We at DoTakeItPersonal.com thought we'd never hear that from the greedy, self-centered, and irresponsible, bank executives. It is most certainly music to our ears to learn that the banks are considering giving the taxpayers' bailout money back.
Well, let's do it, let's get it done. The taxpayers actually NEED the money for survival, unlike bank executives who are so out of touch with Main Street that they would consider buying a new luxury jet, redecorating their office suite, purchasing oceanfront homes and other despicable acts.
DoTakeItPersonal.com feels that 'The Daily Show With Jon Stewart' expresses exactly what the American public thinks:
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart and John Thain of Merrill Lynch
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Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General. Show all posts
A Good Enough Reason for us to Buy a Ford
This country's economic health has been looking ugly for quite a while. The state of Michigan's economic health has been suffering for even longer than that. Around here in Metro Detroit, there is no denying the fact that our neighbors, our friends, our relatives, our co-workers' spouses and many of the people surrounding us work in the automotive industry in some capacity or another, either directly with GM, Chrysler and Ford, or with any of the suppliers and dealerships.
Our family has owned both domestic and foreign cars over the years. And frankly, we aren't basing our car-buying decisions that much on the logo in front of the vehicle, as compared to the price tag and the reliability.
With the recent federal government bailout drama playing out vividly in front of all our eyes, it is a pleasant surprise to hear that Ford will be able to avoid taking our taxpayers' money in order to stay afloat. Because of this simple reason alone, we believe that Ford has earned the respect of many hard-working taxpayers. And DoTakeItPersonal.com would very likely buy a Ford product the next time we are shopping for a vehicle.
Our family has owned both domestic and foreign cars over the years. And frankly, we aren't basing our car-buying decisions that much on the logo in front of the vehicle, as compared to the price tag and the reliability.
With the recent federal government bailout drama playing out vividly in front of all our eyes, it is a pleasant surprise to hear that Ford will be able to avoid taking our taxpayers' money in order to stay afloat. Because of this simple reason alone, we believe that Ford has earned the respect of many hard-working taxpayers. And DoTakeItPersonal.com would very likely buy a Ford product the next time we are shopping for a vehicle.
Mayor of Detroit, Kwame Kilpatrick, Sent to Jail.
Kwame Kilpatrick made embarrassing history today in this breaking news here in Detroit, Michigan. He is the first ever sitting mayor in Detroit's long history to ever gets sent to jail while still being the leader of the city.Link to Detroit News coverage
Link to Detroit Free Press coverage
Video clip of Kwame Kilpatrick apologizing and making his plea:
Video clip of Judge Ronald Giles responding with a jail sentence:
Bad NYPD Cop: Patrick Pogan
This is another reason why 'Do Take It Personal' is such a terrific resource to bring TRUE justice to our communities across America. Because too many police officers are no longer trust-worthy, no longer honest, no longer serving or protecting the public. Instead, we are getting more and more complaints from the people about abuses, about bullies, and about cops taking advantage of the people.
We always hope to hear about good deeds by police officers, from the public, but thus far - Only one made it to our news-desk.
The bad deeds just keep on pouring in. Take a look at this YouTube video clip, which has been circulating across the Internet;
As a citizen, a taxpayer and a voter, all of us should be very concerned about the state of our country. Such behaviors from law enforcement officers are becoming more common than ever, and the frustrating part is the fact that the courts are either slapping them on the wrists or allowed them to go without any consequences whatsoever. Enough is enough, ladies and gentlemen. It is time we take it very personal. Share the photos and the videos - Spread the word.
We always hope to hear about good deeds by police officers, from the public, but thus far - Only one made it to our news-desk.
The bad deeds just keep on pouring in. Take a look at this YouTube video clip, which has been circulating across the Internet;
As a citizen, a taxpayer and a voter, all of us should be very concerned about the state of our country. Such behaviors from law enforcement officers are becoming more common than ever, and the frustrating part is the fact that the courts are either slapping them on the wrists or allowed them to go without any consequences whatsoever. Enough is enough, ladies and gentlemen. It is time we take it very personal. Share the photos and the videos - Spread the word.
Bad Cop Fired for Demanding Free Starbucks.
It is really becoming unfathomable the extent of entitlement police officers continue to think they deserve. This piece of news headline sums it up enough that we here at 'Do Take It Personal' do not need to explain much further.
Link to Fox News article in PDF format.
Link to WKMG Local 6 article and video clip.
It is at least assuring to see that other cities and other police departments aren't afraid to take bold steps to terminate rogue cops from contaminating the police force. Why is the Warren Police Department and Chief Dwyer afraid to terminate David Kanapsky? Why is the Roseville Police Department and Chief Pachla afraid to terminate Stephen Starr?
Link to Fox News article in PDF format.
Link to WKMG Local 6 article and video clip.
It is at least assuring to see that other cities and other police departments aren't afraid to take bold steps to terminate rogue cops from contaminating the police force. Why is the Warren Police Department and Chief Dwyer afraid to terminate David Kanapsky? Why is the Roseville Police Department and Chief Pachla afraid to terminate Stephen Starr?
Justice Unserved - Magistrate Clement Waldmann
It is always a new experience to be present in a courtroom; to research and to observe the fleecing of Americans, using your own pair of eyes and ears. Today is no different, as we sat in on traffic court proceedings in Troy.
We, as Americans, have always believed our teachers and our elders, when they tell us that justice is served by those in the position of such authority. All these becomes a mockery to the justice system, when you come across someone like Magistrate Clement Waldmann.
He not only failed the trust and the privilege granted onto him by the people, he openly embarrassed the people who came forth to defend their rights in a fair hearing. For example; he refused to listen to the explanation or look at the photo evidences brought in by a man who captured a stack of photos at an intersection in question. Next, he ridiculed a Chaldean lady for not being able to speak fluent English. Another gentleman came in to court with a photograph to prove that there was not a sign where he took a turn, but was completely shunted and had his charge raised to a higher level to be heard on another court date. After that, Clement Waldmann continued to cause more disgrace and shame to the justice system here in Michigan, by making crude remarks to a Chinese lady. According to him, "If you put me in a cave for 5 years, I would be able to learn a new language fluently." Is this the type of individuals we now put on the bench to interpret the law? Because it goes without saying that justice is not served.
We here at 'Do Take It Personal' believe that everyone who chooses to live in America should indeed be proficient in spoken English, at the minimum. However, that is a personal opinion, which must not be taken into the courtroom, and be used in any way, shape or form within the justice system. Magistrate Clement Waldmann should be ashamed to have abused his power and authority for not only unjust judgments within the four walls of the Oakland County district court, but also racist judgments handed down to innocent victims.
Cash-strapped Pontiac Struggles to Fund Court.
The economy here in Michigan is dismal, without doubt, and looking worse each passing day. Cities across the region, large and small, are struggling to stay financially viable. Pontiac, being a larger city and covering a relatively large footprint, is certainly having difficulty keeping itself afloat.
Link to the Oakland Press’ article on cash-strapped Pontiac struggling to fund court system.
Link to the same article in PDF format.
It is extremely hard to accept the same excuses from civic leaders who repeatedly mismanage public finances. There is no real consequences for irresponsibility in city government. It is very frustrating and unnerving to find the same sins being commited time and time again, over and over again, by different parties. Why are they allowed to continue down the same wrong path without repercussions? Where are the concerned voters and taxpayers? Where are the angry voters and taxpayers? Where are those who are sick and tired of being ripped-off? Michigan cannot continue to be a cess-pool of corrupted government personnels. Michigan cannot continue to have cops who line their own pockets with cash. Michigan cannot continue to appoint magistrates and judges who are biased and carry out agendas of prejudice. Michigan certainly cannot afford to put incompetent people in public office and in governmental roles. Michigan must begin 'cleaning house' immediately!
Link to the Oakland Press’ article on cash-strapped Pontiac struggling to fund court system.
Link to the same article in PDF format.
It is extremely hard to accept the same excuses from civic leaders who repeatedly mismanage public finances. There is no real consequences for irresponsibility in city government. It is very frustrating and unnerving to find the same sins being commited time and time again, over and over again, by different parties. Why are they allowed to continue down the same wrong path without repercussions? Where are the concerned voters and taxpayers? Where are the angry voters and taxpayers? Where are those who are sick and tired of being ripped-off? Michigan cannot continue to be a cess-pool of corrupted government personnels. Michigan cannot continue to have cops who line their own pockets with cash. Michigan cannot continue to appoint magistrates and judges who are biased and carry out agendas of prejudice. Michigan certainly cannot afford to put incompetent people in public office and in governmental roles. Michigan must begin 'cleaning house' immediately!
Police Brutality in Memphis.
It truly becomes stressful to witness more and more cases of police brutality each and every day.
Link to WMC-TV's story and video clip
We usually consider such acts as being hate crimes, if this were to occur among civilians. However, as documented in the linked report above, Officer Swain and Officer McRae were not charged with any crime. We must take such matters personally, because America is not a police state and Americans do not have to fear the police as long as police officers continue to be paid with tax dollars.
Allegan County Traffic Tickets Plummet, Pinch Court Revenues.
'Do Take It Personal' is here to educate and inform fellow taxpayers and fellow voters about the ridiculous conduct going on in our most trusted public agencies. We are referring to local police departments, county sheriff departments, and even the heralded halls of justice - our district court systems.
This time, we examine the hard times being experienced by those serving the Allegan County District Court. Apparently, these self-centered, selfish, self-serving court employees feel disappointed that they can't prey on more victims, due to the high price of gas. If you are in any way associated with Allegan County or even just passing through, you should take this piece of information to heart and share the information with others. The more the people of Michigan understand the truth, the harder it is for those in power to take advantage of us and to fleece everything that we have worked so hard to earn for ourselves.
Link to Kalamazoo Gazette's article in PDF format.
This time, we examine the hard times being experienced by those serving the Allegan County District Court. Apparently, these self-centered, selfish, self-serving court employees feel disappointed that they can't prey on more victims, due to the high price of gas. If you are in any way associated with Allegan County or even just passing through, you should take this piece of information to heart and share the information with others. The more the people of Michigan understand the truth, the harder it is for those in power to take advantage of us and to fleece everything that we have worked so hard to earn for ourselves.
Link to Kalamazoo Gazette's article in PDF format.
Are You Ready for the Fading of the Mirage Economy?
Our mantra is to take it personal - and that includes matters involving economic significance. The fact is that too many American households are living way beyond their means. The primary reason for this behavior is the availability of easy credit. Folks are buying more house than they need, because of easy credit. People are buying more cars than they need, because of easy credit. Many are buying more TVs, power tools, apparels, and etc. than needed, because of easy credit.
Link to Steven Pearlstein's article in Washington Post
All these excessive credit can't sustain forever. The typical American households are going to have to scale back immediately. They will need to downsize to smaller houses, so that it costs less to heat, to cool and to maintain overall. They will need to downsize to smaller cars and fewer cars, so that it costs less to fill-up. Regardless of whether you wish to be in denial or not, higher oil prices are here to stay.
Be prepared to pay more for practically everything across the board - airfares, shipping/transporting packages, groceries, electricity, taxes, insurance, and so on. Businesses are passing on the increasing operating costs to the consumers. Government agencies are passing on the increasing operating costs to the public. As the consumer, you need to have the ability to afford all these additional expenses. You need to take it personal, and to be ready in advance. Do not wait - Do not delay - The time was yesterday to be prepared for the fading of the mirage economy.
Link to Steven Pearlstein's article in Washington Post
All these excessive credit can't sustain forever. The typical American households are going to have to scale back immediately. They will need to downsize to smaller houses, so that it costs less to heat, to cool and to maintain overall. They will need to downsize to smaller cars and fewer cars, so that it costs less to fill-up. Regardless of whether you wish to be in denial or not, higher oil prices are here to stay.
Be prepared to pay more for practically everything across the board - airfares, shipping/transporting packages, groceries, electricity, taxes, insurance, and so on. Businesses are passing on the increasing operating costs to the consumers. Government agencies are passing on the increasing operating costs to the public. As the consumer, you need to have the ability to afford all these additional expenses. You need to take it personal, and to be ready in advance. Do not wait - Do not delay - The time was yesterday to be prepared for the fading of the mirage economy.
Southfield Police on a Traffic Ticket Spree.
'Do Take It Personal' has been very active in monitoring bad police activities in the Metro Detroit region, because we believe that this region has suffered enough. We mean it when we say 'Enough Is Enough'! We trust that you mean it too, when you wrote in to tell us that your family and you are very upset, because you've had enough - 'Enough Is Enough'!
Apparently, those who govern us did not hear our collective voices, because the unfair traffic violation tickets are still being issued across Southeast Michigan like clockwork.
Yesterday, Sunday, sometime between 11am-1pm, as we drove down Southfield Road, we saw at least 6-8 patrol cars pulling over motorists along the east-side of the road between 10 Mile Road and the Lodge Freeway split. Imagine how short of a stretch this is, especially is you are familiar with this area. Bear in mind that it is a Sunday, and it is close to noon hour, hence the majority of the drivers and motorist being folks who were attending church and so on. Southfield police was obviously seizing the opportunity to start the month of June with a big revenue day on June 1, 2008. This is downright ridiculous in the minds of Metro Detroiters struggling each day to fend-off the multitude of obstacles trying to raise a decent family here in this battered region.
We share your pain and your frustration, because we know it is already very, very difficult, even without the additional pressure from bad police conducts. Let's not try to fool anybody, it is clearly about the money - cities and municipals are broke, counties are broke, the state of Michigan is broke. Southfield residents will remember this, and Southfield residents will know what to do the next time the police department submit any issues up for vote. The people are not stupid, the people are not going to take it standing still, the people do take it personal.
Apparently, those who govern us did not hear our collective voices, because the unfair traffic violation tickets are still being issued across Southeast Michigan like clockwork.
Yesterday, Sunday, sometime between 11am-1pm, as we drove down Southfield Road, we saw at least 6-8 patrol cars pulling over motorists along the east-side of the road between 10 Mile Road and the Lodge Freeway split. Imagine how short of a stretch this is, especially is you are familiar with this area. Bear in mind that it is a Sunday, and it is close to noon hour, hence the majority of the drivers and motorist being folks who were attending church and so on. Southfield police was obviously seizing the opportunity to start the month of June with a big revenue day on June 1, 2008. This is downright ridiculous in the minds of Metro Detroiters struggling each day to fend-off the multitude of obstacles trying to raise a decent family here in this battered region.
We share your pain and your frustration, because we know it is already very, very difficult, even without the additional pressure from bad police conducts. Let's not try to fool anybody, it is clearly about the money - cities and municipals are broke, counties are broke, the state of Michigan is broke. Southfield residents will remember this, and Southfield residents will know what to do the next time the police department submit any issues up for vote. The people are not stupid, the people are not going to take it standing still, the people do take it personal.
Macomb County Ticket Fines Plummet, Threatening Construction of New Courthouse.
We receive a lot of angry e-mails telling us that traffic tickets do not in any way benefit the local enforcement agencies or local district court systems. This notion has been fully addressed in our previous post regarding the distribution of traffic citation revenue. In short, the answer is a resounding Yes! Absolutely - the local enforcement agencies and local district court systems depend on this funds to pad their own pockets and to build new plush offices.
Link to the Macomb Daily's article plummeting ticket fines causing financial concerns over new courthouse.
Link to the same article in PDF format.
Macomb County residents and businesses should be outraged. Those who work and commute into Macomb County should be outraged. Don't forget that rouge cops like David Kanapsky and Stephen Starr are in Macomb County. Everyone in Metro Detroit should be outraged at the simple fact that more often than not, innocent motorists are being preyed on as 'cash cows'. Unfortunately, fighting the ticket is not in your favor at all, because judges and magistrates have none of your best interest at heart.
Link to the Macomb Daily's article plummeting ticket fines causing financial concerns over new courthouse.
Link to the same article in PDF format.
Macomb County residents and businesses should be outraged. Those who work and commute into Macomb County should be outraged. Don't forget that rouge cops like David Kanapsky and Stephen Starr are in Macomb County. Everyone in Metro Detroit should be outraged at the simple fact that more often than not, innocent motorists are being preyed on as 'cash cows'. Unfortunately, fighting the ticket is not in your favor at all, because judges and magistrates have none of your best interest at heart.
Why is Air Travel to be Avoided, When Options are Available?
We do quite our fair share of air travels here at 'Do Take It Personal', because we spend substantial amount of time exploring big and small corners of the United States to gauge the type of injustice faced by Americans from all walks of life. It is also important to make objective comparisons between other parts of the country and the Southeast Michigan region. Unfortunately, we are increasingly frustrated with all the annoyances that come with air travels.
Let's be perfectly frank here - If you have flown recently, you would probably have had a bad experience because the amount of hassle is downright ridiculous. The so-called 'security' measures are very invasive and even rude at times. It is surprising that anyone would even consider visiting the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is over-powering, exerting tremendous authority to inspect and to confiscate your digital devices such as cameras, laptops, MP3 players, cellphones, PDAs and so on.
It comes as no surprise when we saw on CNN that Americans take 41 Million fewer flights, according to a travel industry survey. It is very hard to deny the fact that more and more Americans are sick and tired of the Federal government ruining the fabric of freedom and liberty so embedded in the very core of our nation's existence. Taxpayers money used to establish and operate the Department of Homeland Security could have been better utilized in many more productive ways. Did you know that as DHS become more involved, more cases of corruption are being exposed? Well, isn't that an oxymoron - Homeland Security itself being so 'Insecure'.
As much as possible, we are making attempts to avoid air travel if viable options are available. Rail travel here in the United States is a joke compared to rail travel in Europe. The only practical option is obviously to drive. But with gas prices as high as they are, that can be prohibitive too. Needless to say, we are definitely looking to find alternatives to air travel whenever possible.
Let's be perfectly frank here - If you have flown recently, you would probably have had a bad experience because the amount of hassle is downright ridiculous. The so-called 'security' measures are very invasive and even rude at times. It is surprising that anyone would even consider visiting the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is over-powering, exerting tremendous authority to inspect and to confiscate your digital devices such as cameras, laptops, MP3 players, cellphones, PDAs and so on.
It comes as no surprise when we saw on CNN that Americans take 41 Million fewer flights, according to a travel industry survey. It is very hard to deny the fact that more and more Americans are sick and tired of the Federal government ruining the fabric of freedom and liberty so embedded in the very core of our nation's existence. Taxpayers money used to establish and operate the Department of Homeland Security could have been better utilized in many more productive ways. Did you know that as DHS become more involved, more cases of corruption are being exposed? Well, isn't that an oxymoron - Homeland Security itself being so 'Insecure'.
As much as possible, we are making attempts to avoid air travel if viable options are available. Rail travel here in the United States is a joke compared to rail travel in Europe. The only practical option is obviously to drive. But with gas prices as high as they are, that can be prohibitive too. Needless to say, we are definitely looking to find alternatives to air travel whenever possible.
Home Values Declining at Record Pace, What can Civic Leaders and Representatives Do?
For the majority of us, our home is the biggest asset in our lives. We spend the most money each and every month maintaining the roofs and walls above and around our heads and bodies. What if we can't afford to do that anymore? What if economic conditions outside of our control dictate that our home is now worth less in value than the amount we owe on our mortgage? We have no equity, we can't sell our house at the price we bought it for, and sometimes ..... people are simply walking away instead of carrying the debt any longer.
This scenario is occurring more and more often, particularly here in Southeast Michigan, where layoffs after layoffs continue to hurt our abilities to keep our homes, to sustain healthy communities, and to remain optimistic. 'Do Take It Personal' cares about the little people, the hardworking people of the middle-class, because we strongly believe that our neighborhoods need these people. We cannot allow more homes to be foreclosed, we cannot allow more people to move out of Michigan, we cannot allow bad politicians to remain in power and bad cops to hurt the people. We must take matters personally.
Let's start by contacting our civic leaders and our representatives.
If our civic leaders and representatives would only accomplish the few short objectives above, Michigan residents and Metro Detroiters will be able to better help themselves prosper. As we prosper among ourselves, we will be able to afford paying a bigger amount every month on our mortgages. This will most certainly prevent us from losing our homes.
This scenario is occurring more and more often, particularly here in Southeast Michigan, where layoffs after layoffs continue to hurt our abilities to keep our homes, to sustain healthy communities, and to remain optimistic. 'Do Take It Personal' cares about the little people, the hardworking people of the middle-class, because we strongly believe that our neighborhoods need these people. We cannot allow more homes to be foreclosed, we cannot allow more people to move out of Michigan, we cannot allow bad politicians to remain in power and bad cops to hurt the people. We must take matters personally.
Let's start by contacting our civic leaders and our representatives.
- Tell them to remove the bad cops.
- Tell them to remove the bad politicians.
- Tell them to get rid of bad public policies.
- Tell them to get rid of bad taxes that discourage businesses.
- Tell them to help entrepreneurs to thrive.
- Tell them to improve people's lives in Michigan.
If our civic leaders and representatives would only accomplish the few short objectives above, Michigan residents and Metro Detroiters will be able to better help themselves prosper. As we prosper among ourselves, we will be able to afford paying a bigger amount every month on our mortgages. This will most certainly prevent us from losing our homes.
Just Exactly how Bad is Inflation for you?
Our money isn't buying much these days. Our paychecks run out before the next payday is even near. So, just exactly how bad is inflation for you and your family?
Our relatives, friends and colleagues have all told us that they are living on credit card, from paycheck to paycheck, with virtually zero savings ..... because they just can't make ends meet. Our readers have written to us with identical stories about their own struggles in their own communities, as well as witnessing more of the same hardships in their respective neighborhoods. Our posting yesterday regarding poor Consumer Confidence echoed such universal sentiments.
Journalists and the news media have voiced our pain across the land; over the Web, in newspapers and magazines, on TV and radio, plus various other media outlets. Here are a few that 'Do Take It Personal' wish to share with our faithful audience:
Link to CNBC about Credit Crunch in America and beyond
Link to Bill Gross' outlook on Inflation
Think about how bad this could be for the long term in your own household. Can you still afford bread and rice? Can you still afford milk and juice? Can you still afford fruits and vegetables? Can you still afford to heat your home this Winter? At some point, you will find that the numbers aren't adding up for you, and things will start to spiral downhill very, very rapidly. We have heard from folks who have declared bankruptcy, lost their homes and living in their cars within a matter of a few weeks. Things happen very quickly and if you do not take your financial well-being personally, one bad luck can completely wipe your family and you down to nothing in a blink of an eye. Please look after yourselves and the welfare of your family - Be Proactive - Fight Hard for what is right even before bad news hit you directly, and Never let others 'steal' from you and your children's future.
Our relatives, friends and colleagues have all told us that they are living on credit card, from paycheck to paycheck, with virtually zero savings ..... because they just can't make ends meet. Our readers have written to us with identical stories about their own struggles in their own communities, as well as witnessing more of the same hardships in their respective neighborhoods. Our posting yesterday regarding poor Consumer Confidence echoed such universal sentiments.
Journalists and the news media have voiced our pain across the land; over the Web, in newspapers and magazines, on TV and radio, plus various other media outlets. Here are a few that 'Do Take It Personal' wish to share with our faithful audience:
Link to CNBC about Credit Crunch in America and beyond
Link to Bill Gross' outlook on Inflation
Think about how bad this could be for the long term in your own household. Can you still afford bread and rice? Can you still afford milk and juice? Can you still afford fruits and vegetables? Can you still afford to heat your home this Winter? At some point, you will find that the numbers aren't adding up for you, and things will start to spiral downhill very, very rapidly. We have heard from folks who have declared bankruptcy, lost their homes and living in their cars within a matter of a few weeks. Things happen very quickly and if you do not take your financial well-being personally, one bad luck can completely wipe your family and you down to nothing in a blink of an eye. Please look after yourselves and the welfare of your family - Be Proactive - Fight Hard for what is right even before bad news hit you directly, and Never let others 'steal' from you and your children's future.
Consumer Confidence is an Important Indicator.
'Do Take It Personal' is not about slamming law enforcement officers. We often write and expose more than simply law enforcement issues in our communities.
Today's topic on Consumer Confidence is yet another example that we are taking matters personally - including economic matters.
Link to Reuters article
In order for Consumer Confidence to hit a 16-year low in the month of May 2008, it would take a newborn baby to become a High School Junior in 11th Grade. That means our country's economic health has reached a point where it is quickly deteriorating right before our eyes, without much being done urgently.
Yes, there were the tax rebate checks supposedly helping stimulate the economy. However, the timing was somehow in tune with the drastic rise in gas and food prices. Needless to say - the small token from Uncle Sam didn't go far at all and went straight to necessities.
Today's topic on Consumer Confidence is yet another example that we are taking matters personally - including economic matters.
Link to Reuters article
In order for Consumer Confidence to hit a 16-year low in the month of May 2008, it would take a newborn baby to become a High School Junior in 11th Grade. That means our country's economic health has reached a point where it is quickly deteriorating right before our eyes, without much being done urgently.
Yes, there were the tax rebate checks supposedly helping stimulate the economy. However, the timing was somehow in tune with the drastic rise in gas and food prices. Needless to say - the small token from Uncle Sam didn't go far at all and went straight to necessities.
More Discussions about Oil Prices and Personal Responsibility.
It is very difficult for us here at 'Do Take It Personal' not to elaborate further on gas prices and following up on our post yesterday concerning big oil companies with big profits.
The truth of the matter is that if we do not fight back aggressively, we are destined to suffer financially in the near future. The truth of the matter is that nobody in public office representing us seem to care one bit. Obviously we can't expect the billionaires to walk our walk.
In essence, this is our battle, as the lay people in the middle and for the lay people in the middle who truly struggles each and every day. It is our own responsibility to educate ourselves about the energy industry. For example, we have spent just a short amount of time to read the following CNBC reports and had already become more knowledgeable now compared to an hour earlier.
Link to Tom Kloza's blog entry
Link to Arjun Murti's analysis
We strongly believe that conservation of energy is key. Do not drive large vehicles, do not work far from home, do not make multiple trips to accomplish one errand at a time. Take matters into your own hands, take control of your energy consumption. Clearly, nobody else cares about you - so why aren't you taking it personally?
The truth of the matter is that if we do not fight back aggressively, we are destined to suffer financially in the near future. The truth of the matter is that nobody in public office representing us seem to care one bit. Obviously we can't expect the billionaires to walk our walk.
In essence, this is our battle, as the lay people in the middle and for the lay people in the middle who truly struggles each and every day. It is our own responsibility to educate ourselves about the energy industry. For example, we have spent just a short amount of time to read the following CNBC reports and had already become more knowledgeable now compared to an hour earlier.
Link to Tom Kloza's blog entry
Link to Arjun Murti's analysis
We strongly believe that conservation of energy is key. Do not drive large vehicles, do not work far from home, do not make multiple trips to accomplish one errand at a time. Take matters into your own hands, take control of your energy consumption. Clearly, nobody else cares about you - so why aren't you taking it personally?
Why are Big Oil Companies allowed to continue running up Huge Profits?
Perhaps we are just naive here at 'Do Take It Personal', but it sure seems to be a major problem for more than just the everyday consumers feeling the pain of high gas prices. We are seeing airline companies crumbling, we are seeing automotive companies crumbling, we are seeing logistics/transportation companies crumbling - and yet big oil companies are still basking in the sunny days of large amounts of profits. How come nobody, no government agencies, no business leadership figures or anybody with clout for that matter, start fighting these energy Goliaths?
Reading today's Washington Post, brought us further frustration that big oil companies are not only kicking consumers, manufacturing, logistics and transportation companies around - they are also kicking their own franchisee dealers around too!
Link to Washington Post article
It is absolutely ridiculous to witness such behavior being tolerated day in and day out. We are so 'conditioned' to accept high gas prices these days, even a small temporary price decline warrants a smile and widespread celebrations. They have 'gotten' us, ladies and gentlemen, they have 'gotten' us.
Reading today's Washington Post, brought us further frustration that big oil companies are not only kicking consumers, manufacturing, logistics and transportation companies around - they are also kicking their own franchisee dealers around too!
Link to Washington Post article
It is absolutely ridiculous to witness such behavior being tolerated day in and day out. We are so 'conditioned' to accept high gas prices these days, even a small temporary price decline warrants a smile and widespread celebrations. They have 'gotten' us, ladies and gentlemen, they have 'gotten' us.
Official State of Michigan Publication: The Distribution of Traffic Citation Revenue.
There are many question relating to the actual distribution of funds from traffic citations here in the State of Michigan. Obviously, as more and more citations are being written to cover the deficits experienced by various municipals across the state, the people wonders how this process of allocation works.
"Do Take It Personal" investigated this issue to great length and is proud to attach an official document dated back in November 1999. Bear in mind that this matter is of serious relevance to each and every Michigan resident, as well as those who travels to Michigan, because if negative PR spreads, Michigan tourism suffers. The amount in question is no small token. We are looking at approximately $120 Million circa 1998/1999 - which is about 10 years ago. In today's dollars, we are definitely looking at a greater amount of money.
Link to Traffic Citation Revenue In Michigan, published by the House Fiscal Agency
There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever, after reading this entire report, that various enforcement entities and various judicial entities benefit from even a small fraction of this 'golden goose'. The people of Michigan are paying into the nest-egg for the Department of State Police, Judges Retirement System, Legislative Retirement System and so on.
Think about it for a moment ..... while our automobile companies and our industrial plants are bleeding red ink and laying off workers, the local and state government agencies are still fleecing what we have left, no matter how little it may be.
"Do Take It Personal" investigated this issue to great length and is proud to attach an official document dated back in November 1999. Bear in mind that this matter is of serious relevance to each and every Michigan resident, as well as those who travels to Michigan, because if negative PR spreads, Michigan tourism suffers. The amount in question is no small token. We are looking at approximately $120 Million circa 1998/1999 - which is about 10 years ago. In today's dollars, we are definitely looking at a greater amount of money.
Link to Traffic Citation Revenue In Michigan, published by the House Fiscal Agency
There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever, after reading this entire report, that various enforcement entities and various judicial entities benefit from even a small fraction of this 'golden goose'. The people of Michigan are paying into the nest-egg for the Department of State Police, Judges Retirement System, Legislative Retirement System and so on.
Think about it for a moment ..... while our automobile companies and our industrial plants are bleeding red ink and laying off workers, the local and state government agencies are still fleecing what we have left, no matter how little it may be.
Recognizing a Good Cop - Officer Jason Sakowski.
Perhaps we haven't lauded enough about the great people who truly serve and protect our communities. If you have been faithfully following this blog, there tend to be a misconception that a large number of cops are bad. Not true at all, because there are certainly more good police officers out there in our neighborhoods. The unfortunate reality is that the bad cops usually outshadow the good cops, simply because the spirit of 'brotherhood' prevents good police officers from speaking out against their bad peers.
We definitely hope that there is a wave of change taking over, and more bad cops will be removed from the force and from our communities.
'Do Take It Personal' wish to officially recognize Officer Jason Sakowski of Harper Woods, Michigan, as an exemplary police officer and exemplary person.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/state&id=6153389
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24757014/
Our Harper Woods, Michigan, neighborhood is grateful and blessed to have you in our community, Officer Sakowski.
We definitely hope that there is a wave of change taking over, and more bad cops will be removed from the force and from our communities.
'Do Take It Personal' wish to officially recognize Officer Jason Sakowski of Harper Woods, Michigan, as an exemplary police officer and exemplary person.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/state&id=6153389
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/24757014/
Our Harper Woods, Michigan, neighborhood is grateful and blessed to have you in our community, Officer Sakowski.
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