Tin Cup Chalice

I've been watching in bemusement at the recent news reports of Corporate Executives defending the necessity of luxury retreats and private jets while asking for what is, in essence, Government Welfare.

Now, I'm not questioning the value of these corporations to the American economy. What I am concerned about is their gluttony, greed and poor decision making which may have more than a little to do with the reason they have the Tin Cup out on Washington's doorstep.

I think a little, er a lot of belt tightening is in order here.

The excuses these bloated elite have given ring hollow to me, i.e., it's corporate policy to fly private jets, or it's written into their contract. Soooo...that's easy. Change the policy. Duh. While saying that they're going to be trimming down and streamlining their businesses, they obviously aren't referring to their own salaries and perks. Apparently, these "movers and shakers" aren't paid the big bucks for commmon sense. ...Or maybe they're working from the "Let Them Eat Cake" manual of Public Relations. ;)

I've been shaking my head at just how deluded these individuals are about the "real world". They have no real comprehension of how unrealistic and out of touch their requests appear to the average American.

A good first step in "trimming down and streamling" would be to sell the jets (ala Sara Palin) and deduct what they make from the sales from the cost of the taxpayer-funded bailout they are seeking.

Ultimately, I predict these corporate gluttons will (hopefully) lose their jobs when their corporations file for bankruptcy. Sadly, the ripple effects of their greed will be felt by all the people of this country while they (literally) sail off into the sunset.

The only bright spot is that when these corporations emerge from the restructuring they will undoubtedly and painfully have to accomplish, one can only pray that they will be leaner and forward thinking.

We can't afford to stay stuck in the past any longer.

Just Vote!

Yes Folks, Election Day is finally here! If you didn't take advantage of early voting, or just couldn't make up your mind, after 2+ years of campaigning, today is the day your voice will be heard.

A little over 64% of U.S. citizens age 18 and over voted in the 2004 presidential election, and I would like to think that more Americans have become interested in having a voice in the leadership of this great nation this time around. I would bet that we've certainly heard more than 64% of the population complaining about what they don't like about the way things currently are, yet an amazingly large number of those same people don't even bother to register and cast a ballot on election day.

Don't be one of those people! The right to vote is a privilege not to be taken lightly. Let your opinion be heard or hold your tongue if your unhappy with the way things turn out.

I Used To Have Money One Time

I had Cadillacs in my future

Debutantes in my past

I made a deal with the devil for a whole lot of money

Thinkin’ it would last and last

But a fool and his money are bound to part

And what goes up must come down

So take my advice, don’t trust the roll of the dice

Keep your feet on solid ground

I used to have money one time

Now I ain’t got a dime

~Jimmy Buffett

I don't even want to try to deconstruct the specifics of the Economic "Crash of 2008", but because of it, I've calculated that we won't be able to retire until we are 120. So, like a lot of people, we're re-thinking our retirement plans. Rather than live in a beach villa, we're downsizing our expectations, and buying Lotto tickets.

For those of you who invested short, a small donation to my PayPal account would be most appreciated. With any luck it would forstall our move into the "fixer-upper" lean-to we've been eyeing. Of course, we've also considered bunking with friends. I hear it's the "retro" thing to do these days. Flashback to college, living on a wing and a prayer, retreating into your your own space in a community house. I have fond memories of those times, perhaps it wouldn't be so bad to revisit? Hmmm....

I don't know about bears or bulls, but I do know a bit about sharks, and trust me...they're circling, honey.