Senator Mikulski responded to my letter on Immigration and illegal aliens. See if her response makes you feel like me that we will never see any real reform.
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for contacting me about immigration and the current debate about immigration reform. I appreciate hearing from you about this issue.
I absolutely agree with you that our nation's immigration system is broken and must be repaired. I believe that comprehensive immigration reform must protect our borders, protect American jobs and not penalize those who have played by the rules. It is important that we adopt a sensible approach to dealing with the illegal immigrants who are currently in the country.
As Congress continues to work on immigration reform, I will continue to work on finding sensible, bipartisan solutions to fix the immigration system. I appreciate hearing your views on immigration reform and want you to know that they will be useful to me as the Senate continues to debate this issue.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. Mikulski
United States Senator
Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Congress. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Education, Jobs, Debt?
A few days ago the news came out about how many states are cutting back (firing) teachers because the states do not have the funds for education. Classroom size in many states will escalate from 25 kids to anywhere between 40-50 kids.
To listen to representatives in Congress, regardless of which party, they are still pushing the concept that the United States is the leader of the 'Free" World. However, the sad truth of the matter is that as education standards in this country continue to fall, we will be below the majority of so called Third World countries in the area of education, not to mention manufacturing, farming etc. Our country is on a down hill slide, and our current leadership is only making it worse.
Look at education. Most of the people I know from foreign countries can not understand how a school system passes forward children who can not read or write. In their countries, if you do not meet the standard, you fail and are held back. It used to be that way here, but somehow some do gooders sold the concept that it hurt the child's self image if they failed. Don't they think it hurts their self image if they can not read and write like the kids around them?
Education in this country needs to go back to the good old days when giving the child a quality education was the goal, not worrying about their feelings.
How to do it? That is the real question, especially in this time of tight to non-existent budgets. What can government do?
The way I see it there are three options.
1. Take the money used for the bank and car bailouts that has been repaid and re-infest that money in education.
2. The government can take that same money, re-invest it in job creation and then once the work force is re-established, use their tax dollars to fund education.
3. Finally since the bail out money was borrowed from China, we pay back the loan, cut down the national debt, let a few years pass until the economy is back on a positive track and then start dealing with crisis's like education and jobs.
Sadly, there are no easy answers. Its a matter of priorities. Let your representatives know what your priorities are and push your agenda. After all, our future is tied up in all of this.
Its Common Sense!!
To listen to representatives in Congress, regardless of which party, they are still pushing the concept that the United States is the leader of the 'Free" World. However, the sad truth of the matter is that as education standards in this country continue to fall, we will be below the majority of so called Third World countries in the area of education, not to mention manufacturing, farming etc. Our country is on a down hill slide, and our current leadership is only making it worse.
Look at education. Most of the people I know from foreign countries can not understand how a school system passes forward children who can not read or write. In their countries, if you do not meet the standard, you fail and are held back. It used to be that way here, but somehow some do gooders sold the concept that it hurt the child's self image if they failed. Don't they think it hurts their self image if they can not read and write like the kids around them?
Education in this country needs to go back to the good old days when giving the child a quality education was the goal, not worrying about their feelings.
How to do it? That is the real question, especially in this time of tight to non-existent budgets. What can government do?
The way I see it there are three options.
1. Take the money used for the bank and car bailouts that has been repaid and re-infest that money in education.
2. The government can take that same money, re-invest it in job creation and then once the work force is re-established, use their tax dollars to fund education.
3. Finally since the bail out money was borrowed from China, we pay back the loan, cut down the national debt, let a few years pass until the economy is back on a positive track and then start dealing with crisis's like education and jobs.
Sadly, there are no easy answers. Its a matter of priorities. Let your representatives know what your priorities are and push your agenda. After all, our future is tied up in all of this.
Its Common Sense!!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Health Care - What Next?
Well much to my surprise, Congress passed the Health Care Bill, twice. First with the Senate Democrat behind closed door deals and the second time, hopefully, with less of the backroom deals.
Now President Obama is out selling the legislation - something he should have been doing right from the start. Maybe if he and the Democrats had been clear and precise during the town hall meetings about the context of the bill there would be a lot less tension.
Of course the Republicans want to repeal/reform the bill. Why they did not work on the reform while the bill was in committee is beyond me. Well maybe not. After all, elections are on the horizon and its better to be a stronger opponent of the other party, rather than seen as a compromiser working for the good of the people.
Today Sarah Palin and the Tea Party descend on Searchlight Nevada to harass the home community of Senator Harry Reid. These people did nothing wrong and should not be punished by an invasion.
Now we can sit back and watch as the campaign rhetoric increases and the TV pundits tell us who is right and wrong.
We will also see how the immediate action parts of the Health Care Bill take effect and if they are everything that is promised.
As I have said in the past - they are all wrong. We need term limits and we definitely need to get rid of the incumbents and start at square one.
Pay careful attention to what is doing on and get ready to vote in November.
Its Common Sense!!
Now President Obama is out selling the legislation - something he should have been doing right from the start. Maybe if he and the Democrats had been clear and precise during the town hall meetings about the context of the bill there would be a lot less tension.
Of course the Republicans want to repeal/reform the bill. Why they did not work on the reform while the bill was in committee is beyond me. Well maybe not. After all, elections are on the horizon and its better to be a stronger opponent of the other party, rather than seen as a compromiser working for the good of the people.
Today Sarah Palin and the Tea Party descend on Searchlight Nevada to harass the home community of Senator Harry Reid. These people did nothing wrong and should not be punished by an invasion.
Now we can sit back and watch as the campaign rhetoric increases and the TV pundits tell us who is right and wrong.
We will also see how the immediate action parts of the Health Care Bill take effect and if they are everything that is promised.
As I have said in the past - they are all wrong. We need term limits and we definitely need to get rid of the incumbents and start at square one.
Pay careful attention to what is doing on and get ready to vote in November.
Its Common Sense!!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Congressional Accountability and Responsibility
Watching the news during the past week I have to wonder if the following three words can be used together positively in a sentence - Congress, Accountability and Responsibility.
The other day we learned that for the first time Social Security brought in less than was needed to pay monthly benefit checks. Which means the government is going to have to borrow money, because Congress left a bunch of IOUs and raided the Social Security Trust Fund. Where is the responsibility and accountability in that action? Through their greed and stupidity Congress, rather than leaving the Fund alone to gain interest, blew the money on whatever half assed thing got their attention and now they will increase an already out of control debt even higher.
Health Care Reform. People need health care and there has to be a way to do it that will please the majority. Does Congress sit down and try and do what is best for the American people? Of course not. Better split based on party lines and say the hell with the people. My way right or wrong. Compromise is not an option.
Watching some of these pompous baboons on TV infuriates me and makes me marvel that some of these clowns just keep coming back.
Since it is obvious that our government does not want to be accountable or responsible, I think its time we the people take over. God knows we can't do any worse.
During the next weeks I intend to make a proposal to my senators for a bill to limit campaign funding so that not only the rich will be able to run for office in this country. Its time that those of us in the trenches had a chance on Capital Hill to bring back a sense of reality.
Obama made a lot of promises about changing the system and having an open government, but as he pointed out to John McCain during the Health Care Fiasco, that was a campaign promise and no one is campaigning anymore. How's that for a taste of reality?
Anyway, we all need to start thinking of ways to get the common man to DC. Best way to start - vote the incumbents out.
Its Common Sense!
The other day we learned that for the first time Social Security brought in less than was needed to pay monthly benefit checks. Which means the government is going to have to borrow money, because Congress left a bunch of IOUs and raided the Social Security Trust Fund. Where is the responsibility and accountability in that action? Through their greed and stupidity Congress, rather than leaving the Fund alone to gain interest, blew the money on whatever half assed thing got their attention and now they will increase an already out of control debt even higher.
Health Care Reform. People need health care and there has to be a way to do it that will please the majority. Does Congress sit down and try and do what is best for the American people? Of course not. Better split based on party lines and say the hell with the people. My way right or wrong. Compromise is not an option.
Watching some of these pompous baboons on TV infuriates me and makes me marvel that some of these clowns just keep coming back.
Since it is obvious that our government does not want to be accountable or responsible, I think its time we the people take over. God knows we can't do any worse.
During the next weeks I intend to make a proposal to my senators for a bill to limit campaign funding so that not only the rich will be able to run for office in this country. Its time that those of us in the trenches had a chance on Capital Hill to bring back a sense of reality.
Obama made a lot of promises about changing the system and having an open government, but as he pointed out to John McCain during the Health Care Fiasco, that was a campaign promise and no one is campaigning anymore. How's that for a taste of reality?
Anyway, we all need to start thinking of ways to get the common man to DC. Best way to start - vote the incumbents out.
Its Common Sense!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Unemployment
During his State of the Union Address, President Obama spoke on the unemployment situation and the need to create new jobs. He talked of tax credits for new companies and for companies that move back into the USA.
Many jobs have been lost in this country over the years due to the greed of the owners and the employees/unions. No one ever seemed to be satisfied, both sides always wanted more and rather than compromise, owners either sold out to multi-national corporations or moved their business to a country where they could make $200.00 shoes for .50 a pair. Nothing like a nice profit margin.
Hopefully, those businesses that want to be part of a new economic growth in the country, along with their employees/unions will cooperate from the beginning, making compromises to insure employees are fairly paid and have decent benefits but keep the cost line balanced to keep jobs in this country so that we can once again be selling to the world.
Along with that I am concerned about where the Department of Labor is getting its figures on the number of unemployed in the USA. Today I saw that unemployment dropped to 9.7%. My question is, is this figure based on those who applied for benefits this month, or does this figure show the actual numbers unemployed. My fear is that hundreds of thousands have run out of benefits, given up on employment and are surviving either on Welfare or under the table. If they are not included in the unemployed statistic, then the statistic is worthless.
The government needs to get the actual figure of unemployed so that they can come up with a plan that will truly stimulate the growth of business and jobs in this country.
Its Common Sense!
Many jobs have been lost in this country over the years due to the greed of the owners and the employees/unions. No one ever seemed to be satisfied, both sides always wanted more and rather than compromise, owners either sold out to multi-national corporations or moved their business to a country where they could make $200.00 shoes for .50 a pair. Nothing like a nice profit margin.
Hopefully, those businesses that want to be part of a new economic growth in the country, along with their employees/unions will cooperate from the beginning, making compromises to insure employees are fairly paid and have decent benefits but keep the cost line balanced to keep jobs in this country so that we can once again be selling to the world.
Along with that I am concerned about where the Department of Labor is getting its figures on the number of unemployed in the USA. Today I saw that unemployment dropped to 9.7%. My question is, is this figure based on those who applied for benefits this month, or does this figure show the actual numbers unemployed. My fear is that hundreds of thousands have run out of benefits, given up on employment and are surviving either on Welfare or under the table. If they are not included in the unemployed statistic, then the statistic is worthless.
The government needs to get the actual figure of unemployed so that they can come up with a plan that will truly stimulate the growth of business and jobs in this country.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Senate Budget
Sunday the Senate passed a $1.1 trillion dollar spending bill. This is to keep the government working. Of course there is a hell of a lot of pork included but that's expected. Our representatives certainly love to spend our great grand children's' money.
What really upsets me is that now Congress wants to raise the debt ceiling, now at $12.1 trillion, to $14 trillion, so the Treasury can continue to borrow.The question is, who is going to continue to lend the USA money?
The Democrats in Congress are getting crazier and crazier and yes, I will be writing in the next day or so.
Where is fiscal responsibility? Why are there still pork projects? When are these people going to lead rather than be guided by greed?
Remember this $1.1 trillion has nothing to do with the proposed Health Care Reform bills. God only knows what the final price tag to the American tax payer will be when all is said and done.
The country is facing a financial crisis - the highest unemployment on record, home foreclosures all over the place, small companies failing, some big companies collapsing as well and Congress's solution is let's spend more.
Maybe some of these senators and congress people need to be put on the unemployment line so that they can taste the reality of millions of Americans.
Congress needs to wake up to reality and get their heads out of the stars (or a part of their anatomy.)
At the same time we need to start making noise because its our money not theirs.
Share your thoughts and ideas, we need to work together to save the country from the dreamers on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
What really upsets me is that now Congress wants to raise the debt ceiling, now at $12.1 trillion, to $14 trillion, so the Treasury can continue to borrow.The question is, who is going to continue to lend the USA money?
The Democrats in Congress are getting crazier and crazier and yes, I will be writing in the next day or so.
Where is fiscal responsibility? Why are there still pork projects? When are these people going to lead rather than be guided by greed?
Remember this $1.1 trillion has nothing to do with the proposed Health Care Reform bills. God only knows what the final price tag to the American tax payer will be when all is said and done.
The country is facing a financial crisis - the highest unemployment on record, home foreclosures all over the place, small companies failing, some big companies collapsing as well and Congress's solution is let's spend more.
Maybe some of these senators and congress people need to be put on the unemployment line so that they can taste the reality of millions of Americans.
Congress needs to wake up to reality and get their heads out of the stars (or a part of their anatomy.)
At the same time we need to start making noise because its our money not theirs.
Share your thoughts and ideas, we need to work together to save the country from the dreamers on Capital Hill.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Afghanistan Surge - HELP!!!
I watched President Obama's speech this evening regarding sending an additional thirty thousand troops to Afghanistan to put down the Taliban and al Qaeda while giving the Afghan people a chance for something better.
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
A nice speech but vague. I wrote and sent the following letter to the President and then a similar one to my senators. They follow below.
If you have similar concerns, feel free to use all or part in your own correspondence with the President and your representatives. It's out fortune and future they appear to be using frivolously and they need to be called to task.
Its Common Sense!
Dear President Obama,
I watched your speech this evening regarding the actions you are planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
You spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why are you and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why have you not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. Your administration is pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt you are creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Dear Senator
I watched the President's speech this evening regarding the actions he is planning for Afghanistan. I have two things I would like you to explain to me.
The President spoke of American and NATO troops working with Pakistani troops against the Taliban and al Qaeda.
Where are the troops from the Moslem countries? Where are the troops from Egypt, Libya, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Morocco, Syria and Indonesia?
Should not these countries be participating in putting an end to fanatic religious terrorists?
Should not these countries be showing the world that they are against fanaticism and that Islam is a religion of peace not war? Why is the United States and NATO allowing them to stand on the sidelines? Why has the United States not forced them to commit themselves?
Fighting terrorism is not the USA and Europe's job, it's a world job and the world needs to participate.
This brings me to my second concern. How is our country going to pay to maintain over one hundred thousand troops in Afghanistan for at least the next eighteen months, if not longer? Unemployment is off the charts, which means tax revenues are going to be down. The Obama Administration, along with the majority of Democrats in Congress are pushing for costly health care reform, and our debt is out of sight.
Do you plan to borrow more from the Chinese? Do you plan to increase the taxes of those of us fortunate enough to still be employed?
When does fiscal responsibility begin? Do you really believe your great grandchildren want to pay the debt our government is creating?
This war needs to be fought, but the world needs to participate, either with troops or gold. Call the world to task and help the American tax payer.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Monday, November 9, 2009
Credit Card Rage
I know there are a lot of important and pressing things going on in the world.
It is nice to remember that twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down and capitalism with all its positives and negatives engulfed the nations that had been "protected" by the Iron Curtain. Many things have happened in those twenty years and many more will follow.
However, today I want to vent about credit cards, or specifically the banks that control them. My only credit card is with CitiCard and today I received a letter informing me that starting in December my interest rate will be 19.99%. I have never been late with a payment, I rarely have a balance for more than a month, and I have been a faithful customer for fifteen years. This is my repayment, an interest rate jump of 8%.
We, the American taxpayer; bailed out the banks from collapse due to their greed and mismanagement and to show their thanks they decide its time to rip us off.
In addition, our thoughtless legislators in Washington D.C. are allowing this to happen and not doing any thing for the consumer. When is enough enough? It is almost to point where I want to tell the IRS where they can spend my tax money and where they can not use it.
Due to my anger I called CitiCard. For ten minutes I listened to a recording telling me how much they valued me and the next available caller would attend me. Finally someone spoke and I guessed he was from the great Asian sub-continent, probably residing in Mumbai. He was pleasant and tried to understand my concerns. Unfortunately, due to his accent, I did not understand half of what he was saying.
To my credit I did not rant and rave at this young man. I know he has no power and that he is being paid chump change because no one in the USA would accept such a low salary. (More saving on the part of CitiBank, why not share with your customers?)
Anyway, I am now faced with a dilemma. Do I dump CitiBank and go to another financial institution? I did some looking and all the major players seem to charging the same rate - no help there. So, I think I will check out my credit union and see if they have something positive to offer.
One thing is certain, I will appear in the offices of my senators if these banks ever ask for a bailout again and stage a one man sit down strike.
Hopefully, many of you share my sentiment and will be join me in D.C.
Its Common Sense!
It is nice to remember that twenty years ago today the Berlin Wall came down and capitalism with all its positives and negatives engulfed the nations that had been "protected" by the Iron Curtain. Many things have happened in those twenty years and many more will follow.
However, today I want to vent about credit cards, or specifically the banks that control them. My only credit card is with CitiCard and today I received a letter informing me that starting in December my interest rate will be 19.99%. I have never been late with a payment, I rarely have a balance for more than a month, and I have been a faithful customer for fifteen years. This is my repayment, an interest rate jump of 8%.
We, the American taxpayer; bailed out the banks from collapse due to their greed and mismanagement and to show their thanks they decide its time to rip us off.
In addition, our thoughtless legislators in Washington D.C. are allowing this to happen and not doing any thing for the consumer. When is enough enough? It is almost to point where I want to tell the IRS where they can spend my tax money and where they can not use it.
Due to my anger I called CitiCard. For ten minutes I listened to a recording telling me how much they valued me and the next available caller would attend me. Finally someone spoke and I guessed he was from the great Asian sub-continent, probably residing in Mumbai. He was pleasant and tried to understand my concerns. Unfortunately, due to his accent, I did not understand half of what he was saying.
To my credit I did not rant and rave at this young man. I know he has no power and that he is being paid chump change because no one in the USA would accept such a low salary. (More saving on the part of CitiBank, why not share with your customers?)
Anyway, I am now faced with a dilemma. Do I dump CitiBank and go to another financial institution? I did some looking and all the major players seem to charging the same rate - no help there. So, I think I will check out my credit union and see if they have something positive to offer.
One thing is certain, I will appear in the offices of my senators if these banks ever ask for a bailout again and stage a one man sit down strike.
Hopefully, many of you share my sentiment and will be join me in D.C.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Congress Health Care Bill
According to Speaker of the House Pelosi, the House Health Care Bill should pass anytime. Then its off to the Senate to see what they'll do. If the Senate follows suit it will get the President's signature.
Tomorrow I plan to write my senators and try to get some clarification. According to what I've read Medicare is going to be cut by $400 billion over the next ten years, and the new Health Care Bill is still going to cost around $1.2 trillion during the same period.
How is cutting benefits to senior citizens good? We know that there is rampant fraud committed against Medicare now. Does Congress really think the agency in charge of Medicare is suddenly going to regain control of the situation?
Of course the big questions is where this $1.2 trillion is going to come from? Taxes are going to need to be increased on categories other than those earning over $500,000.00 a year. (I imagine members of Congress who fall in that category will be exempt.)
I need some more specifics. All of us need to see what is really covered, who is covered and who is going to pay what.
I plan to try and read the House bill and write my senators. You all need to do the same.
An informed public is an enlightened public.
Its Common Sense!
Tomorrow I plan to write my senators and try to get some clarification. According to what I've read Medicare is going to be cut by $400 billion over the next ten years, and the new Health Care Bill is still going to cost around $1.2 trillion during the same period.
How is cutting benefits to senior citizens good? We know that there is rampant fraud committed against Medicare now. Does Congress really think the agency in charge of Medicare is suddenly going to regain control of the situation?
Of course the big questions is where this $1.2 trillion is going to come from? Taxes are going to need to be increased on categories other than those earning over $500,000.00 a year. (I imagine members of Congress who fall in that category will be exempt.)
I need some more specifics. All of us need to see what is really covered, who is covered and who is going to pay what.
I plan to try and read the House bill and write my senators. You all need to do the same.
An informed public is an enlightened public.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Election 2009 - Who Cares?
Yesterday New Jersey and Virginia elected Republican Governors and the TV pundits are trying to explain what it means now and what it could foretell about the 2010 Congressional election.
I can tell them what its all about, the American people are pissed off at all of their leaders and are looking for fresh options.
Congress made us bailout the banks and financial markets with our tax dollars and are now allowing those same banks to pay exorbitant bonuses to the same jerks who put us in the crisis. In addition, these same banks are now upping credit card interest rates every two weeks, with some rates reaching the 40% range. Congress has a bill that would curb interest rate increases. Problem is, they were waiting for February 2010 to take effect. By then interest rates could be at 80%. (I heard this evening on the news that Congress is going to move that bill up, but established interest rates will not be touched.)
The USA is still fighting, after eight years, two wars, neither of which is promising to be resolved as a clear victory for the USA or the world over terrorism.
The government wants to take over even more of health care in this country. Its not enough that they are totally mismanaging MEDICARE and MEDICAID (there was a special recently about a special FBI unit in southern Florida combating MEDICARE fraud. According to their spokesperson, MEDICARE fraud is generating millions more dollars than the drug trade in what used to be the cocaine capital of the USA.)
Where are all the jobs Obama promised? Congress has extended unemployment benefits once again, although I am unclear where the money is coming from to pay for these benefits.
The swine flu pandemic is sweeping the nation and there isn't enough vaccination for the children, much less adults.
When you take all of this into account, its a wonder the reaction of the American public has been as calm and controlled as it has been.
That said, if the current Presidential Administration and Congressional majority don't get their act together and show some real concrete progress, then the independents who brought them to power are going to go seeking someone else who offers better hope.
Politicians in this country need to wake up to the fact that the independents are on the rise and they have no loyalty to either of the primary political parties. Independents are looking for truth, honestly and a square deal. They'll listen, they'll vote and if they feel they were mislead or lied to, they'll do it all again next time for somebody else.
Wake up Congress - its time to start doing your job and representing your constituents, not the power boys and lobbyists.
Its Common Sense!
I can tell them what its all about, the American people are pissed off at all of their leaders and are looking for fresh options.
Congress made us bailout the banks and financial markets with our tax dollars and are now allowing those same banks to pay exorbitant bonuses to the same jerks who put us in the crisis. In addition, these same banks are now upping credit card interest rates every two weeks, with some rates reaching the 40% range. Congress has a bill that would curb interest rate increases. Problem is, they were waiting for February 2010 to take effect. By then interest rates could be at 80%. (I heard this evening on the news that Congress is going to move that bill up, but established interest rates will not be touched.)
The USA is still fighting, after eight years, two wars, neither of which is promising to be resolved as a clear victory for the USA or the world over terrorism.
The government wants to take over even more of health care in this country. Its not enough that they are totally mismanaging MEDICARE and MEDICAID (there was a special recently about a special FBI unit in southern Florida combating MEDICARE fraud. According to their spokesperson, MEDICARE fraud is generating millions more dollars than the drug trade in what used to be the cocaine capital of the USA.)
Where are all the jobs Obama promised? Congress has extended unemployment benefits once again, although I am unclear where the money is coming from to pay for these benefits.
The swine flu pandemic is sweeping the nation and there isn't enough vaccination for the children, much less adults.
When you take all of this into account, its a wonder the reaction of the American public has been as calm and controlled as it has been.
That said, if the current Presidential Administration and Congressional majority don't get their act together and show some real concrete progress, then the independents who brought them to power are going to go seeking someone else who offers better hope.
Politicians in this country need to wake up to the fact that the independents are on the rise and they have no loyalty to either of the primary political parties. Independents are looking for truth, honestly and a square deal. They'll listen, they'll vote and if they feel they were mislead or lied to, they'll do it all again next time for somebody else.
Wake up Congress - its time to start doing your job and representing your constituents, not the power boys and lobbyists.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Congress and Ethics
Congress leaks that several members are under ethics investigations. WOW!!
Is that a surprise? I think the surprise will be if anything happens to the members currently under investigation.
We have seen some of those names many times in the past, like my favorite, John Murtha of Pennsylvania. Why do the people keep reelecting him? Who has he paid off? Who does he have dirt on?
As for the others I'm sure we will find it is someone else's fault and that they are totally innocent.
The big question is why the investigations are such a big secret. And why was Congress so upset about the leak? Hell, we all know Congress leaks anything they want to, which makes any real investigation a true challenge.
Maybe what Congress needs is an outside, impartial, non-political watchdog group to handle their ethics violations. A group independently financed, owing nothing to no one. If Congress had that kind of ethic committee we just might see justice served.
Its Common Sense!
Is that a surprise? I think the surprise will be if anything happens to the members currently under investigation.
We have seen some of those names many times in the past, like my favorite, John Murtha of Pennsylvania. Why do the people keep reelecting him? Who has he paid off? Who does he have dirt on?
As for the others I'm sure we will find it is someone else's fault and that they are totally innocent.
The big question is why the investigations are such a big secret. And why was Congress so upset about the leak? Hell, we all know Congress leaks anything they want to, which makes any real investigation a true challenge.
Maybe what Congress needs is an outside, impartial, non-political watchdog group to handle their ethics violations. A group independently financed, owing nothing to no one. If Congress had that kind of ethic committee we just might see justice served.
Its Common Sense!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Goldman-Sachs Bonuses
I have been watching and reading the news regarding the huge bonuses Goldman-Sachs plans to pay their employees this year. Since my taxpayer money went to keep them from being on the street, I want to know why there has been no mention of my bonus.
Concerned that history will repeat itself and we will have to bailout these greedy bastards again, I have written to my senators. What I want to know is if the banks have to create escrow accounts to protect themselves from future collapse. Makes sense to me. I'm curious to see what the senators have to say.
As always, feel free to use any or all of the letter to ask the same questions of your representatives.
They work for us, are they really protecting us?
Here is the letter.
Dear Senator,
Goldman-Sachs has evidently recovered from their financial crisis, and the big news is the size of the bonuses they are going to pay their employees.
It is my hope that they have paid back the entire loan that we American taxpayers provided for them, and that there was a nice interest rate on the loan. (Out of curiosity, just how much interest was on the loan?)
I notice that there is no mention of any bonuses being paid to the taxpayers who saved their sorry, greedy butts.
What I want to know is the following. As part of the bailout/loan program, did the US Congress mandate as part of the bailout process, that the banks establish escrow accounts once their profits returned to insure they would never face a disaster again? Seems to me that all this bonus money should be going into an escrow account to insure that Goldman-Sachs never has to come running for a Federal bailout again. An escrow equal to the bonuses guarantees Goldman-Sachs stability far into the future. Needless to say, I expect that all the other banks would follow the same procedure.
So, did Congress include this or a similar stipulation when they gave our money to bailout the banks? Once was enough, we never should have to do it again.
Did you protect your constituents from ever having to sacrifice for the banks (who never showed any appreciation) again?
Eagerly awaiting your response.
Michael Wolfe
Concerned that history will repeat itself and we will have to bailout these greedy bastards again, I have written to my senators. What I want to know is if the banks have to create escrow accounts to protect themselves from future collapse. Makes sense to me. I'm curious to see what the senators have to say.
As always, feel free to use any or all of the letter to ask the same questions of your representatives.
They work for us, are they really protecting us?
Here is the letter.
Dear Senator,
Goldman-Sachs has evidently recovered from their financial crisis, and the big news is the size of the bonuses they are going to pay their employees.
It is my hope that they have paid back the entire loan that we American taxpayers provided for them, and that there was a nice interest rate on the loan. (Out of curiosity, just how much interest was on the loan?)
I notice that there is no mention of any bonuses being paid to the taxpayers who saved their sorry, greedy butts.
What I want to know is the following. As part of the bailout/loan program, did the US Congress mandate as part of the bailout process, that the banks establish escrow accounts once their profits returned to insure they would never face a disaster again? Seems to me that all this bonus money should be going into an escrow account to insure that Goldman-Sachs never has to come running for a Federal bailout again. An escrow equal to the bonuses guarantees Goldman-Sachs stability far into the future. Needless to say, I expect that all the other banks would follow the same procedure.
So, did Congress include this or a similar stipulation when they gave our money to bailout the banks? Once was enough, we never should have to do it again.
Did you protect your constituents from ever having to sacrifice for the banks (who never showed any appreciation) again?
Eagerly awaiting your response.
Michael Wolfe
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
President Obama - Afro-American or Euro-American?
First Congressman Wilson of South Carolina called President Obama a liar regarding medical assistance for illegal aliens. The truth is, the congressman is correct. What hospital emergency room is going to kick someone out of the ER if they are dying? No one is going to be asking for citizenship papers, although they will be looking and hoping for health insurance card. If the person is without, they will still get treated and we will foot the bill, just as we do now.
The remark was inappropriate and the congressman apologised.
Suddenly, the congressman being from South Carolina, we are hearing the remark may be racist. After all, President Obama is the first Afro-American president.
Is that true? What denotes an Afro-American? President Obama is also an Euro-American. So, we can say he is just another in a long line of Euro-American presidents. Or we can do the sensible thing. Drop the Afro and the Euro and say President Obama is an American president.
It is had too believe that after all of these centuries we are still so grounded in our past,that rather than wanting to move into the future we continue with the fears and hatreds of the past. Racism is alive only because there are those who are afraid of something different than themselves. Rather than embracing our differences and turning America into a true unified melting pot, all we want to do is harp on our differences.
Let's strive to create a national identity not based on race, religion or ethnic background but rather based on a common desire to create a land of peace, opportunity and justice for all.
Idealistic, yes, but isn't that the goal our fore fathers had for this land, and isn't that the goal we should continue to strive for?
Let's judge one another by our words, deeds and hearts, not by how we look and pray.
Its Common Sense!
The remark was inappropriate and the congressman apologised.
Suddenly, the congressman being from South Carolina, we are hearing the remark may be racist. After all, President Obama is the first Afro-American president.
Is that true? What denotes an Afro-American? President Obama is also an Euro-American. So, we can say he is just another in a long line of Euro-American presidents. Or we can do the sensible thing. Drop the Afro and the Euro and say President Obama is an American president.
It is had too believe that after all of these centuries we are still so grounded in our past,that rather than wanting to move into the future we continue with the fears and hatreds of the past. Racism is alive only because there are those who are afraid of something different than themselves. Rather than embracing our differences and turning America into a true unified melting pot, all we want to do is harp on our differences.
Let's strive to create a national identity not based on race, religion or ethnic background but rather based on a common desire to create a land of peace, opportunity and justice for all.
Idealistic, yes, but isn't that the goal our fore fathers had for this land, and isn't that the goal we should continue to strive for?
Let's judge one another by our words, deeds and hearts, not by how we look and pray.
Its Common Sense!
Health Care Reform - How About Some Communication
It appears that the Democrats are struggling to figure out how they can create health care reform within the limitation's President Obama has put on them. Those without insurance need access immediately. The cost can not add to the deficit. If the funding does not work, and all the savings do not appear that the President states are there if Medicare and Medicaid are managed properly, then cuts will need to be made.
Come on,the Democrats do not know how to cut spending. The Republicans aren't too good at it either.
As I stated earlier, Obama needs to draw up his own plan, with all of the specifics highlighted and easy to read. Then his team can take the proposal to Congress and the haggling can begin.
The President needs to wake up to the fact that for all of their talk, Congress, and I mean all sides, really do not want to tackle health care reform. There are too many issues to resolve, to many interested parties to appease and too little guarantee of success.
If President Obama truly wants health care reform during his term, then he has to take the ball and run with it. I believe that if he can present a clear cut plan, the Democrats will support it, for party loyalty if no other reason. If President Obama uses his charm and compromises with the Republicans, especially on tort reform, then I think enough of them will get in step for the measure to pass.
Thus far the President has been a lot of talk, but has delegated the hard work to Congress. He needs to take control, make his pitch and press hard for passage.
This is the first major challenge of his his administration. Now we will have the opportunity to see if he is truly a leader, or just another weak kneed politician looking for scapegoats to lay the blame on.
The near future should give us an answer.
Its Common Sense!
Come on,the Democrats do not know how to cut spending. The Republicans aren't too good at it either.
As I stated earlier, Obama needs to draw up his own plan, with all of the specifics highlighted and easy to read. Then his team can take the proposal to Congress and the haggling can begin.
The President needs to wake up to the fact that for all of their talk, Congress, and I mean all sides, really do not want to tackle health care reform. There are too many issues to resolve, to many interested parties to appease and too little guarantee of success.
If President Obama truly wants health care reform during his term, then he has to take the ball and run with it. I believe that if he can present a clear cut plan, the Democrats will support it, for party loyalty if no other reason. If President Obama uses his charm and compromises with the Republicans, especially on tort reform, then I think enough of them will get in step for the measure to pass.
Thus far the President has been a lot of talk, but has delegated the hard work to Congress. He needs to take control, make his pitch and press hard for passage.
This is the first major challenge of his his administration. Now we will have the opportunity to see if he is truly a leader, or just another weak kneed politician looking for scapegoats to lay the blame on.
The near future should give us an answer.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
9/11 Nine Years later
For the past couple of days I have been watching some of the documentaries and news clips, etc, about the 09/11 attack on the USA. You see and remember the weak and the strong, the heroes, and those who ignored all the warning signs and believed until the last moment it could not happen here in American - even though it already had happened and at one of the same places.
So here we are, a new administration in command and what do we have to show for our war on terrorism?
To my knowledge we know less about the where abouts of Osama bin Laden today than we did on 9/11. At least then we knew he was in Afghanistan. Where he is, or if he is even alive today, is any one's guess.
The USA's initial action to go after the terrorists responsible for the attacks on our homeland lead to the destruction of the Taliban control of Afghanistan and initiated what was hoped to be a democratic reform.
However, rather than stay focused on the hunt for terrorist and rebuilding Afghanistan, our national policy got side tracked and suddenly the emphasis moved from bin Laden and Afghanistan to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
Eight years and two wars later the report is not good. True Saddam Hussein is dead, so maybe that's some kind of victory. However, Iraq is in turmoil, and as allied forces continue their withdrawal, internal violence grows daily and the prospect of an all out civil war looms in the near future. It does not appear that Iraq is going to be a success story.
As I said in the beginning, bin Laden remains a mystery, as does the where abouts of the majority of the Al Quaeda leadership.
Afghanistan is in the midst of a civil war, whether official sources want to admit that or not. The Taliban, in strong numbers, is fighting to regain control. The recent election shows the divisions and corruption taking place within Kabul.
Although many actions taken during the election are being questioned, I still think the one positive thing is that the questions are being raised, a government has not yet been forced on the Afghan people and there is still a small hope that some true form of parliamentary government can come out of all of this.
Of course it still leaves the question of how long the USA and NATO can stay.
After all is said and done, I feel that our government's actions after 9/11, although initially justified, have failed on all levels. What is needed now is to step back, and start all over again.
Our military's principal focus needs to be bin Laden and Al Quaeda. With NATO we should provide instructors for the Afghan military, but they need to be responsible for themselves.
We need to apologise to the Iraq people for the damage we caused and for the chaos and deaths that will come when we pull out. Visions of Saigon with helicopters leaving the roof of the USA embassy may become a scene in Iraq by the time the last of our troops pull out.
What began as an honest effort to right a wrong and bring criminals to justice, turned into a political and power nightmare. Our leadership lost focus of what the true mission was and got side tracked by their personal agendas.
We the people are responsible for oversight of our leaders. We can not sit passively on the side lines and say nothing. We must be vocal and we must use the power of the ballot box.
This is our country first, not the Capital Hill gang.
Speak often, speak loudly, and make your vote count every time.
Its Common Sense!
So here we are, a new administration in command and what do we have to show for our war on terrorism?
To my knowledge we know less about the where abouts of Osama bin Laden today than we did on 9/11. At least then we knew he was in Afghanistan. Where he is, or if he is even alive today, is any one's guess.
The USA's initial action to go after the terrorists responsible for the attacks on our homeland lead to the destruction of the Taliban control of Afghanistan and initiated what was hoped to be a democratic reform.
However, rather than stay focused on the hunt for terrorist and rebuilding Afghanistan, our national policy got side tracked and suddenly the emphasis moved from bin Laden and Afghanistan to Saddam Hussein and Iraq.
Eight years and two wars later the report is not good. True Saddam Hussein is dead, so maybe that's some kind of victory. However, Iraq is in turmoil, and as allied forces continue their withdrawal, internal violence grows daily and the prospect of an all out civil war looms in the near future. It does not appear that Iraq is going to be a success story.
As I said in the beginning, bin Laden remains a mystery, as does the where abouts of the majority of the Al Quaeda leadership.
Afghanistan is in the midst of a civil war, whether official sources want to admit that or not. The Taliban, in strong numbers, is fighting to regain control. The recent election shows the divisions and corruption taking place within Kabul.
Although many actions taken during the election are being questioned, I still think the one positive thing is that the questions are being raised, a government has not yet been forced on the Afghan people and there is still a small hope that some true form of parliamentary government can come out of all of this.
Of course it still leaves the question of how long the USA and NATO can stay.
After all is said and done, I feel that our government's actions after 9/11, although initially justified, have failed on all levels. What is needed now is to step back, and start all over again.
Our military's principal focus needs to be bin Laden and Al Quaeda. With NATO we should provide instructors for the Afghan military, but they need to be responsible for themselves.
We need to apologise to the Iraq people for the damage we caused and for the chaos and deaths that will come when we pull out. Visions of Saigon with helicopters leaving the roof of the USA embassy may become a scene in Iraq by the time the last of our troops pull out.
What began as an honest effort to right a wrong and bring criminals to justice, turned into a political and power nightmare. Our leadership lost focus of what the true mission was and got side tracked by their personal agendas.
We the people are responsible for oversight of our leaders. We can not sit passively on the side lines and say nothing. We must be vocal and we must use the power of the ballot box.
This is our country first, not the Capital Hill gang.
Speak often, speak loudly, and make your vote count every time.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Health Plan - Euthanasia
There has been a lot of commentary recently about the government health plan and death panels deciding who should or should not receive medical treatment depending on a variety of conditions.
Isn't that what the health insurance companies and HMO's do now? Don't they tell their customers what procedures are covered and which are not, forcing the client to either pay out of pocket or do without?
It appears to me that the so called government plan is following the practice currently in place. Some procedures will be paid for some not. In other words, the government insurance plan will follow the same guidelines as the private health insurance company guidelines.
Rather than go off in a temper tantrum about the government imposing restrictions, the all knowing commentators for the news networks should be offering a way that all insurance companies will cover all procedures, rather than attack the unofficial government plan for having limits.
True health care reform needs to take away limitations from all plans. The plans need to offer the same coverage, then the premium battles can begin.
If this "reform" is truly going to work, then all the providers need to provide the best available coverage and treatment for their customers.
Its Common Sense!
Isn't that what the health insurance companies and HMO's do now? Don't they tell their customers what procedures are covered and which are not, forcing the client to either pay out of pocket or do without?
It appears to me that the so called government plan is following the practice currently in place. Some procedures will be paid for some not. In other words, the government insurance plan will follow the same guidelines as the private health insurance company guidelines.
Rather than go off in a temper tantrum about the government imposing restrictions, the all knowing commentators for the news networks should be offering a way that all insurance companies will cover all procedures, rather than attack the unofficial government plan for having limits.
True health care reform needs to take away limitations from all plans. The plans need to offer the same coverage, then the premium battles can begin.
If this "reform" is truly going to work, then all the providers need to provide the best available coverage and treatment for their customers.
Its Common Sense!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Health Care Reform Referendum
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to my senators regarding a health care referendum. A similar one was sent to the President.
Please feel free to use all or any part when contacting your representatives.
Its our health, we need to be in control.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
For the past several days I have watched town hall meeting on news networks and CSPAN and the one thing very clear is that there is a lot of misinformation floating around.
Primarily, there is no health bill at this moment. Evidently there are several versions floating around the House of Representatives, but the Senate has not put anything together yet.
I propose that you, Congress and the President announce that once there is an actual bill, agreed upon by the majority of the Congress, that rather than the President signing off on it, that you make it available to the American public, and allow the people whose lives will be affected by the legislation to vote on it as a national referendum.
This is for all Americans, we should be the ones who get to vote on whether we want it or not.
Unfortunately, we can not trust our representatives to do the right thing because we know they are highly influenced by lobbyists and seem to be out of touch with the reality of their constituents.
An example of that appeared this week when it was discovered that Congress budgeted in the Air Force budget, money for executive air planes to fly themselves around the country and the world. They condemned the CEO's of the Big three Auto makers, but have no problem looking out for themselves.
For an issue this important, I want a direct say. My vote needs to count, not the vote of someone I did not elect or think qualified for the job.
Please consider letting the decision of health care reform be the decision of the American citizens and not the Capital Hill Gang.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Please feel free to use all or any part when contacting your representatives.
Its our health, we need to be in control.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
For the past several days I have watched town hall meeting on news networks and CSPAN and the one thing very clear is that there is a lot of misinformation floating around.
Primarily, there is no health bill at this moment. Evidently there are several versions floating around the House of Representatives, but the Senate has not put anything together yet.
I propose that you, Congress and the President announce that once there is an actual bill, agreed upon by the majority of the Congress, that rather than the President signing off on it, that you make it available to the American public, and allow the people whose lives will be affected by the legislation to vote on it as a national referendum.
This is for all Americans, we should be the ones who get to vote on whether we want it or not.
Unfortunately, we can not trust our representatives to do the right thing because we know they are highly influenced by lobbyists and seem to be out of touch with the reality of their constituents.
An example of that appeared this week when it was discovered that Congress budgeted in the Air Force budget, money for executive air planes to fly themselves around the country and the world. They condemned the CEO's of the Big three Auto makers, but have no problem looking out for themselves.
For an issue this important, I want a direct say. My vote needs to count, not the vote of someone I did not elect or think qualified for the job.
Please consider letting the decision of health care reform be the decision of the American citizens and not the Capital Hill Gang.
Thank you.
Michael Wolfe
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Health Care Reform - How about a Referendum?
I sent most of this evening watching various town hall meetings on CSPAN dealing with the health reform issue.
As I stated earlier, I could not make heads or tails out of what I thought was the House of Representatives' bill, only to learn it is one proposal.
It is fascinating to hear some of the things people believe are contained in the bills and non-bills. After all, the senate has not put anything together yet. The House of Representatives will need to have their various committees get together and try and patch a bill together.
All kinds of rumors and crazy statements (I hope they're crazy) are coming out. To save cost when people reach a certain age they will be put out of their misery. Mentally challenged people will be put away and allowed to "fade" away.
What's sad is that there are actually people who believe some of this nonsense.
My suggestion is that after Congress puts together a bill that they are forced to put it in an easily readable form, make it available to their constituents on the Internet and at their offices, and then allow the public to vote on their approval or disapproval.
Why not turn this into a referendum? This reform will effect all of us, in more ways than one. Doesn't it make sense that we be the ones who vote on it, not those on the Hill who "might" have been influence by lobbyists?
Tomorrow I will write a proposal and send it to the President and my representatives. I will let them know that even though we should, it is hard to trust them on a issue that will effect all of us personally and for that reason the decision should be on our shoulders, not theirs.
Registered voters should have the opportunity to make the final decision.
I'll share my letter tomorrow.
Share your ideas as well, this debate needs to go on until the vast majority of us are happy.
Its Common Sense!!
As I stated earlier, I could not make heads or tails out of what I thought was the House of Representatives' bill, only to learn it is one proposal.
It is fascinating to hear some of the things people believe are contained in the bills and non-bills. After all, the senate has not put anything together yet. The House of Representatives will need to have their various committees get together and try and patch a bill together.
All kinds of rumors and crazy statements (I hope they're crazy) are coming out. To save cost when people reach a certain age they will be put out of their misery. Mentally challenged people will be put away and allowed to "fade" away.
What's sad is that there are actually people who believe some of this nonsense.
My suggestion is that after Congress puts together a bill that they are forced to put it in an easily readable form, make it available to their constituents on the Internet and at their offices, and then allow the public to vote on their approval or disapproval.
Why not turn this into a referendum? This reform will effect all of us, in more ways than one. Doesn't it make sense that we be the ones who vote on it, not those on the Hill who "might" have been influence by lobbyists?
Tomorrow I will write a proposal and send it to the President and my representatives. I will let them know that even though we should, it is hard to trust them on a issue that will effect all of us personally and for that reason the decision should be on our shoulders, not theirs.
Registered voters should have the opportunity to make the final decision.
I'll share my letter tomorrow.
Share your ideas as well, this debate needs to go on until the vast majority of us are happy.
Its Common Sense!!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Senator Mikulski on Credit Card Interest
I have been away for awhile and did not have time to sit down and write. While traveling, I did receive an email from Senator Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, one of my state's two senators, responding to my concerns about how credit card companies are wrecking havoc on the middle class.
Her response follows. I found it very disheartening to see that an attempt to limit interest rates at 15% failed, what does that tell you about the relationship between our legislators and the banks?
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the CARD Act (Public Law 111-24). It's good to hear from you.
I voted for the CARD Act because it protects American consumers. Families who saved for their retirement, have been faithful in paying their mortgage, and have worked hard to pay for college are wondering why the cost of groceries, health care, and energy are going up while their pay checks are going down. They are worried about their jobs, about taking care of their families, and about their kids' school. They shouldn't have to worry about unfair credit card practices.
Banks invented new ways to engage in casino economics. At the same time, they have contributed to getting American consumers into debt traps. They arbitrarily raised interest rates on consumers, and applied higher interest rates retroactively. They charged fees without any legitimate purpose - and then charged interest on top those unfair fees. And they marketed their products to college students who they knew couldn't afford the credit they were providing.
This legislation says "no more". No more raising interest rates for no reason and with no notification. No more applying higher interest rates to balances that have already been paid off. No more unfair sky-high fees with no recourse for the consumer. And no more targeting college kids to weigh them down with debt before they even graduate.
I support limiting interest rates on credit cards. Unfortunately, an amendment capping interest rates at 15% was not included in the final legislation. However, this bill will help families who have gotten into debt get out if it, lower monthly credit card bills, and help consumers avoid the predatory debt traps in the first place. Because these important protections were included, I cast my vote in favor of the bill.
The CARD Act was recently passed by Congress and signed by the President. Knowing of your views was helpful to me, and I will keep them in mind.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me about this issue.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator
Her response follows. I found it very disheartening to see that an attempt to limit interest rates at 15% failed, what does that tell you about the relationship between our legislators and the banks?
Dear Mr. Wolfe:
Thank you for getting in touch with me about the CARD Act (Public Law 111-24). It's good to hear from you.
I voted for the CARD Act because it protects American consumers. Families who saved for their retirement, have been faithful in paying their mortgage, and have worked hard to pay for college are wondering why the cost of groceries, health care, and energy are going up while their pay checks are going down. They are worried about their jobs, about taking care of their families, and about their kids' school. They shouldn't have to worry about unfair credit card practices.
Banks invented new ways to engage in casino economics. At the same time, they have contributed to getting American consumers into debt traps. They arbitrarily raised interest rates on consumers, and applied higher interest rates retroactively. They charged fees without any legitimate purpose - and then charged interest on top those unfair fees. And they marketed their products to college students who they knew couldn't afford the credit they were providing.
This legislation says "no more". No more raising interest rates for no reason and with no notification. No more applying higher interest rates to balances that have already been paid off. No more unfair sky-high fees with no recourse for the consumer. And no more targeting college kids to weigh them down with debt before they even graduate.
I support limiting interest rates on credit cards. Unfortunately, an amendment capping interest rates at 15% was not included in the final legislation. However, this bill will help families who have gotten into debt get out if it, lower monthly credit card bills, and help consumers avoid the predatory debt traps in the first place. Because these important protections were included, I cast my vote in favor of the bill.
The CARD Act was recently passed by Congress and signed by the President. Knowing of your views was helpful to me, and I will keep them in mind.
Thanks again for getting in touch with me about this issue.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to you in the future.
Sincerely,
Barbara A. MikulskiUnited States Senator
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Bank Interest Rates
Last night on the news I listened to a story about how the banks - the ones we bailed out - are raising their interest rates on credit cards, because they need to generate quicker income.
They do have a lot of nerve.
It ticked me off so i sent the following epistle off to our friends in D.C. (The President & my representatives.)
Please feel free to use any or all and write to the President and your representatives as well.
Dear Senator
Help me understand why the banks who took my tax money to bail them out of financial ruin are now being allowed to raise the interest rates on credit cards?
Worse, we are not talking about fixed rates, but variable rates which they control.
I have a card with Citi Bank and the interest rate is now 17+%. (I talked to them and got it down to 14+ whoop de do!)
From what I have seen, many of the banks are moving to the plus column. Why are they being allowed to take advantage of the consumer/taxpayer?
On last night's news I learned that the bill you passed to control credit card debt and interest rates does not go into effect until February 2010. By that time the banks will have fixed interest rates at 25+% and they will be able to remain.
To say the least, I am disappointed.
You borrow money from China to bail out the banks, which went into collapse due to greed and mismanagement, and now the taxpayer/consumer is suppose to pick up the pieces, bear the cost and accept all additional burdens.
Once again, middle class American workers have received a royal screwing.
When will the President and Congress consider us? We are not a fatted cow that continually gives. One day we will have nothing left.
The next time you decide to bail out the "big" boys, remember us in the trenches who have to pay for your decisions.
Yours
Michael Wolfe
They do have a lot of nerve.
It ticked me off so i sent the following epistle off to our friends in D.C. (The President & my representatives.)
Please feel free to use any or all and write to the President and your representatives as well.
Dear Senator
Help me understand why the banks who took my tax money to bail them out of financial ruin are now being allowed to raise the interest rates on credit cards?
Worse, we are not talking about fixed rates, but variable rates which they control.
I have a card with Citi Bank and the interest rate is now 17+%. (I talked to them and got it down to 14+ whoop de do!)
From what I have seen, many of the banks are moving to the plus column. Why are they being allowed to take advantage of the consumer/taxpayer?
On last night's news I learned that the bill you passed to control credit card debt and interest rates does not go into effect until February 2010. By that time the banks will have fixed interest rates at 25+% and they will be able to remain.
To say the least, I am disappointed.
You borrow money from China to bail out the banks, which went into collapse due to greed and mismanagement, and now the taxpayer/consumer is suppose to pick up the pieces, bear the cost and accept all additional burdens.
Once again, middle class American workers have received a royal screwing.
When will the President and Congress consider us? We are not a fatted cow that continually gives. One day we will have nothing left.
The next time you decide to bail out the "big" boys, remember us in the trenches who have to pay for your decisions.
Yours
Michael Wolfe
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