It appears from all the howlings out there on the inter tubes that Mittens had a great weekend in the Hamptons. Sure was nice to get away from those hicks in Cow Hampshire (don't blame me, I lived free there ... and damn near died) and see some "real" folks.
I especially loved this quote:
"A few cars back, Ted Conklin, the owner of the American Hotel in Sag Harbor, long a favorite of the Hamptons' well-off and well-known, could barely contain his displeasure with Mr. Obama. "He is a socialist. His idea is find a problem that doesn't exist and get government to intervene," Mr. Conklin said from inside a gold Mercedes, as his wife, Carol Simmons, nodded in agreement."
Seems like Ted really is familiar with what it takes to be a Socialist, eh ??
How dare "those" people create a non-existent problem - - like maybe voter fraud and then pass a bunch of laws to prevent people from voting ?? oops ...... those are republ ...... arrgggghhh, ........ nothing to see here, move along.
Most of this illustrates that the "rich" ain't really like most of us. I'll never be able to spend over a year's pay (before taxes) on a meal. It's nice to see all the "job creators" spending that money. Surely, it will trickle down, eh ?
What I can't figure out is what are they expecting to get. Usually, money is exchanged for something of value. I don't think anyone can tell me, with a straight face anyway, that this ain't out and out influence peddling and bribery
The only "trickle down" I've experienced since St Ronald announced how it worked is the moisture on my thigh when I don't adequately shake off my di ....... well, you get the picture.
It's amazing that the Republicans can still mouth this twaddle after it's been proven to be unworkable over and over and over ....... and no one calls 'em on it. Seems like they will always be able to play to the audience that thinks they magically move up into the ranks of the 1%. They always seem to be able to point to some bogey-man that's a-gonna steal it from 'em. (Of course, them what points it out are exactly the ones you need to fear, eh ?).
Maybe it's time that the folks in the Hamptons try to get along without all those pesky "common people" who just don't get it.
Showing posts with label 99%. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 99%. Show all posts
Monday, July 9, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Guess we ain't learning' div
Out there on the road today. Lots of news about Barclay's Bank. More corporate fuckery and no one going to jail. Oh yeah, they paid a fine.
This morning's Post talks of Glaxo getting fined over 3 (yeah three) billion (yep! BILLION) bucks for fraud. Rumor has it that the raked in thirty-six BILLION on the sale of the aforementioned drugs (for those of you un-challenged by the math, thats 10%). Some penalty. Why hasn't a judge said, ..."oh yeah, in addition to the money, have three of your officers, four directors and 10 stockholders here on Tuesday and have them bring their toothbrushes." The next thing these "job creators" get to hear is ... this is Snake, your cellmate."
A CRIME has been been committed. Doesn't anybody have to pay a penalty ?? Money (a "fine' for those of you paying attention) isn't a penalty, it's an expense. Maybe the kids selling dope on the corner should incorporate and then just pay a fine, eh ??
Then there's Bank of Amerika; and you wonder why your CD pays .55% ???? How many of these assholes are going to get a bonus this year (betcha don't have enough fingers, eh ??).
J P Morgan Chase might have lot nine billion bucks of other people's money.
What's it going to take for all the folks that know better to know better ??
Corporations ain't fuckin' people. Currently, they are fuckin' people - - and the fuckees are you and me, neighbor. What are we gonna run out of first ...... lamp posts or rope ??? And when ????
This morning's Post talks of Glaxo getting fined over 3 (yeah three) billion (yep! BILLION) bucks for fraud. Rumor has it that the raked in thirty-six BILLION on the sale of the aforementioned drugs (for those of you un-challenged by the math, thats 10%). Some penalty. Why hasn't a judge said, ..."oh yeah, in addition to the money, have three of your officers, four directors and 10 stockholders here on Tuesday and have them bring their toothbrushes." The next thing these "job creators" get to hear is ... this is Snake, your cellmate."
A CRIME has been been committed. Doesn't anybody have to pay a penalty ?? Money (a "fine' for those of you paying attention) isn't a penalty, it's an expense. Maybe the kids selling dope on the corner should incorporate and then just pay a fine, eh ??
Then there's Bank of Amerika; and you wonder why your CD pays .55% ???? How many of these assholes are going to get a bonus this year (betcha don't have enough fingers, eh ??).
J P Morgan Chase might have lot nine billion bucks of other people's money.
What's it going to take for all the folks that know better to know better ??
Corporations ain't fuckin' people. Currently, they are fuckin' people - - and the fuckees are you and me, neighbor. What are we gonna run out of first ...... lamp posts or rope ??? And when ????
Sunday, June 24, 2012
We Can't Make It Here Anymore div
Saturday, I went for a walk with my "adopted" brother (he didn't have a brother, so I adopted him). We served together in the Air Force and have grown closer over the years since. We try to get together at least once a month for a walk and breakfast. He asked me if the direction that our country seems to be headed was what we gave over twenty years of our lives for.
I really can't answer the question. I think our service was necessary and successful, but I don't like what I see or hear lately. I think we've lost our direction and have literally sold our souls.
Today's Washington Post chronicled how our "representatives" have traded on the stock market while considering legislation on the affected industries and companies. They say this is legal and not a conflict of interest, but, forgive me, I can't believe that.
We can give billions to the banks to help stimulate the economy, but limiting interest rates on student loans ?? - - can't seem to make a decision. Maybe we should just make loans to the students at the rates the bank are getting, eh ??
I heard that the "austerity" is the cure for the European problems, yet Spain gets 100 billion (more) in debt to help solve the problem.
I hear that there are derivatives consisting of CDOs for auto loans - - It worked so well for the housing market, didn't it ?? Hell, why not for student debt. These obligations cannot be erased even by bankruptcy. Funny, corporations can erase their obligations for pensions and benefits through bankruptcy (I think this thought was triggered by passing Bethlehem Steel's abandoned Sparrow's Point mill at the entrance to Baltimore's harbor - boy did they ever screw their employees).
Today's Post also had an excellent op-ed by Joseph Stiglitz on the rise in the inequality in our economic system. Krugman has been saying the same thing.
Next week the congress critters will evacuate the GWTP and head home for the 4th of July barbecues, fund raisers and baby kissin'. One can only hope that each will receive a well deserved beating - - but, then again, they don't talk to folks like you and me .......... and as I learned as an undergraduate, reading politics so many years ago, no matter how corrupt or worthless one thinks congress folk are, MY rep is ok.
The news is depressing and I'm afraid of what kind of society we are becoming.
Here's a powerful song to help the mood along ..........
I really can't answer the question. I think our service was necessary and successful, but I don't like what I see or hear lately. I think we've lost our direction and have literally sold our souls.
Today's Washington Post chronicled how our "representatives" have traded on the stock market while considering legislation on the affected industries and companies. They say this is legal and not a conflict of interest, but, forgive me, I can't believe that.
We can give billions to the banks to help stimulate the economy, but limiting interest rates on student loans ?? - - can't seem to make a decision. Maybe we should just make loans to the students at the rates the bank are getting, eh ??
I heard that the "austerity" is the cure for the European problems, yet Spain gets 100 billion (more) in debt to help solve the problem.
I hear that there are derivatives consisting of CDOs for auto loans - - It worked so well for the housing market, didn't it ?? Hell, why not for student debt. These obligations cannot be erased even by bankruptcy. Funny, corporations can erase their obligations for pensions and benefits through bankruptcy (I think this thought was triggered by passing Bethlehem Steel's abandoned Sparrow's Point mill at the entrance to Baltimore's harbor - boy did they ever screw their employees).
Today's Post also had an excellent op-ed by Joseph Stiglitz on the rise in the inequality in our economic system. Krugman has been saying the same thing.
Next week the congress critters will evacuate the GWTP and head home for the 4th of July barbecues, fund raisers and baby kissin'. One can only hope that each will receive a well deserved beating - - but, then again, they don't talk to folks like you and me .......... and as I learned as an undergraduate, reading politics so many years ago, no matter how corrupt or worthless one thinks congress folk are, MY rep is ok.
The news is depressing and I'm afraid of what kind of society we are becoming.
Here's a powerful song to help the mood along ..........
Friday, March 2, 2012
Arbitrage div
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
NOT MUCH div
Ya gotta love that Mittster. Three homes, wife with two Cadillacs (and untold horses), low taxes and so on. But suppose Mitt was charged for things based on what he earned as compared to you ??
Click here and see how Mitt measures up to your earnings (and what it costs).
Click here and see how Mitt measures up to your earnings (and what it costs).
Monday, February 27, 2012
' Bout Time div ....
Well, seems Gordon Gekko has changed sides.
Took long enough; now that the damage has been done (and continues).
Too bad the bankers that broke the law haven't been jailed (or at least indicted).
When are folks gonna wake up and understand where their self-interest lies ??
Took long enough; now that the damage has been done (and continues).
Too bad the bankers that broke the law haven't been jailed (or at least indicted).
When are folks gonna wake up and understand where their self-interest lies ??
LOUSY div ...
My last two week "pay period" of Driving4$$ was the worst I've had in four years.
At least the customers were (for the most part) pleasant - - just clueless. I was stiffed four times, but I've only been treated like this a couple of times - - and only once with the snark.
Worst one I can remember is the couple I picked up at BWI going to Dulles. $99 fare (flat rate, no gratuity included). Throughout the whole trip (60 miles) I was told about the wonderful four week vacation, how much it cost and how well his business (something to do with religion lawsuits and passing out bibles) in California was doing. Gave me a Benjamin and said "keep the change." I gave him back the buck and asked him to donate it to a charity. Another jerk berated and penalized me for the traffic on the beltway at rush hour (even though he and his wife arrived at the airport on time). Oh well, it takes all kinds.
People don't seem to understand our current economy. Pretty much everyone that works in a "service" industry (wait staff, busboys, cab drivers, pizza/food delivery) receive less than the legal minimum wage. I'm lucky in that my company's owner pays at the top of the scale, but my income still depends on the "kindness of others," based on the service I deliver - - hustling the bags, holding doors, asking whether or not they've forgotten anything, driving smoothly and safely, offering tips on sight-seeing and restaurants (or just knowing when to shut up) and so on - - it really is an art and some of my brother and sister drivers are clueless also.
So, in response to Mr. Banker above, ..........well you know the words (and rude gestures).
I just wonder what he contributes to our soceity ?? (and yes, the tip was less than 1%).
At least the customers were (for the most part) pleasant - - just clueless. I was stiffed four times, but I've only been treated like this a couple of times - - and only once with the snark.
Worst one I can remember is the couple I picked up at BWI going to Dulles. $99 fare (flat rate, no gratuity included). Throughout the whole trip (60 miles) I was told about the wonderful four week vacation, how much it cost and how well his business (something to do with religion lawsuits and passing out bibles) in California was doing. Gave me a Benjamin and said "keep the change." I gave him back the buck and asked him to donate it to a charity. Another jerk berated and penalized me for the traffic on the beltway at rush hour (even though he and his wife arrived at the airport on time). Oh well, it takes all kinds.
People don't seem to understand our current economy. Pretty much everyone that works in a "service" industry (wait staff, busboys, cab drivers, pizza/food delivery) receive less than the legal minimum wage. I'm lucky in that my company's owner pays at the top of the scale, but my income still depends on the "kindness of others," based on the service I deliver - - hustling the bags, holding doors, asking whether or not they've forgotten anything, driving smoothly and safely, offering tips on sight-seeing and restaurants (or just knowing when to shut up) and so on - - it really is an art and some of my brother and sister drivers are clueless also.
So, in response to Mr. Banker above, ..........well you know the words (and rude gestures).
I just wonder what he contributes to our soceity ?? (and yes, the tip was less than 1%).
Monday, January 16, 2012
Workin' for a Livin' div
Last nite after getting home from Driving4$$ (work is slow and tips suck), I turned on the tube for company during dinner (and to wait for the Good Wife). Happened upon Undercover Boss on CBS.
Ya know, if the OWS movement and the 99% ever need a real publicity department, they only need to call on CBS and use this show.
I've caught parts of it in the past and am dumbfounded at the total ineptitude of these Captains of Industry when it comes to relating to or accomplishing even the simplest of tasks that their rank and file employees do every day, over and over.
The Diamond Resorts guy last nite flies in his private jet to his first "position." (Any line-boy I've ever met would have been on the phone to the property manager before the engines had finished spooling down). He's driven by his major-domo/body guard to a local motel (subsequently adjudged by the neckless guy to be insecure - so we move on to a luxury suite). Here (presumably after a good night's sleep and room-service breakfast) our hero dons a wig and glasses to assume a geek/yahoo appearance and heads to his new "employment."
In the course of his country-wide job experiences, he seemed perplexed at how to climb a ladder, flumoxed at why the reservation clerk couldn't find the caller a room in Hawaii between Christmas and New Years and disgusted that sanding dry-wall by hand was boring and dirty. Don't these guys get it. Most work IS hard, boring and/or dirty (except maybe for chashin' those dividend checks).
The amazement that these "little people" had to put up with overwork, low pay, understaffing, lack of training and just plain old contempt and disdain for their efforts makes me mumble "Mama Mia" as my head bangs against the keyboard. But it's OK 'cause at the end of the show he invites them to his beach house and surprises them with a reward and promises to correct the company faults that he's discovered. Everyone cries, smiles and tells him how wonderful he is and praises the change he's made in their
lives -- "Honey, you won't have to work two jobs now."
I doubt that CBS will ever follow up and see if the promises of improvement made have ever been carried out or have continued (wouldn't this make a great lead-in to this show by having 60 Minutes do it ??).
It's a given today that companies (in the interest of the almighty god of shareholder equity) first cut staff, then cut training, then capital investment, maintenance and R&D -- but not management salaries, perks or shareholder dividends.
I remember the high muckety-muck of Johnny Rockets saying "I don't know anything about the fast food industry" and the deer in the headlights stare of an environmental clean-up boss at what his employees actually did.
When that librul media talks about the inequality in our system and the inability of what was once the middle-class of this country to grow or get ahead, you only need to tune in to this.
Ya know, if the OWS movement and the 99% ever need a real publicity department, they only need to call on CBS and use this show.
I've caught parts of it in the past and am dumbfounded at the total ineptitude of these Captains of Industry when it comes to relating to or accomplishing even the simplest of tasks that their rank and file employees do every day, over and over.
The Diamond Resorts guy last nite flies in his private jet to his first "position." (Any line-boy I've ever met would have been on the phone to the property manager before the engines had finished spooling down). He's driven by his major-domo/body guard to a local motel (subsequently adjudged by the neckless guy to be insecure - so we move on to a luxury suite). Here (presumably after a good night's sleep and room-service breakfast) our hero dons a wig and glasses to assume a geek/yahoo appearance and heads to his new "employment."
In the course of his country-wide job experiences, he seemed perplexed at how to climb a ladder, flumoxed at why the reservation clerk couldn't find the caller a room in Hawaii between Christmas and New Years and disgusted that sanding dry-wall by hand was boring and dirty. Don't these guys get it. Most work IS hard, boring and/or dirty (except maybe for chashin' those dividend checks).
The amazement that these "little people" had to put up with overwork, low pay, understaffing, lack of training and just plain old contempt and disdain for their efforts makes me mumble "Mama Mia" as my head bangs against the keyboard. But it's OK 'cause at the end of the show he invites them to his beach house and surprises them with a reward and promises to correct the company faults that he's discovered. Everyone cries, smiles and tells him how wonderful he is and praises the change he's made in their
lives -- "Honey, you won't have to work two jobs now."
I doubt that CBS will ever follow up and see if the promises of improvement made have ever been carried out or have continued (wouldn't this make a great lead-in to this show by having 60 Minutes do it ??).
It's a given today that companies (in the interest of the almighty god of shareholder equity) first cut staff, then cut training, then capital investment, maintenance and R&D -- but not management salaries, perks or shareholder dividends.
I remember the high muckety-muck of Johnny Rockets saying "I don't know anything about the fast food industry" and the deer in the headlights stare of an environmental clean-up boss at what his employees actually did.
When that librul media talks about the inequality in our system and the inability of what was once the middle-class of this country to grow or get ahead, you only need to tune in to this.
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