I saw a head line that AIG must pay bonuses to its employees, even though it ended up in the red and took a hefty amount of tax payer money to stay solvent. Here is the article.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090315/ap_on_bi_ge/aig_bonuses
Needless to say I do not care what contracts AIG employees signed prior to the bailout. Without the bailout money, AIG would be bankrupt, and the employees unemployed. Now, they are going to use taxpayer money to provide these bonuses, although they plan to restructure bonuses in the future.
Give me a break. The company failed and is only surviving at tax payer expense. As an involuntary share holder of AIG, no one has offered me any bonus. Why should those who took the company into debt get a bonus?
These are questions I will be asking my representatives and probably the president because I find this the worst kind of rip off.
I will be posting my letters in the near future.
Send your own letters and be heard. Its our country and our money. We need to have our say.
Its Common Sense!
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label responsibility. Show all posts
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Line Item Veto
I just sent the following letter to my two senators, along with Senator John McCain. Please feel free to use all of any part when contacting your own representatives. We have to control how our tax money is being spent. The line item veto is one way of control.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
In watching the news during the past two weeks, it is evident that our country is in trouble and that responsible spending is going to be necessary to get the country's economy back on track.
One way I feel that the President and Congress can show the American people that the debt they creating is responsible, is by passing the line item veto.
President Obama has made it very clear that he is against entitlements (pork) and with the Democrats controlling both the legislative and executive branches of the government, I feel this is an excellent time to show that the people's money is going to be use responsibility and not for special interests.
The line item veto is one area where you should be able to get bi-partisan support. We all know that Senator John McCain is a great proponent of this measure and if he co-sponsors the bill with the senators of Maryland there is a high probability of success.
We day we listen to the staggering amounts, perhaps $4 trillion just in interest to pay, that we the people need to know our money is being spent wisely and appropriately.
Thus far the score card on Congressional oversight is not good. Congress gave $350 billion to banks that only seem to be using their money for their own purposes, not the American public. Where are the Congressional controls?
We the people need to know that the President and Congress are serious about controlling the debt that is placing on this country for the next four generations.
The line item veto let's us know that bills can be passed without "pork" being forced on.
With a debt in the trillions, the days of Congressional free spending needs to end. Every dollar needs to be account for.
Push the passage of the line item veto and show America that you truly care.
Thank you.
Its Common Sense!
Dear Senator
In watching the news during the past two weeks, it is evident that our country is in trouble and that responsible spending is going to be necessary to get the country's economy back on track.
One way I feel that the President and Congress can show the American people that the debt they creating is responsible, is by passing the line item veto.
President Obama has made it very clear that he is against entitlements (pork) and with the Democrats controlling both the legislative and executive branches of the government, I feel this is an excellent time to show that the people's money is going to be use responsibility and not for special interests.
The line item veto is one area where you should be able to get bi-partisan support. We all know that Senator John McCain is a great proponent of this measure and if he co-sponsors the bill with the senators of Maryland there is a high probability of success.
We day we listen to the staggering amounts, perhaps $4 trillion just in interest to pay, that we the people need to know our money is being spent wisely and appropriately.
Thus far the score card on Congressional oversight is not good. Congress gave $350 billion to banks that only seem to be using their money for their own purposes, not the American public. Where are the Congressional controls?
We the people need to know that the President and Congress are serious about controlling the debt that is placing on this country for the next four generations.
The line item veto let's us know that bills can be passed without "pork" being forced on.
With a debt in the trillions, the days of Congressional free spending needs to end. Every dollar needs to be account for.
Push the passage of the line item veto and show America that you truly care.
Thank you.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Economic Responsiblity
While Congress and the President debate on the best way to be economically responsible and get the economy moving, I thought I would write a little about another kind of economic responsibility, parenthood.
We have all seen the news about the woman in southern California who gave birth to the octuplets. This woman already has six children, is single and is unemployed. Supposedly she did receive a disability payment of $165,000.00 that was spread out over several years, but no doubt that money is all gone.
In an interview she gave Ann Curry of NBC the woman stated that she had multiple (6) embryos implanted for each pregnancy but this time they all took and some even divided.
Why does a single woman need fourteen kids? More important, why did the clinic implant the embryos knowing she was single and unemployed? (How did she pay for the procedure? Did state Medicaid pay? Is this our tax dollars at work, creating more bodies for the welfare rolls?)
Where is society's responsibility in a case like this? It takes a village to educate a child. The village needs to educate perspective parents before they have children.
What is going to happen to these fourteen children? Will they end up being wards of the state, being placed in foster homes, or worse, juvenile detention centers?
We (society) need to hold people like this mother responsible for her actions. We should not feel sorry for her and her decision. We need to hold her accountable and make her take care of her family. She was getting disability for a back injury, how is she going to carry around infants with a bad back?
In these tough economic times, when lay offs are occurring in the thousands everyday, and donations to charities are drying up, we all have to be responsible for the consequences of our actions. Being unprepared to deal with the care of new human lives is a crime. Unfortunately it is the children who will end up suffering the most.
A question for you. During these tough economic times, should embryo clinics do detailed background checks on their clients before implanting the embryo? Should the clinic have the right to say, you already have children we can not assist in giving you more?
Who is the responsible party in this decision? Or are their multiple parties who all need to be part of the decision?
Your tax dollars will eventually come into play in cases like this one because we know the woman will be going to the state for welfare. Do we have a right to tell our legislators how to spend our tax dollars in our states? Should we be responsible for the children of poor single mothers?
I think we need a lot more say in how our money is spent and we need to start getting out the message that people need to be responsible and pay for their actions. After all, they are of the opinion that we will pay to take care of them, its time they were taught that they will need to pay to take care of themselves.
Its Common Sense!
We have all seen the news about the woman in southern California who gave birth to the octuplets. This woman already has six children, is single and is unemployed. Supposedly she did receive a disability payment of $165,000.00 that was spread out over several years, but no doubt that money is all gone.
In an interview she gave Ann Curry of NBC the woman stated that she had multiple (6) embryos implanted for each pregnancy but this time they all took and some even divided.
Why does a single woman need fourteen kids? More important, why did the clinic implant the embryos knowing she was single and unemployed? (How did she pay for the procedure? Did state Medicaid pay? Is this our tax dollars at work, creating more bodies for the welfare rolls?)
Where is society's responsibility in a case like this? It takes a village to educate a child. The village needs to educate perspective parents before they have children.
What is going to happen to these fourteen children? Will they end up being wards of the state, being placed in foster homes, or worse, juvenile detention centers?
We (society) need to hold people like this mother responsible for her actions. We should not feel sorry for her and her decision. We need to hold her accountable and make her take care of her family. She was getting disability for a back injury, how is she going to carry around infants with a bad back?
In these tough economic times, when lay offs are occurring in the thousands everyday, and donations to charities are drying up, we all have to be responsible for the consequences of our actions. Being unprepared to deal with the care of new human lives is a crime. Unfortunately it is the children who will end up suffering the most.
A question for you. During these tough economic times, should embryo clinics do detailed background checks on their clients before implanting the embryo? Should the clinic have the right to say, you already have children we can not assist in giving you more?
Who is the responsible party in this decision? Or are their multiple parties who all need to be part of the decision?
Your tax dollars will eventually come into play in cases like this one because we know the woman will be going to the state for welfare. Do we have a right to tell our legislators how to spend our tax dollars in our states? Should we be responsible for the children of poor single mothers?
I think we need a lot more say in how our money is spent and we need to start getting out the message that people need to be responsible and pay for their actions. After all, they are of the opinion that we will pay to take care of them, its time they were taught that they will need to pay to take care of themselves.
Its Common Sense!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Obama's Inauguration
Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44Th president of our country. It was done with pomp, circumstance and a lot of class, as well as diversity. His speech was moving, not a classic, but one for this time, which hopefully is a sign that he is interested in the here and now and not how history will judge him at some later date.
He and Michele played to the crowd and really enjoyed their day, as was their right. Tomorrow business begins and their is a lot on his table. Actually, I feel sorry for the man because so many are placing so much on his shoulders. Unfortunately the majority of the people and the press have played him up to be some kind of superman, a role that will be very difficult to play.
Its like everyone forgets that the president does not act alone. Like him or not, George Bush did not act alone. The majority of Congress approved everything he asked for. There is moaning and groaning now, but the facts are clear - George Bush was not a dictator, Congress went along for the ride.
Now we will have to see if Congress goes along for the ride with Barack.
A final note. I was really impressed with how the Bush's greeted the Obamas, and how they took their leave of DC. Laura made it clear in earlier interviews that she did not like what Obama had said about her husband, but she remained a lady. I wish them well in their new life.
America has plenty of problems but a day like today helps us remember that we can come together as one, and if we put aside our prejudices and bickering, we can accomplish anything.
Its Common Sense!
He and Michele played to the crowd and really enjoyed their day, as was their right. Tomorrow business begins and their is a lot on his table. Actually, I feel sorry for the man because so many are placing so much on his shoulders. Unfortunately the majority of the people and the press have played him up to be some kind of superman, a role that will be very difficult to play.
Its like everyone forgets that the president does not act alone. Like him or not, George Bush did not act alone. The majority of Congress approved everything he asked for. There is moaning and groaning now, but the facts are clear - George Bush was not a dictator, Congress went along for the ride.
Now we will have to see if Congress goes along for the ride with Barack.
A final note. I was really impressed with how the Bush's greeted the Obamas, and how they took their leave of DC. Laura made it clear in earlier interviews that she did not like what Obama had said about her husband, but she remained a lady. I wish them well in their new life.
America has plenty of problems but a day like today helps us remember that we can come together as one, and if we put aside our prejudices and bickering, we can accomplish anything.
Its Common Sense!
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Letter to Congress regarding Stimulus 2
In talking with a co-worker this week they mentioned they did not understand why people were talking about raising taxes or asking for loans from foreign countries, when in all probablity the money could be found in the current budget, give the government was held accountable for their spending.
Believe there is some validity to that and decided to ask my representatives just what was being done within government to control wastful spending. I also sent a copy of the letter to Change.gov, a website Obama's transition team is using for ideas.
As always feel free to us all or any of this letter in contacting your representaives.
They work for us, they need to give us answers.
Its Common Sense!
On Tuesday President Obama begins his new administration and we all know that his top priority is getting the economy back on track. He proposes a stimulation package that has a price tag somewhere between $800 billion and $1 trillion. We have heard a lot of deficit verses surplus, but there has not been a lot of talk regarding the overall American debt if this stimulus passes. Will we owe creditors $10 or $11 trillion dollars? What are the payback terms? What are the interest rates? What is the burden for my great grandchildren?
To pass the stimulus the USA will have to once again borrow from foreign nations, notably China, who I think we are becoming too dependent upon. In addition, we are going to have to start talking about raising taxes, not lowering them.Before either step is taken, if the President and Congress are serious about fiscal responsibility and everyone doing their part, then I think the first place we should look for the funding is within the Federal Government itself.
We all know about the wasteful spending that goes on in government. Agencies giving large amounts of overtime to employees who are no rated based on production and accuracy and who are pretty much free to do what they want. If employees are held to task, most of these overtime dollars would not be needed.
Everyone knows that the Defense Department abuses its budget no end. All of these contracts where the contractors never produced the final product with the money they bid. Instead they always are over budget. I believe now is the time to hold all contractors working for the government to live up to their contracts. If they cannot perform the task at the price they quoted, then the problem is theirs, not the American taxpayer.
Honest bids for honest work. No more coming back and expecting additional money because they erred when making their bid. These are professionals who know what they are doing, its time to stop them from milking the national purse.
Congress itself needs to look at the money being spent there. Are all these foreign junkets really necessary? Congress needs to lead the way in tightening the belt.Does Congress's health care plan cost the same as that offered to Federal employees? If it costs more and has better coverage, then it should be given to all Federal workers, or, better yet, Congress should be covered like the rest of Federal employees - more savings.
Before our country goes hat in hand, let's trim government spending and see just how much money is available with a fiscally responsible government. Let's hold all departments responsible for what they spend and let them justify how their money is used.Legitimate needs stay covered, frills go out the door.
Do not vote to raise (beg) additional money until you know how much the government can provide itself by spending responsibly.
The initial stimulus package that Congress told us would do so much, has thus far produced no positive results and has only raised more doubts and questions.
Before you allow Congress to commit to an even greater burden on the people, make sure you have done everything to use the funds already available before reaching out for more.
Thank you,Michael Wolfe
Believe there is some validity to that and decided to ask my representatives just what was being done within government to control wastful spending. I also sent a copy of the letter to Change.gov, a website Obama's transition team is using for ideas.
As always feel free to us all or any of this letter in contacting your representaives.
They work for us, they need to give us answers.
Its Common Sense!
On Tuesday President Obama begins his new administration and we all know that his top priority is getting the economy back on track. He proposes a stimulation package that has a price tag somewhere between $800 billion and $1 trillion. We have heard a lot of deficit verses surplus, but there has not been a lot of talk regarding the overall American debt if this stimulus passes. Will we owe creditors $10 or $11 trillion dollars? What are the payback terms? What are the interest rates? What is the burden for my great grandchildren?
To pass the stimulus the USA will have to once again borrow from foreign nations, notably China, who I think we are becoming too dependent upon. In addition, we are going to have to start talking about raising taxes, not lowering them.Before either step is taken, if the President and Congress are serious about fiscal responsibility and everyone doing their part, then I think the first place we should look for the funding is within the Federal Government itself.
We all know about the wasteful spending that goes on in government. Agencies giving large amounts of overtime to employees who are no rated based on production and accuracy and who are pretty much free to do what they want. If employees are held to task, most of these overtime dollars would not be needed.
Everyone knows that the Defense Department abuses its budget no end. All of these contracts where the contractors never produced the final product with the money they bid. Instead they always are over budget. I believe now is the time to hold all contractors working for the government to live up to their contracts. If they cannot perform the task at the price they quoted, then the problem is theirs, not the American taxpayer.
Honest bids for honest work. No more coming back and expecting additional money because they erred when making their bid. These are professionals who know what they are doing, its time to stop them from milking the national purse.
Congress itself needs to look at the money being spent there. Are all these foreign junkets really necessary? Congress needs to lead the way in tightening the belt.Does Congress's health care plan cost the same as that offered to Federal employees? If it costs more and has better coverage, then it should be given to all Federal workers, or, better yet, Congress should be covered like the rest of Federal employees - more savings.
Before our country goes hat in hand, let's trim government spending and see just how much money is available with a fiscally responsible government. Let's hold all departments responsible for what they spend and let them justify how their money is used.Legitimate needs stay covered, frills go out the door.
Do not vote to raise (beg) additional money until you know how much the government can provide itself by spending responsibly.
The initial stimulus package that Congress told us would do so much, has thus far produced no positive results and has only raised more doubts and questions.
Before you allow Congress to commit to an even greater burden on the people, make sure you have done everything to use the funds already available before reaching out for more.
Thank you,Michael Wolfe
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Airline Baggage Policy
This past Friday my daughter flew from Denver to Baltimore to spend her winter break with her mother and father. She brought her cat with her and decided to fly United Airlines because they allow you to bring a small pet in the cabin. She had two pieces of checked baggage and paid $25.00 for the first and $15.00 for the second. Her flight arrived on schedule and all was well until we got to the baggage carousel and discovered one of the bags was missing.
In this age of computerization the missing bag attendant was able to verify that the bag was still in Denver. For some unknown reason it had missed the flight. However, she assured us the bag would be on the flight due in that evening and there was nothing to worry about.
The evening flight arrived at 7pm and when no one called by 9pm we contacted United's missing bag website, which offered no news. We then called the service number and spoke with a person who could only tell us the bag was still in Denver, but we would get it on Saturday.
To make a long story short, after five more calls, we got the bag Sunday evening.
Back in the days when your baggage was included in the price of your ticket, you wearily accepted the fact that these things happened. However, now that we have to pay to have checked baggage, I think the airlines need to have a written policy on their responsibility if they fail to produce the bag you paid to have shipped with you.
I believe the policy should state clearly that they will refund double what you paid to ship the bag. After all, you paid for a service and they failed to deliver. Plus, if they made that commitment in writing, I bet there would be a lot less missing bags.
Share your horror stories about airline trips in recent times.
We, the customer have a right to the service we paid for.
Its Common Sense!
In this age of computerization the missing bag attendant was able to verify that the bag was still in Denver. For some unknown reason it had missed the flight. However, she assured us the bag would be on the flight due in that evening and there was nothing to worry about.
The evening flight arrived at 7pm and when no one called by 9pm we contacted United's missing bag website, which offered no news. We then called the service number and spoke with a person who could only tell us the bag was still in Denver, but we would get it on Saturday.
To make a long story short, after five more calls, we got the bag Sunday evening.
Back in the days when your baggage was included in the price of your ticket, you wearily accepted the fact that these things happened. However, now that we have to pay to have checked baggage, I think the airlines need to have a written policy on their responsibility if they fail to produce the bag you paid to have shipped with you.
I believe the policy should state clearly that they will refund double what you paid to ship the bag. After all, you paid for a service and they failed to deliver. Plus, if they made that commitment in writing, I bet there would be a lot less missing bags.
Share your horror stories about airline trips in recent times.
We, the customer have a right to the service we paid for.
Its Common Sense!
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