Each and every day in cities and towns across our great country a group of under appreciated and underpaid, men and women don their uniforms of civic responsibility and protect us. These are the fine people that are police and firefighters. We asked all of them to take on the incredible task of providing support and help, whenever we call.
What do we give them in return? A police offer pulls someone over for reckless driving and receives a profane laced triad for their work. It does not matter that they might be saving you or someone you care about from a disastrous accident, all people think, is how much it is costing them in dollars. They do not take the responsibility for their reckless actions. This is the same officer that will place themselves between you and any harm that is approaching.
Firefighters are viewed somewhat differently, but also fall under the wrath of the public. At times they are ridiculed for spending too much time at the local grocery store, when they load up supplies for the station. We impede their progress, as they respond to an emergency, because we do not want to arrive at our destination two minutes later.
In the history of America, first responders have placed the interest of the public first and never hesitated because of concern for themselves. They were there during the great fire in Chicago. They fought against the devastation in the aftermath of the San Francisco earthquake. More recently we heard and observed their bravery and heroism as they ran toward the burning towers on 9-11. On that one day we lost thousands of remarkable people and, yes we mourned, but we did so briefly. Since that remarkable day many more have lost their lives, due to the fact that they breathed the very air that surrounded them. The lives that were devastated that day, a decade ago, belonged to true American heroes. Thousands of responders report to work every day and some of them never get the chance to return home. They loose the opportunity to say good-bye to their families and their families have to bury them without a single change to say, "I love you," once more. I ask again, what do we do for them?
We question their decisions, that are made in a fraction of a second, if something goes wrong. We want to drag them into court for criminal and civil actions because the outcome of their choices is not perfect. Now we want to demonize them, as the root of our financial problems in America. All across the country, Republican, governors and Republican legislatures are attempting to take away even the small amount we pay them. They are attacking the unions that help them perform their jobs, and the idea of collective bargaining, that will cut how they are compensated. How much is your family's life worth? How much would you be willing to spend to save someone you love? How hard is it to show them the respect and admiration they deserve? How hard would it be to say, "thank you", to each and every first responder that you encounter? Lastly how hard would it be to contact your local, state and federal politicians and tell them that these brave and wonderful leaders in our society are so important, and they should be protected by all of us in return?
The next time you pass a police officer or a firefighter, think about the fact that they are always there. Whether it is during the day while most of us are out working they serve us. During the night, while we all lay down to sleep, they are ready to respond to all of us at a seconds notice. Think about those brave men and women, that rushed toward their deaths in New York and remember they are rushing toward their deaths each time they put that special uniform on and protect. Do we not owe them the same? I believe we do. Tonight when you hit your knees, remind God to place each of these special people in the palm of his hand and protect them, while they protect us.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
To All Of My Conservative Friends, Including Brandon, Doug, Darlene and Danny.
A little over a year ago I started America's Voice and have met with an increasing number of readers. Most people read it, but then do not comment. When I get comments I will answer them in a posting and then we can debate. Over the year two friends, Marines, who is more liberal leaning and Danny, who is a Libertarian and Ron Paul supporter, have joined me many times with comments. I occasionally have sprinkled among them some other comments, mostly from anonymous sources. I have my blog set up so anyone can comment and they do not have to leave a name. I encourage people to let me know who they are, but I do not want to silence any voice. I also write a sports blog, "Old School Sports" and a humor blog, "Father Thinks He Knows Best, " and allow the same freedom for people to comment. The reason I bring this up, is over the last year I have been engaged with people on face book and we had some very lengthy discussion, mostly involving politics. I enjoy this, but I am also not being a very good businessman, by following this path. I write my blogs for the fun of it, but I also would like to increase my readership to the point that it would supplement our income, instead of me going out to work and have to follow a schedule. On my blog are ads. They will become more controlled by me and more diversified in the near future. The way I make income from blogs is by total readership and by anyone going to any of the advertisers. I make additional money if someone buys while they are looking. Back to my change. When I engage in long discussions directly on face book I make nothing and if that conversation was on one of my blogs, I will increase the amount of money I make. It costs you, my readers nothing, unless there is a product you buy and then you only pay for the merchandise, not for my blog. This is the way they work. This is not a pitch for you to buy anything, but to inform you that in the future I will post my responses to my blogs and then post it to face book. This is business and my business is writing.
To my conservative friends, and yes I do consider you friends, even though in some cases I only know you through face book, I invite you to join us in this venue. It is not some liberal machine that is trying to trap you, if anything I tend to be more middle of the road on the blog, which is really where I aim to be. I do not tolerate vulgar, profanities and can delete comments that I feel is offensive. Just because you disagree with me, that does not offend me. I tend to argue facts, but I am also human and politics is emotional to me and everyone that I know.
My goal is to create an open and honest environment where people, with different views can come and have serious discussions. Come armed with facts, opinions, but most importantly solutions. We get too caught up in the emotional part, I know I sometimes do, and when this happens call me on it. Let me know that I am taking it too personal in your opinion. This can lead to a better discourse about the issues that face America today. I will answer you and issues that are brought up on face book, but now I will go into my blog and post the responses. Please join me. This is really what America is about. Someone starting a business. People wanting to join them because they like the concept. Lastly and most importantly finding and sharing solutions to the myriad of problems that face us today. I will in the near future start to share my blog posts to other national blogs, such as Morning Joe or Rachel Madow and even the Conservative Girl blog. Join me and together we will share points of views and ideas. Thanks.
To my conservative friends, and yes I do consider you friends, even though in some cases I only know you through face book, I invite you to join us in this venue. It is not some liberal machine that is trying to trap you, if anything I tend to be more middle of the road on the blog, which is really where I aim to be. I do not tolerate vulgar, profanities and can delete comments that I feel is offensive. Just because you disagree with me, that does not offend me. I tend to argue facts, but I am also human and politics is emotional to me and everyone that I know.
My goal is to create an open and honest environment where people, with different views can come and have serious discussions. Come armed with facts, opinions, but most importantly solutions. We get too caught up in the emotional part, I know I sometimes do, and when this happens call me on it. Let me know that I am taking it too personal in your opinion. This can lead to a better discourse about the issues that face America today. I will answer you and issues that are brought up on face book, but now I will go into my blog and post the responses. Please join me. This is really what America is about. Someone starting a business. People wanting to join them because they like the concept. Lastly and most importantly finding and sharing solutions to the myriad of problems that face us today. I will in the near future start to share my blog posts to other national blogs, such as Morning Joe or Rachel Madow and even the Conservative Girl blog. Join me and together we will share points of views and ideas. Thanks.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Contraception And The Catholic Church.
This week a lot of noise was coming from the right wing and Republicans, blasting the Obama administration for it's stance on women that work for the Catholic Church and it's universities. One of the issues that is related to the Affordable Health Care Act is the idea that companies would provide, through their employee health insurance, free contraceptives. On the surface this does not appear to be very controversial, until the right wing gets a chance to sink it's teeth into anything that opposes the President. The church contends that it's long held stance against birth control of any type, is violating the separation of church and state. They want to continue and allow a small group of mostly old men, the Catholic hierarchy, to have the power over the private discussion that women should have over their own bodies when it comes to having a child.
One would think that the church and the crazies on the right would welcome the opportunity to decrease the rate of abortions in this country. However the right cannot pass up the chance to attack our President and blame him for all of our social ills. When you look at the idea that the more women, choose birth control, they would then not choose abortions. This makes perfect sense unless your only job is to make President Obama a one term president. It is not about what is right or most beneficial to the country it is about attacking our President. I can at least understand the idea that the Catholic church has had a long standing tradition of opposing birth control, and guess what. Contrary to the non factual spin machine there will be exceptions for religious organizations to not participate and the female workers at the church would then have to pay for their own contraception. Again the Republicans have it wrong.
This then brings me to another point as we look at the current controversy. Isn't it time to end our employer based health care system in America. Then employers such as the catholic church would not have to object to paying for something, that 98% of it's church members use. Yes, that last fact is correct. According to the latest survey, 98% of Catholic women say they either used or are using birth control. Once we get smarter in America we would eliminate the whole issue of any company denying any health services based upon some reasoning by the executives.
The Republican argue that we have to have a better environment for businesses to survive and grow. What better way to reduce costs and thus makes us more competitive against foreign markets then reducing the cost for companies, by eliminating their health care costs. The Republicans argue that we should be more responsible and yet they balk at the idea of everyone contributing their own health care. Oh, no we can't have mandated health care. Where are our liberties? I hate to tell everyone but if we do not compel people to pay their share, they will continue to live off of the rest of us that have, health care insurance. Would it not be personal responsibility to pay a premium to help cover the cost of medical care? Is it not hypocritical to shout about responsibility and then say except for health care.
The Republicans scream about the fact that health care is burying us and our children and grandchildren under a mountain of debt and yet when an alternative presents itself they run away from their responsibility. They want to push it further down the road for political reasons and we are all left with the mounting bills.
This is my challenge to any Republican or Libertarian or Independent or even any Democrat. tell me how this is not about a way to reduce costs for the very companies, you claim to protect. Tell me how this is not the responsible approach to cutting our deficit. Tell me how this cannot work, and tell me without the false excuse of personal liberties. The forefathers did not live to be very old and the medical care in the 1700's was not very advanced so they could not have foreseen the need for everyone to join and pay.
Lastly if you cannot meet the challenge and show some better alternative, then I can only come to the conclusion that Alan Greyson was correct when he said on the floor of Congress. "The Republican plan is, do not get sick and if you do get sick, die quickly."
One would think that the church and the crazies on the right would welcome the opportunity to decrease the rate of abortions in this country. However the right cannot pass up the chance to attack our President and blame him for all of our social ills. When you look at the idea that the more women, choose birth control, they would then not choose abortions. This makes perfect sense unless your only job is to make President Obama a one term president. It is not about what is right or most beneficial to the country it is about attacking our President. I can at least understand the idea that the Catholic church has had a long standing tradition of opposing birth control, and guess what. Contrary to the non factual spin machine there will be exceptions for religious organizations to not participate and the female workers at the church would then have to pay for their own contraception. Again the Republicans have it wrong.
This then brings me to another point as we look at the current controversy. Isn't it time to end our employer based health care system in America. Then employers such as the catholic church would not have to object to paying for something, that 98% of it's church members use. Yes, that last fact is correct. According to the latest survey, 98% of Catholic women say they either used or are using birth control. Once we get smarter in America we would eliminate the whole issue of any company denying any health services based upon some reasoning by the executives.
The Republican argue that we have to have a better environment for businesses to survive and grow. What better way to reduce costs and thus makes us more competitive against foreign markets then reducing the cost for companies, by eliminating their health care costs. The Republicans argue that we should be more responsible and yet they balk at the idea of everyone contributing their own health care. Oh, no we can't have mandated health care. Where are our liberties? I hate to tell everyone but if we do not compel people to pay their share, they will continue to live off of the rest of us that have, health care insurance. Would it not be personal responsibility to pay a premium to help cover the cost of medical care? Is it not hypocritical to shout about responsibility and then say except for health care.
The Republicans scream about the fact that health care is burying us and our children and grandchildren under a mountain of debt and yet when an alternative presents itself they run away from their responsibility. They want to push it further down the road for political reasons and we are all left with the mounting bills.
This is my challenge to any Republican or Libertarian or Independent or even any Democrat. tell me how this is not about a way to reduce costs for the very companies, you claim to protect. Tell me how this is not the responsible approach to cutting our deficit. Tell me how this cannot work, and tell me without the false excuse of personal liberties. The forefathers did not live to be very old and the medical care in the 1700's was not very advanced so they could not have foreseen the need for everyone to join and pay.
Lastly if you cannot meet the challenge and show some better alternative, then I can only come to the conclusion that Alan Greyson was correct when he said on the floor of Congress. "The Republican plan is, do not get sick and if you do get sick, die quickly."
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Why Do We Vote Against Our Own Interests?
I am astonished that in so many instances Americans vote against the very thing they need the most. I have stated repeatedly that the two most pressing issues facing us today is education and the huge amounts of money in politics. We vote for and elect, a man or woman, who are wealthy and except piles of money from other wealthy people, and then complain when they do not support the issues that we are most concerned with. I have listened to the Republicans, as they continue to support the same mantra, cut taxes and regulations to spur the economy, which will create jobs and then decrease the deficit. The problem with this approach is that we started doing that over forty years ago and it has contributed greatly to where we are economically today. I listen to the republicans whine about the power that is exhibited by the unions and how we have to eliminate their ability to collective bargaining. Once again they say this will spur the economy, which will create jobs and then decrease the deficit. Look at the history of the last forty years, as the power of unions, which is the power of average people, has diminished, the wages for middle class Americans has stagnated or decreased. That is another contributing factor to the decline of the once, huge middle class. Now what does this have to do with my opening statement, everything. Who do you think was behind the idea of breaking unions, the wealthy and corporations, who contribute huge piles of money to politicians to support their agenda. Who do you think was behind the idea of cutting taxes and regulations, so they could have even greater profits and income? Again the answer is the wealthy and the corporations, who have enjoyed increases of over 400% in wages and profits while the middle class had their wages remain flat or decrease. Guess, also who was behind the politicians with truckloads of cash, the wealthy and corporations.
Just some factual information for you to consider. Mitt Romney, the same person who, stated such wonderful, heartfelt and caring lines such as, "I am not concerned about the poor, they have a safety net," or "Corporations are people too, my friend," to the ever popular, "I made a little bit of money for speaking engagements, ($375,000) , has a Super Pac. Within that fund is over 32 million dollars and 86% of the contributions were for over $100,000, while only 14% were for less then $100,000. Also in that fund, he has collected 26 million dollars from just ninety donors. This is money from the wealthy and they do not do this for nothing. If Romney is elected he will owe some very rich people something, such as a decrease in the already low, 15% capital gains rate, and more. My other point is because of the, "Citizens United", case the list of donors in the Super Pac lacks one very important thing, transparency. We do not know who they are and what they will get in return. One more quick note on this, so far in their personal campaign donations, which is transparent, only 9% of Romney's donations is under the small contribution category, which is $200. by contrast President Obama has received 47% of his contributions in the amounts of $200 or less.
Now I am not saying that the Democrats do not have supporters from the elite, but the facts are, they have fewer. Neither party has broached the subject of campaign finance reform, and until they make campaigns financed with only public money we will continue to have a muted voice in our government.
Tomorrow I will talk about the other important issue, that has to be addressed, education, for without a population of highly educated people, America, will fall behind the rest of the world and not be able to compete in the global market. Until then.
Just some factual information for you to consider. Mitt Romney, the same person who, stated such wonderful, heartfelt and caring lines such as, "I am not concerned about the poor, they have a safety net," or "Corporations are people too, my friend," to the ever popular, "I made a little bit of money for speaking engagements, ($375,000) , has a Super Pac. Within that fund is over 32 million dollars and 86% of the contributions were for over $100,000, while only 14% were for less then $100,000. Also in that fund, he has collected 26 million dollars from just ninety donors. This is money from the wealthy and they do not do this for nothing. If Romney is elected he will owe some very rich people something, such as a decrease in the already low, 15% capital gains rate, and more. My other point is because of the, "Citizens United", case the list of donors in the Super Pac lacks one very important thing, transparency. We do not know who they are and what they will get in return. One more quick note on this, so far in their personal campaign donations, which is transparent, only 9% of Romney's donations is under the small contribution category, which is $200. by contrast President Obama has received 47% of his contributions in the amounts of $200 or less.
Now I am not saying that the Democrats do not have supporters from the elite, but the facts are, they have fewer. Neither party has broached the subject of campaign finance reform, and until they make campaigns financed with only public money we will continue to have a muted voice in our government.
Tomorrow I will talk about the other important issue, that has to be addressed, education, for without a population of highly educated people, America, will fall behind the rest of the world and not be able to compete in the global market. Until then.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Rick Santorum Needs a Heart Transplant Now!
Just a week ago Republican candidate, Rick Santorum left his campaign and did what any parent would do, be there with his daughter. Santorum's daughter Bella, was hospitalized and I am not sure what the reason was. This is a private matter for the family. The reason I bring this up is when I heard the report, I quickly said a prayer for little, Bella and the Santorum family. This is not a political response, it is the response that all parents have when they hear about a child suffering. We all care about each other, but care even more deeply when a child is involved.
Yesterday I was shocked to hear Santorum's response to a woman at one of his rallies. This lady was sharing the fact that her child is going through treatments for cancer and while the child has receiving chemo, she listened to the mothers of other children and heard about the struggles they were going through to pay for the life giving treatments. Mr. Santorum had a smirk cross his face and then gave a very heartfelt , at least from his standpoint, answer. He stated that it is wrong to have the drug companies have to sell their products at a loss. He went into a discussion about the idea that a company should be able to expect a good profit and return for their money. He pointed out that the companies spend money to develop and make a drug and should see a profit. Seriously, your response to a child dying is to lecture on the need for profits. I understand that the viability of the drug companies are what drives them investing in newer and life saving drugs, but that is also the problem. These companies receive federal funds to make the drugs. They then, after using some of our money to develop the drug, turn around and charge enough money to have huge profits for them. They even sell the same drugs to patients in other countries at a smaller price then we can get here in America.
I am not writing today about the profits of drug companies, I am writing about the callous far right and Rick Santorum. He has run his campaign proclaiming to be the family, Christian values, Republican. Where did Christ talk about, letting people die, so profits for the rich and companies would go up. This must have been another sermon I missed! Where are your Christian values, Mr. Santorum? I would like you to think about one thing. Imagine how you would feel if you had to look at your wife and little Bella and say, "I am sorry but the money is not there to save you." How would you feel? Can you even begin to have that thought in your mind? Could you sit there and know your daughter would die, because it is not fair to the drug companies and their profits? I sincerely hope that you never have to face that for your precious, Bella, but I would also hope that you would work to make sure that no parents had to face their child and deal with them dying because of profits. Everyday in this country, parents and families loose small helpless children because, the health care companies and the drug companies care more about profits then lives. I think it is about time that the hypocritical right wing Christians start to actually live by the standards that Jesus set and start to help the average citizen to deal with these issues. Otherwise Mr. Santorum, I suggest you get a transplant and hopefully get a heart that actually cares.
Yesterday I was shocked to hear Santorum's response to a woman at one of his rallies. This lady was sharing the fact that her child is going through treatments for cancer and while the child has receiving chemo, she listened to the mothers of other children and heard about the struggles they were going through to pay for the life giving treatments. Mr. Santorum had a smirk cross his face and then gave a very heartfelt , at least from his standpoint, answer. He stated that it is wrong to have the drug companies have to sell their products at a loss. He went into a discussion about the idea that a company should be able to expect a good profit and return for their money. He pointed out that the companies spend money to develop and make a drug and should see a profit. Seriously, your response to a child dying is to lecture on the need for profits. I understand that the viability of the drug companies are what drives them investing in newer and life saving drugs, but that is also the problem. These companies receive federal funds to make the drugs. They then, after using some of our money to develop the drug, turn around and charge enough money to have huge profits for them. They even sell the same drugs to patients in other countries at a smaller price then we can get here in America.
I am not writing today about the profits of drug companies, I am writing about the callous far right and Rick Santorum. He has run his campaign proclaiming to be the family, Christian values, Republican. Where did Christ talk about, letting people die, so profits for the rich and companies would go up. This must have been another sermon I missed! Where are your Christian values, Mr. Santorum? I would like you to think about one thing. Imagine how you would feel if you had to look at your wife and little Bella and say, "I am sorry but the money is not there to save you." How would you feel? Can you even begin to have that thought in your mind? Could you sit there and know your daughter would die, because it is not fair to the drug companies and their profits? I sincerely hope that you never have to face that for your precious, Bella, but I would also hope that you would work to make sure that no parents had to face their child and deal with them dying because of profits. Everyday in this country, parents and families loose small helpless children because, the health care companies and the drug companies care more about profits then lives. I think it is about time that the hypocritical right wing Christians start to actually live by the standards that Jesus set and start to help the average citizen to deal with these issues. Otherwise Mr. Santorum, I suggest you get a transplant and hopefully get a heart that actually cares.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Bigotry Is Subtle, But Very Much Alive.
Have you noticed the growing number of, what I would call, subtle bigotry, in our country? If you haven't I invite you to look over comments on face book and all other social media sites, that invite comments. It is not just sickening, it is scary. I am not talking about only race comments, I am talking about the prejudiced remarks aimed at religious groups, gays and any other none white, male, Christian group. This is not to say, there is not plenty of blatant bigoted remarks and statements, it is just that the subtle ones, seem to not only say the remarks, but then they become defensive when someone calls them on it.
One of the people I have on face book, not only derided all Muslims, but she then went on to say what have Muslims contributed to anybody, and according to her , nothing. She repeatedly slams all groups that are different then her and makes racial charged statements and does not understand that this is poisonous and dividing.
Newt Gingrich, referring to blacks, not having working role models in their communities and calling our President the, "food stamp President". This is racism. When our political leaders take the road of race, then everyday people feel it is alright to make statements that incorrectly paint a race or religion or nationality in the wrong light.
Before everyone thinks I am overly sensitive, forget it. People that know me are well aware that it takes a high level of tastelessness to offend me, but I do not say or do things that would belittle a group of people. Hey, I am part Irish and love some of the jokes about us loving to drink. Beside I do like to knock a few back on occasions, such as when a new day arrives. My problem is when people are just totally dismissive of an entire group because they are ignorant of the facts.
People of all backgrounds, really want the same things. They want peace and the ability to live their lives without fear and retribution from someone else that disagrees with them. They want their children and families to be educated and have economic opportunities. They want to have their basic needs met and are willing to work for them and to put in additional work to have more. They want, and wait for this word. FAIRNESS. They do not want hand outs they want a fair system and the chance to make their lives better.
So whether you are a business person in New York City, or a farmer on a rocky patch of ground in Afghanistan or a teacher in Israel or a miner in South Africa we are all human beings and are looking to just live our lives. Why do we have to try and destroy each other? It just doesn't make sense.
One of the people I have on face book, not only derided all Muslims, but she then went on to say what have Muslims contributed to anybody, and according to her , nothing. She repeatedly slams all groups that are different then her and makes racial charged statements and does not understand that this is poisonous and dividing.
Newt Gingrich, referring to blacks, not having working role models in their communities and calling our President the, "food stamp President". This is racism. When our political leaders take the road of race, then everyday people feel it is alright to make statements that incorrectly paint a race or religion or nationality in the wrong light.
Before everyone thinks I am overly sensitive, forget it. People that know me are well aware that it takes a high level of tastelessness to offend me, but I do not say or do things that would belittle a group of people. Hey, I am part Irish and love some of the jokes about us loving to drink. Beside I do like to knock a few back on occasions, such as when a new day arrives. My problem is when people are just totally dismissive of an entire group because they are ignorant of the facts.
People of all backgrounds, really want the same things. They want peace and the ability to live their lives without fear and retribution from someone else that disagrees with them. They want their children and families to be educated and have economic opportunities. They want to have their basic needs met and are willing to work for them and to put in additional work to have more. They want, and wait for this word. FAIRNESS. They do not want hand outs they want a fair system and the chance to make their lives better.
So whether you are a business person in New York City, or a farmer on a rocky patch of ground in Afghanistan or a teacher in Israel or a miner in South Africa we are all human beings and are looking to just live our lives. Why do we have to try and destroy each other? It just doesn't make sense.
Response to Danny Concerning Ron Paul.
This is a follow up to my favorite Ron Paul supporter and friend Danny. I agree to a certain point that the Federal Reserve System is broken and in need of an overhaul. The government should have the ability to borrow, but I believe this should be done on a very narrow basis. Congress is the spending machine of our country and as such they have to conform to a balanced approach to spending. This is accomplished in numerous ways. They have to recognize that spending or borrowing should be more on an investment basis instead of the free way it is handled today. In investing we should look at areas such as education, infrastructure and new technology. When we do investments we will see returns of increased revenue to pay off any loans. They should be for short term and major projects, but also short term. I agree that the prospect of borrowing for expansionist wars should not be allowed. The borrowing for a war, when America is directly attacked, would be necessary, unless we built a surplus, similar to households having savings accounts to meet unexpected emergencies. One of the items I so strongly disagreed with President Bush on was him giving people a tax cut and the rebates when we had a surplus. Then he started two wars, without the funds to pay for them.
The other area that I disagree with the Federal Reserves policy is the abundance of cheap funds for the banks. When I first started with Barnett Bank almost thirty years ago, the banks generated money to lend, by attracting depositors. They paid a decent rate for savings accounts and CD's to raise funds. They then set a margin for loans. That difference between what they paid and what they lent the money at was their profits. Now they basically get free money from the Feds. They pay nothing on savings accounts and instead of lending the money, they make risky investments to boost their profits. They also garner fee income by squeezing their clients, charging for every service they can get away with. Banks also have the freedom to make risky loans because they are guaranteed by the Federal Government and agencies such as Freddie Mac. Would I be opposed to significant changes to the federal reserve system? Absolutely not. I believe the changes are necessary and long overdue. Could this be accomplished without eliminating the entire system? Yes, but if the changes are not made, over a period of time, we would have to eliminate the entire federal monetary system.
I am not so sure how a direct referendum by the people would work, if this is what you are suggesting. People tend to not support a tax unless they are directly affected. Their are needs for our society that should be met by all, for the good of all. Health care being a good example, of what is needed but yet opposed because people fear the change. I do not believe that all taxes are evil or unnecessary. We need a fair tax system to meet the general public needs and generate the necessary revenue.
Lastly, I have stated to many people over the years, there is more that we could agree upon, then disagree with, if people would place their pre-conceived ideas to the side and have a direct dialog on solutions and direction of our country. We all love America and want it to succeed and grow. Right now we are allowing partisanship politics to divide us. We need to unite and move forward.
The other area that I disagree with the Federal Reserves policy is the abundance of cheap funds for the banks. When I first started with Barnett Bank almost thirty years ago, the banks generated money to lend, by attracting depositors. They paid a decent rate for savings accounts and CD's to raise funds. They then set a margin for loans. That difference between what they paid and what they lent the money at was their profits. Now they basically get free money from the Feds. They pay nothing on savings accounts and instead of lending the money, they make risky investments to boost their profits. They also garner fee income by squeezing their clients, charging for every service they can get away with. Banks also have the freedom to make risky loans because they are guaranteed by the Federal Government and agencies such as Freddie Mac. Would I be opposed to significant changes to the federal reserve system? Absolutely not. I believe the changes are necessary and long overdue. Could this be accomplished without eliminating the entire system? Yes, but if the changes are not made, over a period of time, we would have to eliminate the entire federal monetary system.
I am not so sure how a direct referendum by the people would work, if this is what you are suggesting. People tend to not support a tax unless they are directly affected. Their are needs for our society that should be met by all, for the good of all. Health care being a good example, of what is needed but yet opposed because people fear the change. I do not believe that all taxes are evil or unnecessary. We need a fair tax system to meet the general public needs and generate the necessary revenue.
Lastly, I have stated to many people over the years, there is more that we could agree upon, then disagree with, if people would place their pre-conceived ideas to the side and have a direct dialog on solutions and direction of our country. We all love America and want it to succeed and grow. Right now we are allowing partisanship politics to divide us. We need to unite and move forward.
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