I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of who you are.
And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my driver's license. I think it's good..... And I'm proud that 'God' is written on my money.
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their cause.
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.
I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA!
If this makes me a BAD American, then so be it.
I'm in touch with my feelings and I like it that way!
I think owning a gun doesn't make you a killer; it makes you a smart American.
I think being a minority does not make you noble or victimized, and does not entitle you to anything.
I believe that if you are selling me a Big Mac, do it in English.
I believe everyone has a right to pray to his or her God when and where they want to.
My heroes are John Wayne, and whoever canceled Jerry Springer.
I know wrestling is fake and I don't waste my time watching or arguing about it.
I've never owned a slave, or was a slave, I haven't burned any witches or been persecuted by the Turks and neither have you!
I believe if you don't like the way things are here, go back to where you came from and change your own country! This is AMERICA.
If you were born here and don't like it you are free to move to any Socialist country that will have you.
I think the cops should have the right to shoot your sorry rear if you're running from them.
I also think they have the right to pull you over if you're breaking the law, regardless of who you are.
And, no, I don't mind having my face shown on my driver's license. I think it's good..... And I'm proud that 'God' is written on my money.
I think if you are too stupid to know how a ballot works, I don't want you deciding who should be running the most powerful nation in the world for the next four years.
I dislike those people standing in the intersections trying to sell me stuff or trying to guilt me into making 'donations' to their cause.
I believe that it doesn't take a village to raise a child, it takes two parents.
I believe 'illegal' is illegal no matter what the lawyers think.
I believe the American flag should be the only one allowed in AMERICA!
If this makes me a BAD American, then so be it.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Debate Coming Soon
Wednesday is the last debate between McCain and Obama. There are several questions I'd like for Obama to answer. I know he won't answer them but I can dream. Number one, I'd like to know who paid for Obama's Harvard Education. He came from a modest background, being raised by grandparents in Hawaii. You don't just walk into Harvard. Somebody coughed up big bucks. Who?
I'd also like to know how a newly elected state senator with no money buys a million dollar home in Chicago. There are others but I'd like to hear what you'd ask Obama if you had the chance. Leave a comment.
I'd also like to know how a newly elected state senator with no money buys a million dollar home in Chicago. There are others but I'd like to hear what you'd ask Obama if you had the chance. Leave a comment.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
The View From Tanyard
The economy continues to tank. The Democrats accept no responsibility for the financial mess caused by the sub prime mortgage fiasco. Since at least 1996 Republicans have been sounding the alarm, according to the New York Times. But Democrats blocked all attempts to rein in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
It's a shame the public is blaming Bush for the economy. The public always blames the party in office for such failures. I'm not smart enough to know all the reasons for our economic condition but one thing I do know was that 2 years ago the economy was in good shape. The GNP posted healthy gains every quarter. What changed? The Democrats took control of Congress. You figure it out.
It's a shame the public is blaming Bush for the economy. The public always blames the party in office for such failures. I'm not smart enough to know all the reasons for our economic condition but one thing I do know was that 2 years ago the economy was in good shape. The GNP posted healthy gains every quarter. What changed? The Democrats took control of Congress. You figure it out.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
What Do You Think?
Do you believe the government should bail out financial institutes to avert the financial crisis? Leave comment.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Leave a Comment
Come on folks. I know everybody doesn't agree with everything they see here. Click on the word comment after each article. Then follow directions.
Tell me what you think. Blogging can be fun if enough people participate.
Tell me what you think. Blogging can be fun if enough people participate.
The View From Tanyard
TVFT- Sept 26-08
Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you find out you haven’t. I was listening to a talk radio show the other day. A guest on the show was a representative from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). These kooks are not my favorite people. They have elevated all animals to the same level as humans and think the rest of us should afford these animals the same rights that you and I have.
We do agree on one thing though. We both think there is a special place for animals. I just happen to think it is on the plate next to the mashed potatoes. However I digress.
The kook on this particular program was explaining PETA’s stand against Ben and Jerry of ice cream fame. PETA wants us to believe the world would be a better place if Ben and Jerry’s ice cream was made with human breast milk instead of cow’s milk. They believe dairy farms mistreat cows. They feed the dairy cows growth hormones to make them produce more milk than they would naturally. They also keep the cows bred and pregnant to keep the milk coming.
With my steel trap mind I saw problems with that right away. Dairies produce a gazillion gallons of milk from a half gazillion cows every day. All this milk is consumed quickly because everyone knows it won’t last more than a few days before spoiling. Now my first question is, just how many women would it take to supply this nation with enough milk for Ben and Jerry to make its ice cream? A human breast that is producing milk would pump how much milk? Ladies, help me out here. A few ounces a day? If that is anywhere near accurate it would take a whole lot of boobs to make a human dairy.
I’m sure you could find enough men to keep that many women pregnant and producing milk. But after that chore who would take care of that many pregnant women? All you married men with children know what I’m talking about. How many of you have been out in the middle of the night hunting something to satisfy a craving. You don’t dare not go.
And all those pregnant women will produce a lot of kids. The veal industry takes care of that with the cows. And PETA complains of cows being given hormones to increase milk yield. You know these women will have to be compensated for their milk. How long do you think it would be before women were taking hormones for the same reason?
I’m sure I haven’t covered all the down side of PETA’s program. Before they put a lot of time and effort into aggravating dairy farmers they should rethink this foolishness. A lot of people think PETA is an organization of fools. This program proves it.
And that is what it looks like from Tanyard.
Just when you think you’ve heard it all, you find out you haven’t. I was listening to a talk radio show the other day. A guest on the show was a representative from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). These kooks are not my favorite people. They have elevated all animals to the same level as humans and think the rest of us should afford these animals the same rights that you and I have.
We do agree on one thing though. We both think there is a special place for animals. I just happen to think it is on the plate next to the mashed potatoes. However I digress.
The kook on this particular program was explaining PETA’s stand against Ben and Jerry of ice cream fame. PETA wants us to believe the world would be a better place if Ben and Jerry’s ice cream was made with human breast milk instead of cow’s milk. They believe dairy farms mistreat cows. They feed the dairy cows growth hormones to make them produce more milk than they would naturally. They also keep the cows bred and pregnant to keep the milk coming.
With my steel trap mind I saw problems with that right away. Dairies produce a gazillion gallons of milk from a half gazillion cows every day. All this milk is consumed quickly because everyone knows it won’t last more than a few days before spoiling. Now my first question is, just how many women would it take to supply this nation with enough milk for Ben and Jerry to make its ice cream? A human breast that is producing milk would pump how much milk? Ladies, help me out here. A few ounces a day? If that is anywhere near accurate it would take a whole lot of boobs to make a human dairy.
I’m sure you could find enough men to keep that many women pregnant and producing milk. But after that chore who would take care of that many pregnant women? All you married men with children know what I’m talking about. How many of you have been out in the middle of the night hunting something to satisfy a craving. You don’t dare not go.
And all those pregnant women will produce a lot of kids. The veal industry takes care of that with the cows. And PETA complains of cows being given hormones to increase milk yield. You know these women will have to be compensated for their milk. How long do you think it would be before women were taking hormones for the same reason?
I’m sure I haven’t covered all the down side of PETA’s program. Before they put a lot of time and effort into aggravating dairy farmers they should rethink this foolishness. A lot of people think PETA is an organization of fools. This program proves it.
And that is what it looks like from Tanyard.
Monday, September 22, 2008
2nd Amendment Wisdom:
The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. (Waiting for attack) The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.
1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
3. I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.
4. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.
5. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'
6. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?'
'No Ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'
7. Beware the man who only has one gun. HE PROBABLY KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!!
But wait, there’s more!
I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, “of course it is loaded, can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of some one evil coming into your house?' My reply was, 'No not at all. I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all load ed too.'
To which I’ll add, having a gun in the house that isn't loaded is like having a car in the garage without gas in the tank
1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he’ll just kill you.
2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.
3. I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.
4. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.
5. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'
6. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?'
'No Ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'
7. Beware the man who only has one gun. HE PROBABLY KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!!
But wait, there’s more!
I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house. I said I did. She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!' To which I said, “of course it is loaded, can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of some one evil coming into your house?' My reply was, 'No not at all. I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all load ed too.'
To which I’ll add, having a gun in the house that isn't loaded is like having a car in the garage without gas in the tank
Saturday, September 20, 2008
He Is Missed
Reagan Quotes'Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose.'
'The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'
'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so.'
'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was too strong.'
'I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress.'
'The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination.'
'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'
'The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program.'
'I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting.'
'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first.'
'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.'
'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed, there are many rewards; if you disgrace yourself, you can always write a book.'
'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'
'If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation under communist rule.'
Friday, September 19, 2008
Bullock County Politics
I used to think the State of Louisiana was king in the world of crooked politics. That is until I moved to Bullock County, Alabama. Bullock County is one of the poorest in the state. Some of the locals think it is kept that way because it makes it easier to obtain grants whose funds are pilfered by local politicians.
In every election since I moved here in 2001, there have been complaints about absentee ballots. Apparently somebody made enough noise that Attorney General Troy King confiscated all the absentee ballots from the 2008 primary election to be examined for fraud. The results of that investigation is pending.
The Bullock County Executive Democratic Committee convened to examine the race between Alonza Ellis and Terry Jackson for the Democratic nomination to a county commission seat. Jackson was leading the race until the absentee ballots were counted. But in the end, Perry won. Jackson contested the election and the aforementioned committee found enough evidence of fraud that they overturned the election, giving the nomination to Jackson. Improper absentee ballots were not executed properly. A majority of them were obtained by sitting Commissioner Johnny Adams and people working for his re-election. The committee also took testimony that revealed votes had been paid for.
Everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But if guilt is determined somebody needs to do some jail time. But even that is doubtful if a trial is ever held in Bullock County. I can think of two instances where public officials were guilty of misdeeds and the courts allowed the perpetrators to retire and draw their retirement.
The theme of this election season is change and reform. A good strong dose of this would be good for Bullock County.
In every election since I moved here in 2001, there have been complaints about absentee ballots. Apparently somebody made enough noise that Attorney General Troy King confiscated all the absentee ballots from the 2008 primary election to be examined for fraud. The results of that investigation is pending.
The Bullock County Executive Democratic Committee convened to examine the race between Alonza Ellis and Terry Jackson for the Democratic nomination to a county commission seat. Jackson was leading the race until the absentee ballots were counted. But in the end, Perry won. Jackson contested the election and the aforementioned committee found enough evidence of fraud that they overturned the election, giving the nomination to Jackson. Improper absentee ballots were not executed properly. A majority of them were obtained by sitting Commissioner Johnny Adams and people working for his re-election. The committee also took testimony that revealed votes had been paid for.
Everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. But if guilt is determined somebody needs to do some jail time. But even that is doubtful if a trial is ever held in Bullock County. I can think of two instances where public officials were guilty of misdeeds and the courts allowed the perpetrators to retire and draw their retirement.
The theme of this election season is change and reform. A good strong dose of this would be good for Bullock County.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
List of Accomplishments
The following is a complete list of the accomplishments of Barak Hussein Obama during his term as U S Senator:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
So be sure to vote Obama. His legislative accomplishments are so impressive.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
So be sure to vote Obama. His legislative accomplishments are so impressive.
Friday, September 12, 2008
AlObama or AlaMama????
It seems the Obama campaign has stolen Alabama. I got a call from the Ass. Mayor of Tanyard complaining of the corruption of the name of our great state. He said the sign over the Dem's campaign office in Montgomery said "AlObama". I Googled AloBama and got over 3200 hits on everything from tee shirts to bumper stickers. There are a lot of people upset about this. I was for a while. But instead of getting mad, I'm getting even. I'll steal the name back. See the following pictures:
AlObama
AlaMama
AlObama
AlaMamaBiden Ain’t No Palin
I was asked by a reader to comment on Obama’s pick as a VP running mate. That pick was, of course Joe Biden from Connecticut. I admit I don’t know a lot about him and I really don’t care enough to do the research. So let’s talk about what little I do know.
Biden was voted the third most liberal member of Congress by whoever votes on these things. That puts him two notches down from Obama who was voted the most liberal. If I cared enough to research it, I’d probably find that this is the most liberal slate of candidates in the republic’s history.
Also, Biden’s resume shows he is pro choice. Since I refuse to argue abortion in this or any other venue, I’ll just say that Biden, a supposedly devout Catholic, has been forbidden to accept communion by the church.
Biden is also a single father who commutes back and forth from Connecticut on Amtrak rather than live in Washington. I respect the man for this. But it’s a shame the Democrats couldn’t give Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, the same respect. They questioned her ability to be Vice President and raise her family at the same time. She’s a married mother but Biden, a single parent, was not asked this question. A sexist double standard appears to exist with the Democrats.
That’s really about all I know of Biden. Oh, one other thing. I saw a twenty five year old photo of Biden. He was bald as a bowling ball. He now has a full head of hair. Hair Club for Men maybe? This has absolutely nothing to do with his qualifications but it might mean he has a vain streak in his personality.
There’s my critique of Joe Biden. And that’s the way I see it in the view from Tanyard.
Biden was voted the third most liberal member of Congress by whoever votes on these things. That puts him two notches down from Obama who was voted the most liberal. If I cared enough to research it, I’d probably find that this is the most liberal slate of candidates in the republic’s history.
Also, Biden’s resume shows he is pro choice. Since I refuse to argue abortion in this or any other venue, I’ll just say that Biden, a supposedly devout Catholic, has been forbidden to accept communion by the church.
Biden is also a single father who commutes back and forth from Connecticut on Amtrak rather than live in Washington. I respect the man for this. But it’s a shame the Democrats couldn’t give Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin, the same respect. They questioned her ability to be Vice President and raise her family at the same time. She’s a married mother but Biden, a single parent, was not asked this question. A sexist double standard appears to exist with the Democrats.
That’s really about all I know of Biden. Oh, one other thing. I saw a twenty five year old photo of Biden. He was bald as a bowling ball. He now has a full head of hair. Hair Club for Men maybe? This has absolutely nothing to do with his qualifications but it might mean he has a vain streak in his personality.
There’s my critique of Joe Biden. And that’s the way I see it in the view from Tanyard.
The Wisdom of Larry the Cable Guy......
1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?'
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Chuckles
Two hillbillies were sitting around talking one afternoon. After a while the first fellow says to the second, "If'n I was to sneak over to your place Saturday and make love to your wife while you was off huntin', and she got pregnant and had a baby, would that make us kin?"
The second fellow crooked his head sideways for a minute, scratched his head, and squinted his eyes like he was thinking real hard about the question. Finally, he said, "Well, I don't know about kin, but it'd make us even."
The second fellow crooked his head sideways for a minute, scratched his head, and squinted his eyes like he was thinking real hard about the question. Finally, he said, "Well, I don't know about kin, but it'd make us even."
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Sometimes You Gotta Eat Crow
Some time back I wrote a column that explained that I wouldn’t vote for a female politician if there were any male alternatives. John McCain’s choice of a Vice Presidential running mate has made me reassess that position.
The VP candidate of whom I speak is, of course, Sarah Palin, the erstwhile Governor of Alaska. The more I hear about this gal the more I like her. The first thing I heard was that she was the governor of Alaska, a state that I much admire. Then I found out that she won this office from an incumbent Republican. Palin is also Republican. She beat this guy out with an attack on the corrupt Republican “good old boys” network that had flourished in Alaska.
She has gotten my attention by now. Next I found out that she is a lifetime member of the NRA. Her likeability factor went up a notch. It went up a couple more notches when I was told she is a serious hunter. Her favorite meal is moose stew. How good can she get?
She just keeps getting better and better. Her husband is a commercial fisherman and she helped out on his boat before she became involved in politics. She first volunteered for the PTA at her child’s school. That led to a run for a city council seat where she lived. Next was a stint as Mayor. Then she was appointed by the governor to an oil and gas board of some kind. When she found out about corruption on this board she demanded the governor correct the situation. When he refused she resigned from the board and ran against the governor. She beat him like a rug. Since she became governor she has enjoyed an 80% approval rating from the citizens of Alaska.
The next thing that got my attention was her appearance. She’s a babe. Her car carries a bumper sticker that says Alaska—Cool State, Hot Governor. And she has saved Alaska a ton of money. She instituted a tax on the oil companies. When that tax brought in more than expected she wrote every Alaskan a check for something like $2500. The Governor's office also had a fancy jet airplane that she considered a waste of money. She sold the plane on E-bay.
In her acceptance speech she proclaimed herself to be a hockey mom. That’s Alaska’s version of a soccer mom. She proclaims proudly that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick. The most profound thing she said was that some politicians (meaning Obama) used change to further their career. But her running mate, John McCain used his career to institute change.
This woman is so likable it’s easy to forget she’s a politician. I would vote for her over John McCain. But since he’s already won the top spot I’ll settle for her standing in at number two. Keep your eye on her. She is a rising star in the world of politics. In fact she’s a redneck’s political dream.
The VP candidate of whom I speak is, of course, Sarah Palin, the erstwhile Governor of Alaska. The more I hear about this gal the more I like her. The first thing I heard was that she was the governor of Alaska, a state that I much admire. Then I found out that she won this office from an incumbent Republican. Palin is also Republican. She beat this guy out with an attack on the corrupt Republican “good old boys” network that had flourished in Alaska.
She has gotten my attention by now. Next I found out that she is a lifetime member of the NRA. Her likeability factor went up a notch. It went up a couple more notches when I was told she is a serious hunter. Her favorite meal is moose stew. How good can she get?
She just keeps getting better and better. Her husband is a commercial fisherman and she helped out on his boat before she became involved in politics. She first volunteered for the PTA at her child’s school. That led to a run for a city council seat where she lived. Next was a stint as Mayor. Then she was appointed by the governor to an oil and gas board of some kind. When she found out about corruption on this board she demanded the governor correct the situation. When he refused she resigned from the board and ran against the governor. She beat him like a rug. Since she became governor she has enjoyed an 80% approval rating from the citizens of Alaska.
The next thing that got my attention was her appearance. She’s a babe. Her car carries a bumper sticker that says Alaska—Cool State, Hot Governor. And she has saved Alaska a ton of money. She instituted a tax on the oil companies. When that tax brought in more than expected she wrote every Alaskan a check for something like $2500. The Governor's office also had a fancy jet airplane that she considered a waste of money. She sold the plane on E-bay.
In her acceptance speech she proclaimed herself to be a hockey mom. That’s Alaska’s version of a soccer mom. She proclaims proudly that the difference between a hockey mom and a pit bull is lipstick. The most profound thing she said was that some politicians (meaning Obama) used change to further their career. But her running mate, John McCain used his career to institute change.
This woman is so likable it’s easy to forget she’s a politician. I would vote for her over John McCain. But since he’s already won the top spot I’ll settle for her standing in at number two. Keep your eye on her. She is a rising star in the world of politics. In fact she’s a redneck’s political dream.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The View From Tanyard Returns
Since I left the Union Springs Herald I have not published a Tanyard column. I wouldn't put it in the paper even if they would print it. A blog such as this is my only option at present. I just have too many politicians and lawyers to irritate to let the column fall by the wayside.
I'll try to publish a new column every Friday. But check here more often as I will publish comments on breaking news when It happens.
You can help by telling your friends where to find The View From Tanyard. The address is www.theviewfromtanyard.blogspot.com.
If there is anything you want addressed just drop me an email at dixieliving@ustconline.net and look for a new column on Friday
I'll try to publish a new column every Friday. But check here more often as I will publish comments on breaking news when It happens.
You can help by telling your friends where to find The View From Tanyard. The address is www.theviewfromtanyard.blogspot.com.
If there is anything you want addressed just drop me an email at dixieliving@ustconline.net and look for a new column on Friday
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