Well, it's that time of year again; a time where many of us reflect on the last, oh 360 plus days. A time when we look back on family, friends, faith, job, overall feeling in the country, and of course ourselves. This is my "pondero vicis" or time of reflection. I know Latin is a dead language but damn it sounds good doesn't it?
Family: For many a year's worth of time can result in a loss of family members, or a gain in family via marriage, kids, etc, but one thing is certain, there is nothing that can replace the importance of what family means or is. The family is one of the greatest blessings we have. We need to make the most of them. I hope you take the opportunity to reflect on what your family means to you and how you can better the relationships within that network.
Friends: Outside of family our surrogate support system is friends; reliable, dedicated, honest, sympathetic, loving, that and many more attributes defines friendship. Reflect on your circle of friends and consider how fortunate we are to have a support system like that.
Faith: For many of us, where would we be without our faith? This is a timeless subject and discussion, but I often wonder how people without faith in God can live? Where do they find their spiritual support system when the mortal systems cannot be relied on or consulted? I speak from the heart when I say, that in God and my savior Jesus Christ I have everything, and for those who do not believe or are confused, I pray for you. It has been a good year to reinforce faith, for many are not doing so well, and isn't it ironic that when things go south people look to the heavens a little more. I am not here to preach, but only to pronounce where I derive my internal support over all things, and it has led me to be strong, optimistic about myself, disciplined, responsible, loving, sympathetic, giving, etc.
Job: For those of us who have jobs we are thankful for sure because the alternative is unfortunate and basically unnecessary. I cannot speak to those who are not employed. I will offer up that I am glad that I am employed, providing an income for my family, and continuing the push for a better society through my teaching approach. Is it working? I don't know, but I am no worse for the wear when it comes to trying. Since many in society have negated their responsibility as parents and look to the schools for that void then let me do what I think I need to do. As a teacher, I not only look to literature, writing, and critical thinking skills as my avenue of education, but I also carry the torch of responsibility, accountability, organization, and discipline. Without those elements we have a society run amuck, and I feel it is my duty to maintain those values whether they want it or not. Remember, it all goes back to broccoli, mom said eat your broccoli it's good for you. No matter how much we hated it, we needed it. No matter how much they hate me, they need me, and I stand ready to deliver what is necessary. It's not always about methods, it's about results. I would speak more to education, but that is for another day, besides, big brother or sister (for that matter) is watching.
Society: This year has been an interesting one, as most are, but particularly this year because we are in the midst of a real crossroads. We have all but effectively lost thousands of manufacturing jobs to overseas, technology, etc. We do not have any immediate answers for what ails us. Where do we go from here? What are the jobs of the future? If I could figure that out maybe I could finally afford that villa in Florence, or condo on Kauai, but I am not that wise, so I leave it up to the so called experts. It is my hope that those in Washington get this thing figured out. Do I have faith in them? No, because both parties are corrupt and broken, besides politics is like money, once it enters the arena all bets are off. Logic and reason are lost when those two come to play ball. No, my hope lies in the individual man and woman, the small businessman, and the reasoned members of society who have a grip on reality. I know this is going to sound contradictory, but amidst the throws of Revolution we had an ideal as a country. We had common goals, common understanding of what was at stake, but today's idealism has become something all together different. The idealism of yesterday was about community and country; whereas today it seems to be more about equality and the individual. Now, I do not downplay the importance of equality, so don't assume I am being racist, prejudice, or a bigot. Those with reason understand my point about equality, and in your heart you know too. When Thomas Paine wrote "The Rights of Man" in 1791/92, he talked about society as a whole. Understandably, Paine's universe at that time was about living under the rule of tyranny. We do not live in those circumstances, but there is validity to what he says, and I quote in the present because his words live on. One famous quote is, "Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one". My belief is that we are in the latter state of affairs these days. I am working on an essay that goes to the heart of this, and should be done forthwith (that means soon). One of my major points here is that all too often we get caught up in idealism, when we should be more grounded in realism. It is a vexing and complex dynamic, idealism versus realism, or idealism integrated with realism, but this is what I mean. We want things to be ideal in theory, but in reality it is all too often the opposite. In general, Man is corruptible, Man is dangerous, Man is unreasonable, hence the idealism of what should be cannot be. We can aspire to that end, but we've had several thousands of years of experience and have not been able to master that what should be. But it's okay to keep looking at what should be, and hope that we can be. Shakespeare gave this considerable thought over 400 years ago. "To Be or Not To Be?" He was talking about man, not just Hamlet's dilemma. Sorry for the rambling digression.
And finally, ourselves: This is pretty simple for me. Am I a better person this year than I was last year? Have I done my responsibility, my duty to society/family/friends/occupation? Is my faith stronger than it was a year ago? Each year we have the ability to build on the previous year, and one way to do that is to not wait until December whatever to figure that out. It should happen monthly, weekly, or even daily. A lot of times my reflecting comes weekly via church. I find great peace and comfort when I am in that pew and I am (gratefully) on my knees. I know, this has got to be tearing up atheists and agnostics alike, but that's okay, we know and have something they don't. Anyhow, I pray to my Lord above to help me be a better man, father, husband, friend, son, brother, employee, servant to Him. It doesn't always work because of my failings, but the next week you can bet I am in that pew once again asking for His mercy and forgiveness, and praying for His help.
In closing, my message to society is this. What can we do better? What can we ask of ourselves that will advance the human possibility of "Being"? And thus I leave you with perhaps one of the greatest songs in contemporary pop that made it through the filter of political correctness. Neil Diamond's "Be"
Lost
On a painted sky
Where the clouds are hung
For the poet's eye
You may find Him
If you may find Him
There
On a distant shore
By the wings of dreams
Through an open door
You may know Him
If you may know Him
Be
As a page that aches for words
Which speaks on a theme that's timeless
While the sun God will make for your day
Sing
As a song in search of a voice that is silent
And the one God will make for your way
And we dance
To a whispered voice
Overheard by the soul
Undertook by the heart
And you may know it
If you may know it
While the sand
Would become the stone
Which begat the spark
Turned to living bone
Holy, holy
Sanctus, sanctus
God bless everybody, may you all have a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Hey, hey, hey, it's Fat Albert: You Been Dumped Dog
The title was an intentional dig at Albert Haynesworth, now former defensive linemen for the Washington Redskins.
Well, it appears the Redskins could take no more of the antics of the $100 million dollar man. Obviously, there are two sides to a story, so whichever side ultimately prevails with the media wins the argument—especially in this case.
On one side, you have ardent supporters of the big man in the middle; on the other, you have those who side with management. It’s the ultimate battle in which the little man feels he must defend a compatriot such as Haynesworth against the evil corporate management just trying to keep the man down, disavowing his right to say and do his thing. Then there are those involved with management who will say the Redskins did the right thing.
I see it this way:
Albert Haynesworth was and continues to be paid a handsome amount from the Washington Redskins. His $100 million plus contract was the largest ever for a defensive lineman. Daniel Snyder examined the man’s career and remunerated a figure he felt was appropriate. But remember, for a hefty price tag like he was expected to deliver the goods.
2010:
The New Year means there's a new coach, with the Redskins bringing in a guy who had already won two Super Bowls. The team decides to employ a new defensive scheme that apparently upsets the $100 million dollar child. Apparently, Haynesworth was not as influential as he thought he ought to be. Both sides decided to dig in their heels, and it appeared that a compact was made. They each figured it was better to co-exist than to create a rift in the locker room.
There’s no need for revisionist history, most are aware of the weekly headlines that seemed to focus more on the problem between two men rather than focusing on the Redskins yo-yo year.
Here is the bottom line:
Haynesworth is a big (literally and figuratively) spoiled, selfish, entitlement oriented, 21st century egotistical athlete.
He was “upset” that the Redskins didn’t reach out to him and accommodate his desire to not play in a 3-4 defense. Well, I hate to drop the big Captain Obvious mantra on Fat Albert, but one man does not make a defense, even though Haynesworth continued to believe that he was a one man wrecking crew. That was his first mistake.
As a writer, I emphasize more than I would like that “Pride goeth before a fall”, which is exactly what happened to Albert. He allowed his pride to get in the way of team.
For $100 million, Albert should have been willing to carry the Gatorade if that is what management wanted. These players tend to think of themselves as warriors, and as such they should be willing to listen to their leadership chain. Albert offended Shanahan and management when he displayed a sense of mistrust that they didn’t have him in the best place to be the player they bought. In any relationship, trust is the one main factor that is attributable to the relationship's success, and Albert used it poorly.
Albert thought that he could buck the system and that people would sympathize with the idea of "Little Man v.s. Management", but he wound up digging his own grave. Appropriately so, as he was more than handsomely compensated.
He should have been willing to do whatever it took to be a team player, but that would have required him to swallow his pride. But for someone of the 21st century mindset, he just couldn’t do it.
A fellow blogger and contributor from the Bleacher Report Brian Corroccio wrote a great article on Big Baby Haynesworth. Go to:
Also, if you would like to check out some of the articles I have written on Bleacher Report go to:
http://bleacherreport.com/users/81989-scott-reighard.
Well, it appears the Redskins could take no more of the antics of the $100 million dollar man. Obviously, there are two sides to a story, so whichever side ultimately prevails with the media wins the argument—especially in this case.
On one side, you have ardent supporters of the big man in the middle; on the other, you have those who side with management. It’s the ultimate battle in which the little man feels he must defend a compatriot such as Haynesworth against the evil corporate management just trying to keep the man down, disavowing his right to say and do his thing. Then there are those involved with management who will say the Redskins did the right thing.
I see it this way:
Albert Haynesworth was and continues to be paid a handsome amount from the Washington Redskins. His $100 million plus contract was the largest ever for a defensive lineman. Daniel Snyder examined the man’s career and remunerated a figure he felt was appropriate. But remember, for a hefty price tag like he was expected to deliver the goods.
2010:
The New Year means there's a new coach, with the Redskins bringing in a guy who had already won two Super Bowls. The team decides to employ a new defensive scheme that apparently upsets the $100 million dollar child. Apparently, Haynesworth was not as influential as he thought he ought to be. Both sides decided to dig in their heels, and it appeared that a compact was made. They each figured it was better to co-exist than to create a rift in the locker room.
There’s no need for revisionist history, most are aware of the weekly headlines that seemed to focus more on the problem between two men rather than focusing on the Redskins yo-yo year.
Here is the bottom line:
Haynesworth is a big (literally and figuratively) spoiled, selfish, entitlement oriented, 21st century egotistical athlete.
He was “upset” that the Redskins didn’t reach out to him and accommodate his desire to not play in a 3-4 defense. Well, I hate to drop the big Captain Obvious mantra on Fat Albert, but one man does not make a defense, even though Haynesworth continued to believe that he was a one man wrecking crew. That was his first mistake.
As a writer, I emphasize more than I would like that “Pride goeth before a fall”, which is exactly what happened to Albert. He allowed his pride to get in the way of team.
For $100 million, Albert should have been willing to carry the Gatorade if that is what management wanted. These players tend to think of themselves as warriors, and as such they should be willing to listen to their leadership chain. Albert offended Shanahan and management when he displayed a sense of mistrust that they didn’t have him in the best place to be the player they bought. In any relationship, trust is the one main factor that is attributable to the relationship's success, and Albert used it poorly.
Albert thought that he could buck the system and that people would sympathize with the idea of "Little Man v.s. Management", but he wound up digging his own grave. Appropriately so, as he was more than handsomely compensated.
He should have been willing to do whatever it took to be a team player, but that would have required him to swallow his pride. But for someone of the 21st century mindset, he just couldn’t do it.
A fellow blogger and contributor from the Bleacher Report Brian Corroccio wrote a great article on Big Baby Haynesworth. Go to:
Also, if you would like to check out some of the articles I have written on Bleacher Report go to:
http://bleacherreport.com/users/81989-scott-reighard.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Minnesota Vikings 2010 Season: A Season That Could Have Been
Well, as of this writing the Vikings are 3-7. If you had asked most Vikings fans at the beginning of the season what the Vikings record would be after week 10, it probably would have been the reverse of what it is. But like the old/new cliche, it is what it is. The team is on the breaking point. Up to this point they have been very cool with the media saying all is copasetic in the locker room. What we saw yesterday was a near implosion, but of course that is to be expected. Are we surprised to see this? We shouldn't, don't most people allow things to fester before the veritable outward expressions that would indicate frustration. So, with that being said, here are some of the reasons the Vikings season has been less than expected.
First, as a Vikings fan for 40 years I have not seen a collapse of this magnitude. Forget about the Super Bowl expectations, this has been a collapse that's hard to compare to other collapses. Of similar fashion, there are 3 that come to mind: 1972 the Vikings went 7-7 after finishing 11-3 the previous year. 1972 was also Fran's first year back after the trade with the Giants.
The second one would be 2001. The previous year the Vikings went 11-5 and lost to the Giants (in an embarrassing fashion) in the playoffs, and in 2001 went 5-11 with basically the same team. That year Dennis Green was fired and replaced by Mike Tice.
And now here we are in 2010 looking at a total collapse from a 12-4 team the previous year and with essentially the same players on the roster, and would it not be ironic should they finish 4-12? I am not a superstitious man (insert Gregorian chant here) but here is an eery thought, so far this decade has been one not up to the standards of this organization. We started this decade in 2001 at 5-11, how will we end the decade in 2010?
So, how did this year’s collapse come to pass?
We would have to go back to the summer. It took a chartered plane and 3 players to woo Favre out of retirement, and then when he got to camp he heard the news that Sydney Rice was going to be out at least the first 8 games. Then he loses his starting center, Percy Harvin battled migraines of monstrous proportion, Bernard Berrian was his tender self, and then we lose both starting corners to start of the year. Yes, all teams have injuries, but it was the offensive injuries, coupled with their inability to work together that started the downslide. They attempted to patch things up with trades with Miami for Camarillo and then the Patriots for Randy Moss, clearly the beginning of the lowest point for this team this year.
In the NFL it can be a snowball effect. I think many pundits continued to believe in the Vikings because of the talent they had and the fact that #4 was under center, but when one loss led to another, then to another, and finally the debacle in Chicago, it was over. The Green Bay could have given them a glimmer of hope, but after the 1st quarter it was obvious, this team is just not very good right now.
I would not be surprised to see ownership make a move this week relative to coaching. The Green Bay disaster was the final nail in the coffin of this team's year. Sort of like Dallas versus Green Bay. Isn't that ironic? Green Bay fans can happily parade about while wolfing down their Brats and slurping down their beer, how they were responsible for the firing of 2 coaches in one year. I find that amusing and fitting. The Vikings will promote from within, so it will either be Bevell or Frazier. My money is on Frazier simply because of his current title as Assistant Head Coach, which in my world, he is part of the Childress problem and should be gone as well, but most likely not going to happen. If Childress is not fired there is a chance he stays for the entire year. What that says about Favre I cannot speculate other than to say, he should continue to start.
Now, as for Favre. Okay, the season is over, but you know what, the guy deserves to go out on his own terms. I say FIRE CHILLY, (which just happened a few hours ago) promote Bevell (which didn’t happen, they promoted Frazier) and let Favre basically Peyton Manning the rest of the season (call his own plays). I get tired of people saying all that they say about this guy. Vikings fans were all so excited we nearly wet ourselves when we got him, and when he returned we wet ourselves again, so stop crying and moaning about this guy. Look at all the exigent circumstances; predictable offense, predictable defense, inconsistent special teams play and that is the recipe for a 3-7 team.
Yes, this is a season that could have been, but isn't going to be. Like any setback, we can bemoan our situation, or find the positive and move forward.
We have 6 games remaining, let's have fun, and let's watch the old man play this out and finish it with a smile. But the first question Frazier will be asked is whether he will bench Favre in favor of Jackson? Stay tuned!
As always, given the title of this here blog, here's the Bottom Line. We had great hopes for this season, no doubt, but that didn't come to fruition, so it's up to the management, the insiders to the organization to get this thing figured out. Childress has obviously lost this team, and a movement will be made, but let's hope we don't just simply put this in the hands of someone they "think" might be able to do the job. I mention 4 names for the next head coach and they are: Bill Cowher (nearly impossible), Jon Gruden (possibly impossible), Rob Ryan or Mike Pettine, Jr.
Have faith Vikings fans, we'll be back before you know it, our history proves that out. SKOL VIKES!!!!
First, as a Vikings fan for 40 years I have not seen a collapse of this magnitude. Forget about the Super Bowl expectations, this has been a collapse that's hard to compare to other collapses. Of similar fashion, there are 3 that come to mind: 1972 the Vikings went 7-7 after finishing 11-3 the previous year. 1972 was also Fran's first year back after the trade with the Giants.
The second one would be 2001. The previous year the Vikings went 11-5 and lost to the Giants (in an embarrassing fashion) in the playoffs, and in 2001 went 5-11 with basically the same team. That year Dennis Green was fired and replaced by Mike Tice.
And now here we are in 2010 looking at a total collapse from a 12-4 team the previous year and with essentially the same players on the roster, and would it not be ironic should they finish 4-12? I am not a superstitious man (insert Gregorian chant here) but here is an eery thought, so far this decade has been one not up to the standards of this organization. We started this decade in 2001 at 5-11, how will we end the decade in 2010?
So, how did this year’s collapse come to pass?
We would have to go back to the summer. It took a chartered plane and 3 players to woo Favre out of retirement, and then when he got to camp he heard the news that Sydney Rice was going to be out at least the first 8 games. Then he loses his starting center, Percy Harvin battled migraines of monstrous proportion, Bernard Berrian was his tender self, and then we lose both starting corners to start of the year. Yes, all teams have injuries, but it was the offensive injuries, coupled with their inability to work together that started the downslide. They attempted to patch things up with trades with Miami for Camarillo and then the Patriots for Randy Moss, clearly the beginning of the lowest point for this team this year.
In the NFL it can be a snowball effect. I think many pundits continued to believe in the Vikings because of the talent they had and the fact that #4 was under center, but when one loss led to another, then to another, and finally the debacle in Chicago, it was over. The Green Bay could have given them a glimmer of hope, but after the 1st quarter it was obvious, this team is just not very good right now.
I would not be surprised to see ownership make a move this week relative to coaching. The Green Bay disaster was the final nail in the coffin of this team's year. Sort of like Dallas versus Green Bay. Isn't that ironic? Green Bay fans can happily parade about while wolfing down their Brats and slurping down their beer, how they were responsible for the firing of 2 coaches in one year. I find that amusing and fitting. The Vikings will promote from within, so it will either be Bevell or Frazier. My money is on Frazier simply because of his current title as Assistant Head Coach, which in my world, he is part of the Childress problem and should be gone as well, but most likely not going to happen. If Childress is not fired there is a chance he stays for the entire year. What that says about Favre I cannot speculate other than to say, he should continue to start.
Now, as for Favre. Okay, the season is over, but you know what, the guy deserves to go out on his own terms. I say FIRE CHILLY, (which just happened a few hours ago) promote Bevell (which didn’t happen, they promoted Frazier) and let Favre basically Peyton Manning the rest of the season (call his own plays). I get tired of people saying all that they say about this guy. Vikings fans were all so excited we nearly wet ourselves when we got him, and when he returned we wet ourselves again, so stop crying and moaning about this guy. Look at all the exigent circumstances; predictable offense, predictable defense, inconsistent special teams play and that is the recipe for a 3-7 team.
Yes, this is a season that could have been, but isn't going to be. Like any setback, we can bemoan our situation, or find the positive and move forward.
We have 6 games remaining, let's have fun, and let's watch the old man play this out and finish it with a smile. But the first question Frazier will be asked is whether he will bench Favre in favor of Jackson? Stay tuned!
As always, given the title of this here blog, here's the Bottom Line. We had great hopes for this season, no doubt, but that didn't come to fruition, so it's up to the management, the insiders to the organization to get this thing figured out. Childress has obviously lost this team, and a movement will be made, but let's hope we don't just simply put this in the hands of someone they "think" might be able to do the job. I mention 4 names for the next head coach and they are: Bill Cowher (nearly impossible), Jon Gruden (possibly impossible), Rob Ryan or Mike Pettine, Jr.
Have faith Vikings fans, we'll be back before you know it, our history proves that out. SKOL VIKES!!!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Democrats Have Their Own Oil Spill
This one is going to be short and to the point. Let’s see, Health Care: Americans overwhelmingly did NOT support the Democratic plan, yet it passed. Immigration: Currently more than 60% of Arizonans support the immigration bill recently passed, and more than 50% of Americans nationwide support the bill, yet nearly all Democrats call it a racist and discriminatory bill. And finally, offshore drilling: In light of the recent tragic Gulf of Mexico event, the Democrats (including some idiotic Repubs) want to ban or NOT continue to consider offshore drilling considerations, yet a majority of Americans continue to support offshore drilling despite the recent tragedy. Let’s go back to 1989 and the Exxon Valdez accident. It was a horrific event and did a lot of damage, but here we are 21 years later and Valdez pulls out about 700,000 barrels a day and the area is even more pristine that it was in ’89. Even though there are still “oil pits” in areas of the bay, the rate of diminishing oil is around 4% a year, that doesn’t sound like a lot, but given the technology of then and now, there is a much greater chance of near total clean up for the Gulf accident; however, it should not be surprising of this sudden outcry against the oil industry. It is typical of the Democrats to make knee jerk decisions and this is one of them. So, if we ban offshore drilling, and of course let us not forget they want to discontinue or limit coal mining as well, what are we going to do? It sounds like we will become more dependent on “haters of the US” to me. Energy is not just going to show up. We are years away from battery, wind, nuclear and efficient solar power, and yet they (Democrats) want to consider the preposterous notion of limiting offshore contracts now. Wow, that sounds rational. Have fun with $5-6 gallon gasoline.
Well, it sounds pretty simple to me, the Democratic Party does NOT sound like a party of or for the people. November should be simple folks, it’s just a matter of showing up, punching the lever and depositing these “ignorers of the people” where they belong, unemployed as senators and representatives for the US Congress
Well, it sounds pretty simple to me, the Democratic Party does NOT sound like a party of or for the people. November should be simple folks, it’s just a matter of showing up, punching the lever and depositing these “ignorers of the people” where they belong, unemployed as senators and representatives for the US Congress
Friday, April 23, 2010
Vikings 2010 Post Round One Analysis: Pepto Bismal Time
Okay, it's Friday and many Vikings fans sat up last night only to hear the 30th pick was traded to, of all teams, a division rival. Being that I am just an armchair wannabe football executive, let's look at today and tomorrow and what the Vikings could very well do to help situations immediate and future. I know, this looks like hindsight is 20/20, or Monday morning QB, but just go with me here.
In fairness to myself, trying to pick picks is like trying to shoot a quarter in a dark room. Yet we soldier on and further inflict even more stress on ourselves. So, here goes, revision of the Vikings draft, although there are some overlaps of an earlier article of mine.
Quarterback: Do they or don't they? Clausen, McCoy? Or do they consider Pike, Lefevour, or Snead a little later? One thing is for sure, this could help in 2011 or 2012, or set us back if we believe Tarvaris is heir apparent and still falls on his face. We are actually in a pickle. Brett has one more year and then it's open QB season. What if the Vikings opt out of this draft for a QB and T-Jack fails? People will look back on what could have been. As a wannabe executive, I try to drop another 5 - 8 picks and grab McCoy.
O-Line: McKinnie is, well, McKinnie, Hutchison is climbing the age ladder and Hererra is teetering. I have no doubt something will be addressed. They could go Asamoah (G, Illinois) in the 2nd round, or hold off and go guard or center late 2nd or 3rd. If they drop the 34th pick, maybe 2 or 3 lineman could be chosen.
D-Line: Here the pickings are mixed. No doubt Pat Williams will retire after this next year, and Kennedy and Guion are temporary stop-gaps. Maybe Mount Cody (ALA), or Price (UCLA) in the 2nd, maybe Cam Thomas (UNC) late 2nd. After Thomas the talent pool drops off and at best you are looking at average starters or back ups.
DB's: Decision time, but this always seems to be a deep field. Vikings are okay for the interim, but looking a few years down the road could push their hand in the 2nd round. I am not necessarily sold on Cook from UVA, and Arenas (BAMA) at 5'9" hurts him. Again, I think this is now 3rd and 4th round territory for the Vikings. As for safety, I am not as big a Mays fan as I was last year. The 2 guys I am intrigued by are: Jones (LSU), and Wright (FLA). I see a definite 3rd here.
LB’s: I hate to sound redundant, but I am worried about Henderson’s return, and I am not sure if Brinkley is the long term answer. I would love Sean Lee in round 2, but most likely it will not happen, there are other areas they will go. I am looking at Angerer (IOWA) or Butler (Washington) 4th round.
WR: I know, what? I have given this some thought and there are some players that the Vikings could look at if they pick up another pick or two: Decker (MN) would have to be a late 2, but that is too early due to other needs. I am looking more at 4th and 5th round guys that could come in and contribute special teams: Jordan Shipley is an interesting thought for returns and a possible 4th receiver and he could be there as a 4th rounder. Also, there is Denario Alexander (Missouri) at 6’5”. You could also consider Jacoby Ford (Clemson) as a return man since Reynaud is now a RB.
Okay, enough said, let’s do this. Here is another stab at a revised draft post first round. (What a cheater, how do I sleep at night?)
If the order holds:
34: Trade down to anywhere from 38 (Cleve), 39 (Oak), or 41 (Bills), or at worst 48 (Panthers). Most likely the team that trades gets Clausen. Believe it or not, the Vikings are in a great position here at 34.
Let’s say they trade down to 41: Vikings get pick 107 and 209: Colt McCoy, QB
2nd round: (62): Lamar Houston, DT, Texas
3rd round: (93): Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
4th round: (100): Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
4th round: (107 from Bills): Major Wright, S, Florida
5th round: Trade 161 and 167 to move up to 153: Eric Olsen, G, Notre Dame
6th round: (199): Brian Jackson, CB, Okalahoma
7th round: (209 from Bills): Kyle Bosworth, LB, UCLA
7th round: (214): Blair White, WR, Mich. St.
7th round: (237): A kicker here, or another DB.
Of course my chances of this even being remotely close are about as good as winning Powerball, maybe.
In fairness to myself, trying to pick picks is like trying to shoot a quarter in a dark room. Yet we soldier on and further inflict even more stress on ourselves. So, here goes, revision of the Vikings draft, although there are some overlaps of an earlier article of mine.
Quarterback: Do they or don't they? Clausen, McCoy? Or do they consider Pike, Lefevour, or Snead a little later? One thing is for sure, this could help in 2011 or 2012, or set us back if we believe Tarvaris is heir apparent and still falls on his face. We are actually in a pickle. Brett has one more year and then it's open QB season. What if the Vikings opt out of this draft for a QB and T-Jack fails? People will look back on what could have been. As a wannabe executive, I try to drop another 5 - 8 picks and grab McCoy.
O-Line: McKinnie is, well, McKinnie, Hutchison is climbing the age ladder and Hererra is teetering. I have no doubt something will be addressed. They could go Asamoah (G, Illinois) in the 2nd round, or hold off and go guard or center late 2nd or 3rd. If they drop the 34th pick, maybe 2 or 3 lineman could be chosen.
D-Line: Here the pickings are mixed. No doubt Pat Williams will retire after this next year, and Kennedy and Guion are temporary stop-gaps. Maybe Mount Cody (ALA), or Price (UCLA) in the 2nd, maybe Cam Thomas (UNC) late 2nd. After Thomas the talent pool drops off and at best you are looking at average starters or back ups.
DB's: Decision time, but this always seems to be a deep field. Vikings are okay for the interim, but looking a few years down the road could push their hand in the 2nd round. I am not necessarily sold on Cook from UVA, and Arenas (BAMA) at 5'9" hurts him. Again, I think this is now 3rd and 4th round territory for the Vikings. As for safety, I am not as big a Mays fan as I was last year. The 2 guys I am intrigued by are: Jones (LSU), and Wright (FLA). I see a definite 3rd here.
LB’s: I hate to sound redundant, but I am worried about Henderson’s return, and I am not sure if Brinkley is the long term answer. I would love Sean Lee in round 2, but most likely it will not happen, there are other areas they will go. I am looking at Angerer (IOWA) or Butler (Washington) 4th round.
WR: I know, what? I have given this some thought and there are some players that the Vikings could look at if they pick up another pick or two: Decker (MN) would have to be a late 2, but that is too early due to other needs. I am looking more at 4th and 5th round guys that could come in and contribute special teams: Jordan Shipley is an interesting thought for returns and a possible 4th receiver and he could be there as a 4th rounder. Also, there is Denario Alexander (Missouri) at 6’5”. You could also consider Jacoby Ford (Clemson) as a return man since Reynaud is now a RB.
Okay, enough said, let’s do this. Here is another stab at a revised draft post first round. (What a cheater, how do I sleep at night?)
If the order holds:
34: Trade down to anywhere from 38 (Cleve), 39 (Oak), or 41 (Bills), or at worst 48 (Panthers). Most likely the team that trades gets Clausen. Believe it or not, the Vikings are in a great position here at 34.
Let’s say they trade down to 41: Vikings get pick 107 and 209: Colt McCoy, QB
2nd round: (62): Lamar Houston, DT, Texas
3rd round: (93): Mike Johnson, G, Alabama
4th round: (100): Pat Angerer, LB, Iowa
4th round: (107 from Bills): Major Wright, S, Florida
5th round: Trade 161 and 167 to move up to 153: Eric Olsen, G, Notre Dame
6th round: (199): Brian Jackson, CB, Okalahoma
7th round: (209 from Bills): Kyle Bosworth, LB, UCLA
7th round: (214): Blair White, WR, Mich. St.
7th round: (237): A kicker here, or another DB.
Of course my chances of this even being remotely close are about as good as winning Powerball, maybe.
Friday, April 16, 2010
MInnesota Vikings 2010 Draft Outlook
As with all drafts teams face an immediate situation, as well as future considerations, and since the Minnesota Vikings are my favorite team, who were just one less turnover (if you will) away from heading to the Super Bowl, we (fans) gather together to feel the excitement of this year’s draft.
Now, as I said earlier, teams look to the immediate and to the future, and with the Vikings here are my thoughts on the direction the Vikings should draft. Bear in mind that unless you are in the locker room or in the so-called war room, we have no idea as to what their (draft player) board looks like or what their thoughts are on given players they have evaluated. In other words, this is one big guessing game, so let’s have some fun. I always judge a draft this way and it’s pretty simple. A first round pick is someone you expect to start year one. A second round pick can start year one, but most likely year two. A third rounder, year three and Rounds 4-7 fall into the three year expectation. Now that does not figure into special teams because some guys are strictly special teams players and can start year one. I didn’t say it was a scientific formula, just my take on it.
First, let’s look at some immediate needs for the Vikings. One area is in the defensive backfield area. With Winfield getting up there in years and Griffin coming off ACL surgery, and the question marks behind whether Johnson or Williams can handle the safety duties remains to be seen, this area is a MUST need. Need scale from 1-10: 8
Second, middle linebacker: With the loss of Henderson to a horrific injury and with football now in doubt, one would have to ask whether Brinkley can fill in to the point of the Vikings not immediately addressing this area. There doesn’t seem to be any real depth here because it is apparent that Farwell is basically a special teams star and the jury is out on Onatolu, who seems too light at 227 lbs. I am going to take a stab at this, Leber moves to the middle and the Vikings draft an OLB because there are more choices and the position is deeper. Need scale from 1-10: 6
Third, the Vikings could use some reassurance along the offensive line. It’s a solid unit, but it had some really shaky moments, and a great defense will exploit that. McKinnie for all of his issues is still a solid LT, although a trade would not surprise me if they could land a pick in that area, or where they can move Loadholt to LT and move someone out to RT, or draft a RT a little later in the 3rd or 4th round. Need scale from 1-10: 7
Fourth, running back: I think the Vikings are pretty happy with what they have here because they could have easily signed LT or Westbrook, but they chose not to, so my take is that, yes they might address this sometime in the draft, but unless some unbelievable opportunity presents itself they feel pretty good with Peterson, Young, Johnson and now Reynaud. Plus, don’t forget about Harvin as an added dimension to the running game. I loved Taylor though. Man, losing him was like losing one of your best dogs on a sled team, no disrespect intended. Need scale from 1-10: 3
Lastly, quarterback: I have to say that I am a believer in Favre. In the past I saw him play maybe four or five times a year, but this past year I saw him play about seventeen times and the legend is reality, too bad we couldn’t get him about four years ago, I know we’d be toting some Super Bowl bling. Anyhow, I am hopeful that he returns and if the Vikings have an opportunity to draft a QB they should do it, but again, more on that later. This is looking to the future, for now, he’s as good as there is. With him we are a perennial 12-4 team, without him 10-6 or 9-7. He’s worth at least 3 more victories a year. Need scale from 1-10: 8 (if they can get the right guy)
Okay, so here we go it’s draft day and as of today (Friday, April 16) the Vikings draft at #’s 30, 62, 93, 128, 161, 167, 199, 237. Here is my dream draft with a few other possibilities thrown in for each round.
Quarterback: Colt McCoy, Texas. Here’s why: Yeah, he’s only 6’1” but he is the most accurate QB coming out of the draft. He is a winner. He is smart and athletic. Realistically: Will he be there at #30? If he is and the Vikings pass then their interest in a franchise QB is not there and if they do draft a QB it will be 3rd or 4th round perhaps.
Possibility: Tim Tebow, Florida. This is an intriguing pick because everyone knows Tim is not ready for NFL play yet, but Lord knows his leadership is without equal and he will outwork everybody else. Again, I say intriguing because you are going to have to wait on him at least 2 years. Can the Vikings afford that? If so, don’t be surprised.
Earlier I had Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, but there seems to be problems with arm strength, and Childress seems to desire really strong arms. I don’t know, maybe because it sounded like Favre.
Offensive Line: Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. There is a lot of good stuff written about this kid, but since he plays at Indiana you don’t see a lot of press on him. Could be a sleeper pick, and could definitely be there in round 2, maybe.
Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass. Another intriguing pick that could be a sleeper or a bust. Book on him says great upside, but UMASS is not known for its NFL lineage.
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. Pretty solid all around. This does not seem to be a deep position in this year’s draft, so it’s likely that the top 2 or 3 guards will go fast, and Asamoah is top 2. Is he worth a #30 pick if a better positioned athlete is there remains to be seen, but if he’s thereat the end of round 2 (doubtful), it would be a bounty type pick for the Vikings. My guess if he is not there at all the Vikings will wait until round 3 or 4 to grab a backup G/C type, but even the Center position does not look deep, unless you think that a guy like Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame could switch to Guard, but at 6’4” that seems unlikely. Other considerations are: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas, or Mike Johnson, G, Alabama.
Linebackers: Rolando McClain, Alabama will be gone by #30, and again, not a real deep position to draft high here, so the other viable choice is Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State. Need I say more about most PSU linebackers? He’s a solid 2nd round pick, but at #30, I don’t know if the Vikings take that chance. Is he a Chad Greenway type pick? Chad was a #16 pick but incredibly athletic and plays outside. Dan could be a great stopper in the middle, intelligence, leadership, and tackling are his high marks.
If ILB is a later round pick there are some possibilities: Brandon Spikes, Florida, Pat Angerer, Iowa. With a name like Angerer you know he’s tough and mean.
OLB: Here the field is deeper, which makes me believe the Vikings could switch Leber to middle if they get the right young flyer outside. My guess that the top 3 of Kindle, Weatherspoon and Graham are gone by #30, but if one is there they might grab him. Most likely Weatherspoon seems to be the one that might drop to 30. Again, this is contingent that my overall first round favorite, McCoy is not there. However, there are about 4 guys who are very intriguing and could be solid number 2 picks: Navarro Bowman, Penn State, Jerry Hughes, TCU, Eric Norwood, South Carolina, and Darryl Washington, TCU.
Defensive Backs: Now, I know that I gave this an immediate need of 8, but this is a deep field. The Vikings can definitely get pretty much the guy they want here at 30 because the field is relatively deep, but overall blue chippers, there are only about 3: Joe Haden, Florida, Earl Thomas, Texas, and Kyle Wilson, Boise State. There are some marginal blue chippers in Kareem Jackson, Alabama, and Kevin McCourty from Rutgers. However, one of these will be there for them if they so choose. Deeper in the draft you could see names like Kevin Thomas, USC, or Walter McFadden, Auburn, Jerome Murphy, South Florida.
Safety: Well, we know for sure that Eric Berry, Tennessee will NOT be there at 30 but there is a possibility that Taylor Mays, USC may be there, but now the word on Mays is that he is more of an OLB type; that he has problems in coverage, and with today’s offenses you cannot have someone guessing back there. If they take Mays I will be disappointed, let Dallas have him. He could turn out to be an Ed Reed type, or a bust. I don’t think this is a #30 type pick they need, so if it is a 2nd round or 3rd round type pick my money is on Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech or Major Wright, Florida.
Finally, Defensive Line: Looking to the future because this is most likely Pat Williams last year and Kevin Williams turns 30. I feel pretty confident in the back ups with Guion, Kennedy and Evans, but if there is a bull built stud that can plug and disrupt by all means, draft one. Drafting at 30 is a good position because a DT taken at 30 doesn’t have the same pressure as one in the upper or middle of the round. It’s safe to say that Suh, Nebraska, McCoy, Oklahoma, and Dan Williams, Tennessee will most likely be gone, so that leaves a couple of interesting guys like, Jared Odrick, Penn State, although I think he’s too tall, and shorter guards can get leverage under the 6’5” Odrick. Also, there’s Lamarr Houston, Texas. Had DWI in 2008, but clean since. This guy is an interesting pick because he has good size, strength and speed. He’s no Kevin Williams, but the problem for the Vikings is that he may be too much like Williams, build wise; whereas a Cam Thomas from North Carolina is 330 lbs. If you have a typical 4-3 defense most of the times you want the heavyweight and the light-heavyweight in the middle; one being the big run stuffer, occupy two blockers, while the light-heavyweight scoots through for the glory.
Well, there you have it, but here is my final, final, ultimate results draft; well, call it a dream draft of number one’s. I will only project out to pick number 128 though. They have 4 more picks beyond that.
At pick 30: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
62: Major Wright, S, Florida
93: Pat Angerer, ILB, Iowa, or Darryl Washington, OLB, TCU
128: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas
Finally, pick 237: Best athlete available regardless of position.
The Vikings will look for DB’s, another LB position for special teams, maybe even a TE. Don’t be surprised if they take a position that is not necessarily a need because of the best athlete factor. Also, with 8 picks they could package a two picks for one to move up if they see someone they like, but feel like they will be gone soon. That would be a good move to give up maybe your 161 and 199 to move up to a late 140 to mid 150’s choice. Feel free to call me insane, out of my mind, illogical, genius, on the mark, whatever, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye, but I am willing to take my chances here. Have a great one!
Now, as I said earlier, teams look to the immediate and to the future, and with the Vikings here are my thoughts on the direction the Vikings should draft. Bear in mind that unless you are in the locker room or in the so-called war room, we have no idea as to what their (draft player) board looks like or what their thoughts are on given players they have evaluated. In other words, this is one big guessing game, so let’s have some fun. I always judge a draft this way and it’s pretty simple. A first round pick is someone you expect to start year one. A second round pick can start year one, but most likely year two. A third rounder, year three and Rounds 4-7 fall into the three year expectation. Now that does not figure into special teams because some guys are strictly special teams players and can start year one. I didn’t say it was a scientific formula, just my take on it.
First, let’s look at some immediate needs for the Vikings. One area is in the defensive backfield area. With Winfield getting up there in years and Griffin coming off ACL surgery, and the question marks behind whether Johnson or Williams can handle the safety duties remains to be seen, this area is a MUST need. Need scale from 1-10: 8
Second, middle linebacker: With the loss of Henderson to a horrific injury and with football now in doubt, one would have to ask whether Brinkley can fill in to the point of the Vikings not immediately addressing this area. There doesn’t seem to be any real depth here because it is apparent that Farwell is basically a special teams star and the jury is out on Onatolu, who seems too light at 227 lbs. I am going to take a stab at this, Leber moves to the middle and the Vikings draft an OLB because there are more choices and the position is deeper. Need scale from 1-10: 6
Third, the Vikings could use some reassurance along the offensive line. It’s a solid unit, but it had some really shaky moments, and a great defense will exploit that. McKinnie for all of his issues is still a solid LT, although a trade would not surprise me if they could land a pick in that area, or where they can move Loadholt to LT and move someone out to RT, or draft a RT a little later in the 3rd or 4th round. Need scale from 1-10: 7
Fourth, running back: I think the Vikings are pretty happy with what they have here because they could have easily signed LT or Westbrook, but they chose not to, so my take is that, yes they might address this sometime in the draft, but unless some unbelievable opportunity presents itself they feel pretty good with Peterson, Young, Johnson and now Reynaud. Plus, don’t forget about Harvin as an added dimension to the running game. I loved Taylor though. Man, losing him was like losing one of your best dogs on a sled team, no disrespect intended. Need scale from 1-10: 3
Lastly, quarterback: I have to say that I am a believer in Favre. In the past I saw him play maybe four or five times a year, but this past year I saw him play about seventeen times and the legend is reality, too bad we couldn’t get him about four years ago, I know we’d be toting some Super Bowl bling. Anyhow, I am hopeful that he returns and if the Vikings have an opportunity to draft a QB they should do it, but again, more on that later. This is looking to the future, for now, he’s as good as there is. With him we are a perennial 12-4 team, without him 10-6 or 9-7. He’s worth at least 3 more victories a year. Need scale from 1-10: 8 (if they can get the right guy)
Okay, so here we go it’s draft day and as of today (Friday, April 16) the Vikings draft at #’s 30, 62, 93, 128, 161, 167, 199, 237. Here is my dream draft with a few other possibilities thrown in for each round.
Quarterback: Colt McCoy, Texas. Here’s why: Yeah, he’s only 6’1” but he is the most accurate QB coming out of the draft. He is a winner. He is smart and athletic. Realistically: Will he be there at #30? If he is and the Vikings pass then their interest in a franchise QB is not there and if they do draft a QB it will be 3rd or 4th round perhaps.
Possibility: Tim Tebow, Florida. This is an intriguing pick because everyone knows Tim is not ready for NFL play yet, but Lord knows his leadership is without equal and he will outwork everybody else. Again, I say intriguing because you are going to have to wait on him at least 2 years. Can the Vikings afford that? If so, don’t be surprised.
Earlier I had Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan, but there seems to be problems with arm strength, and Childress seems to desire really strong arms. I don’t know, maybe because it sounded like Favre.
Offensive Line: Rodger Saffold, T, Indiana. There is a lot of good stuff written about this kid, but since he plays at Indiana you don’t see a lot of press on him. Could be a sleeper pick, and could definitely be there in round 2, maybe.
Vladimir Ducasse, T, UMass. Another intriguing pick that could be a sleeper or a bust. Book on him says great upside, but UMASS is not known for its NFL lineage.
Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois. Pretty solid all around. This does not seem to be a deep position in this year’s draft, so it’s likely that the top 2 or 3 guards will go fast, and Asamoah is top 2. Is he worth a #30 pick if a better positioned athlete is there remains to be seen, but if he’s thereat the end of round 2 (doubtful), it would be a bounty type pick for the Vikings. My guess if he is not there at all the Vikings will wait until round 3 or 4 to grab a backup G/C type, but even the Center position does not look deep, unless you think that a guy like Eric Olsen, C, Notre Dame could switch to Guard, but at 6’4” that seems unlikely. Other considerations are: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas, or Mike Johnson, G, Alabama.
Linebackers: Rolando McClain, Alabama will be gone by #30, and again, not a real deep position to draft high here, so the other viable choice is Dan Conner, ILB, Penn State. Need I say more about most PSU linebackers? He’s a solid 2nd round pick, but at #30, I don’t know if the Vikings take that chance. Is he a Chad Greenway type pick? Chad was a #16 pick but incredibly athletic and plays outside. Dan could be a great stopper in the middle, intelligence, leadership, and tackling are his high marks.
If ILB is a later round pick there are some possibilities: Brandon Spikes, Florida, Pat Angerer, Iowa. With a name like Angerer you know he’s tough and mean.
OLB: Here the field is deeper, which makes me believe the Vikings could switch Leber to middle if they get the right young flyer outside. My guess that the top 3 of Kindle, Weatherspoon and Graham are gone by #30, but if one is there they might grab him. Most likely Weatherspoon seems to be the one that might drop to 30. Again, this is contingent that my overall first round favorite, McCoy is not there. However, there are about 4 guys who are very intriguing and could be solid number 2 picks: Navarro Bowman, Penn State, Jerry Hughes, TCU, Eric Norwood, South Carolina, and Darryl Washington, TCU.
Defensive Backs: Now, I know that I gave this an immediate need of 8, but this is a deep field. The Vikings can definitely get pretty much the guy they want here at 30 because the field is relatively deep, but overall blue chippers, there are only about 3: Joe Haden, Florida, Earl Thomas, Texas, and Kyle Wilson, Boise State. There are some marginal blue chippers in Kareem Jackson, Alabama, and Kevin McCourty from Rutgers. However, one of these will be there for them if they so choose. Deeper in the draft you could see names like Kevin Thomas, USC, or Walter McFadden, Auburn, Jerome Murphy, South Florida.
Safety: Well, we know for sure that Eric Berry, Tennessee will NOT be there at 30 but there is a possibility that Taylor Mays, USC may be there, but now the word on Mays is that he is more of an OLB type; that he has problems in coverage, and with today’s offenses you cannot have someone guessing back there. If they take Mays I will be disappointed, let Dallas have him. He could turn out to be an Ed Reed type, or a bust. I don’t think this is a #30 type pick they need, so if it is a 2nd round or 3rd round type pick my money is on Morgan Burnett, Georgia Tech or Major Wright, Florida.
Finally, Defensive Line: Looking to the future because this is most likely Pat Williams last year and Kevin Williams turns 30. I feel pretty confident in the back ups with Guion, Kennedy and Evans, but if there is a bull built stud that can plug and disrupt by all means, draft one. Drafting at 30 is a good position because a DT taken at 30 doesn’t have the same pressure as one in the upper or middle of the round. It’s safe to say that Suh, Nebraska, McCoy, Oklahoma, and Dan Williams, Tennessee will most likely be gone, so that leaves a couple of interesting guys like, Jared Odrick, Penn State, although I think he’s too tall, and shorter guards can get leverage under the 6’5” Odrick. Also, there’s Lamarr Houston, Texas. Had DWI in 2008, but clean since. This guy is an interesting pick because he has good size, strength and speed. He’s no Kevin Williams, but the problem for the Vikings is that he may be too much like Williams, build wise; whereas a Cam Thomas from North Carolina is 330 lbs. If you have a typical 4-3 defense most of the times you want the heavyweight and the light-heavyweight in the middle; one being the big run stuffer, occupy two blockers, while the light-heavyweight scoots through for the glory.
Well, there you have it, but here is my final, final, ultimate results draft; well, call it a dream draft of number one’s. I will only project out to pick number 128 though. They have 4 more picks beyond that.
At pick 30: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas
62: Major Wright, S, Florida
93: Pat Angerer, ILB, Iowa, or Darryl Washington, OLB, TCU
128: Mitch Petrus, G, Arkansas
Finally, pick 237: Best athlete available regardless of position.
The Vikings will look for DB’s, another LB position for special teams, maybe even a TE. Don’t be surprised if they take a position that is not necessarily a need because of the best athlete factor. Also, with 8 picks they could package a two picks for one to move up if they see someone they like, but feel like they will be gone soon. That would be a good move to give up maybe your 161 and 199 to move up to a late 140 to mid 150’s choice. Feel free to call me insane, out of my mind, illogical, genius, on the mark, whatever, it's all fun and games until someone loses an eye, but I am willing to take my chances here. Have a great one!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
What is at Stake: Part II
Buy One Get One Free, or in the case of the government: Take One Take Over Another Free
The title sounds good doesn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t like by one get one free, until you realize you’re paying full price only to get the second one free and that really it’s only half a deal. Well, kind of sounds like the new health care plan, but in this case it’s the federal government that gets the deal not us. I hope you read Part I of the health care situation I addressed; this is a follow up but with a different element. Let’s see how I do here.
I think that something almost as egregious as the health care reform is the student loan program they slipped into the massive 2,700 page reform bill. I have to tell you, only FOXNEWS mentioned it. I saw nothing of it in other media outlets, and I try to watch several other news sources like NBC, CBS, CNN, ABC, and BLOOMBERG. I am absolutely appalled by this underhandedness that has taken place.
I have a daughter about to graduate from college. This past year has been the worst year for getting money for college. I was approved, as a private borrower for an additional 5K, but the school said they were returning that amount because my daughter supposedly got enough in money to cover her senior year. I went round and round with the school but their position was rather resolute, and my daughter’s senior year has been one of penny pinching and bleeding us of our personal savings. It’s too long to discuss, but let’s just say they (school) claimed there were new federal guidelines; that loan money had to go directly to the school and not to the borrower so often practiced in the past. Now I don’t have a problem with that, other than the fact that the school takes about 10-14 days to cut a check to the student. The real problem is that they were dictating to me what I could have for my daughter’s education, and trust me, this is just the beginning. I hope you all are aware of how this is going to work.
The idea behind this loan takeover is simple, the federal government has control over the student loans, and they make the money rather than private industry banks who are the bad guys. Now, the govt. would offer reasonable rates, and an attractive repayment system, but the borrower will be strictly limited to what they can borrow based on school estimates. So, if you need that laptop for your kid, or you want to dress up their dorm room, etc you better come up with the cash because you most likely will be given a number that is estimated on tuition, room and board, and that’s about it. Also, there are some trigger gimmicks in there like, the student loan payments will be capped at 10% of a person’s income, and if they pay diligently for 20 years the remaining amount will be forgiven..
You can skip the part in the brackets and continue below if you’d like. This is just a longer answer to the loan borrowing question.
[Okay, so let’s say you borrow a total of 80,000 during your years in school, your payment would be $573.14 a year at 6%. It is estimated that you will need an annual salary of at least $68,776.80 to be able to afford to repay this loan in full at around 138K. This estimate assumes that 10% of your gross monthly income will be devoted to repaying your student loans. This corresponds to a debt-to-income ratio of 1.2. So, what if you don’t get that 68K job? Don’t fret here comes the federal government to the rescue. They would cap your loan amount at 10% of gross, so let’s say you only make 35K, that’s 3,500 a year. And let’s say your income goes up 2.2% each year, at the end of those 20 years you would be earning roughly 54K. With the government plan you would pay back about 105K based on the 10% rule, and on its face that looks good. That is if you pay in good faith; however, and here is the sticking point, if you at any time defer, request hardship, or otherwise postpone any payments the federal deal is null and void.]
Also, by taking over the lending they have in essence taken away the private sector. I didn’t know it was against the law or unethical for banks to make money. And what about all this oversight President Obama preaches? Okay, so maybe private sector businesses need some watching over, instead their idea is just to say, “Let’s just take over the whole thing.” Very much like so many of the mortgage situations; think of who owns most of the mortgages in America now? Don’t you all get it? This is the beginning, and you can argue otherwise, and that is okay. You can talk of equality, fairness, re-distribution, etc. but someday all this is going to come due, so what is the federal government doing? They are taking over several industries that can become what they so criticized the banks for, “creating cash cows.” Pretty soon all cars will be financed through the federal government. If they can’t tax us, then they’ll just take over large segments of interest earning businesses and do it that way.
Again, this insertion into a health care bill, which by the way, I didn’t know student loans had anything to do with health care, but when you crunch the numbers you can see how they squeezed this in there to compensate for the horrendous numbers that universal health care will cost. This isn’t just an off the top observation, it’s a common sense transparent view of what we face in the coming years.
And another thing, why is so much of this being deferred until 2014? Also, didn’t you notice the President’s clever rhetoric about drilling? We’re going to do studies over the next several years. Why? We know now, why not now? Why wait four or five years? Do you think it has anything to do with trying to get so-called bi-partisan support for the Cap and Tax the administration wants to pass? But I am going to have to save that for another day. Back to the original question, me thinks something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I am trying to piece together all this deferred status and implementation stuff, and I believe it is all about trying to sock away enough money to pay for it initially, look good doing it, and then you can slowly trickle in other taxes such as the VAT. Don’t know what that is? Look at Europe. If you have ever been there, do you wonder why a soda costs three dollars, or that your breakfast costs eleven or twelve dollars? Keep an eye out for this one, it’s the hidden tax. It’s the one you don’t see because it is added into the value of the product, and that value added goes to the government. So, what’s wrong with that Scott, if it helps us pay for our social programs? Ever wonder why most poor people shop at Wal-Mart? This is a regressive tax no matter how you look at it.
Well, it has officially begun and we are to blame. You get what you get when you vote for who you vote for. Fifty four percent of the voters voted for Mr. Obama and his gang, so we deserve it. Of course if we don’t like the direction we can change things, or can we? Is there any guarantee that Mickey Mouse won’t show up and vote in November, or Donald Duck for that matter? I am being facetious, but the point is, when a country becomes this divided there is a more likelihood of voter fraud going on because each side worries about victory. What has happened to us? I asked the original question, what is at stake? Well, I ask, what is at stake for us? Can we do anything about it when growing numbers seem to support a move toward a democratic-socialist government? Can we alter a growing apathy that exists within the youth of this culture? A culture of people who have been given basically everything they want but have had to do little to achieve or work for it? Is that not a ripe culture for handouts that on their face look good? But my final question is this, at what price? At what price America?
The title sounds good doesn’t it? I mean, who doesn’t like by one get one free, until you realize you’re paying full price only to get the second one free and that really it’s only half a deal. Well, kind of sounds like the new health care plan, but in this case it’s the federal government that gets the deal not us. I hope you read Part I of the health care situation I addressed; this is a follow up but with a different element. Let’s see how I do here.
I think that something almost as egregious as the health care reform is the student loan program they slipped into the massive 2,700 page reform bill. I have to tell you, only FOXNEWS mentioned it. I saw nothing of it in other media outlets, and I try to watch several other news sources like NBC, CBS, CNN, ABC, and BLOOMBERG. I am absolutely appalled by this underhandedness that has taken place.
I have a daughter about to graduate from college. This past year has been the worst year for getting money for college. I was approved, as a private borrower for an additional 5K, but the school said they were returning that amount because my daughter supposedly got enough in money to cover her senior year. I went round and round with the school but their position was rather resolute, and my daughter’s senior year has been one of penny pinching and bleeding us of our personal savings. It’s too long to discuss, but let’s just say they (school) claimed there were new federal guidelines; that loan money had to go directly to the school and not to the borrower so often practiced in the past. Now I don’t have a problem with that, other than the fact that the school takes about 10-14 days to cut a check to the student. The real problem is that they were dictating to me what I could have for my daughter’s education, and trust me, this is just the beginning. I hope you all are aware of how this is going to work.
The idea behind this loan takeover is simple, the federal government has control over the student loans, and they make the money rather than private industry banks who are the bad guys. Now, the govt. would offer reasonable rates, and an attractive repayment system, but the borrower will be strictly limited to what they can borrow based on school estimates. So, if you need that laptop for your kid, or you want to dress up their dorm room, etc you better come up with the cash because you most likely will be given a number that is estimated on tuition, room and board, and that’s about it. Also, there are some trigger gimmicks in there like, the student loan payments will be capped at 10% of a person’s income, and if they pay diligently for 20 years the remaining amount will be forgiven..
You can skip the part in the brackets and continue below if you’d like. This is just a longer answer to the loan borrowing question.
[Okay, so let’s say you borrow a total of 80,000 during your years in school, your payment would be $573.14 a year at 6%. It is estimated that you will need an annual salary of at least $68,776.80 to be able to afford to repay this loan in full at around 138K. This estimate assumes that 10% of your gross monthly income will be devoted to repaying your student loans. This corresponds to a debt-to-income ratio of 1.2. So, what if you don’t get that 68K job? Don’t fret here comes the federal government to the rescue. They would cap your loan amount at 10% of gross, so let’s say you only make 35K, that’s 3,500 a year. And let’s say your income goes up 2.2% each year, at the end of those 20 years you would be earning roughly 54K. With the government plan you would pay back about 105K based on the 10% rule, and on its face that looks good. That is if you pay in good faith; however, and here is the sticking point, if you at any time defer, request hardship, or otherwise postpone any payments the federal deal is null and void.]
Also, by taking over the lending they have in essence taken away the private sector. I didn’t know it was against the law or unethical for banks to make money. And what about all this oversight President Obama preaches? Okay, so maybe private sector businesses need some watching over, instead their idea is just to say, “Let’s just take over the whole thing.” Very much like so many of the mortgage situations; think of who owns most of the mortgages in America now? Don’t you all get it? This is the beginning, and you can argue otherwise, and that is okay. You can talk of equality, fairness, re-distribution, etc. but someday all this is going to come due, so what is the federal government doing? They are taking over several industries that can become what they so criticized the banks for, “creating cash cows.” Pretty soon all cars will be financed through the federal government. If they can’t tax us, then they’ll just take over large segments of interest earning businesses and do it that way.
Again, this insertion into a health care bill, which by the way, I didn’t know student loans had anything to do with health care, but when you crunch the numbers you can see how they squeezed this in there to compensate for the horrendous numbers that universal health care will cost. This isn’t just an off the top observation, it’s a common sense transparent view of what we face in the coming years.
And another thing, why is so much of this being deferred until 2014? Also, didn’t you notice the President’s clever rhetoric about drilling? We’re going to do studies over the next several years. Why? We know now, why not now? Why wait four or five years? Do you think it has anything to do with trying to get so-called bi-partisan support for the Cap and Tax the administration wants to pass? But I am going to have to save that for another day. Back to the original question, me thinks something is rotten in the state of Denmark. I am trying to piece together all this deferred status and implementation stuff, and I believe it is all about trying to sock away enough money to pay for it initially, look good doing it, and then you can slowly trickle in other taxes such as the VAT. Don’t know what that is? Look at Europe. If you have ever been there, do you wonder why a soda costs three dollars, or that your breakfast costs eleven or twelve dollars? Keep an eye out for this one, it’s the hidden tax. It’s the one you don’t see because it is added into the value of the product, and that value added goes to the government. So, what’s wrong with that Scott, if it helps us pay for our social programs? Ever wonder why most poor people shop at Wal-Mart? This is a regressive tax no matter how you look at it.
Well, it has officially begun and we are to blame. You get what you get when you vote for who you vote for. Fifty four percent of the voters voted for Mr. Obama and his gang, so we deserve it. Of course if we don’t like the direction we can change things, or can we? Is there any guarantee that Mickey Mouse won’t show up and vote in November, or Donald Duck for that matter? I am being facetious, but the point is, when a country becomes this divided there is a more likelihood of voter fraud going on because each side worries about victory. What has happened to us? I asked the original question, what is at stake? Well, I ask, what is at stake for us? Can we do anything about it when growing numbers seem to support a move toward a democratic-socialist government? Can we alter a growing apathy that exists within the youth of this culture? A culture of people who have been given basically everything they want but have had to do little to achieve or work for it? Is that not a ripe culture for handouts that on their face look good? But my final question is this, at what price? At what price America?
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
What's at Stake?
This is Part I of a two part look at what is at stake for America. I feel that I am trying to be objective here, you may not agree. America, we are at a moment in history when we must ask ourselves, “What is our direction?” As a nation there are many complex issues being debated, and we are at a crossroads. I don’t think there is any secret as to what the current administration ascribes its political, social and moral ideology, and I do not wish to offend those who consider themselves a liberal; they have their views and I have mine. This entry is simply to point out what I believe is possibly in our future. You can weigh the legitimacy, merits, etc of this piece as you see fit. I am sure that I will offend those on the right as well, but as my motto says this is about common sense through reasoned thinking, please feel free to disagree.
Health Care: All gimmicks and finger pointing aside, it has been argued that people on the “right” don’t want health care reform because they want the insurance companies to continue in their ways. So basically the left thinks that those on the “right” don’t have their premiums raised because the right is in the pockets of, err, I mean, tends to support insurance companies, but those on the left have their premiums raised exclusively because they don’t like the insurance companies? Interesting thought. Yes, those on the right who favor the sickly rich don’t want people to have health insurance, or allow everyone to have access to health care coverage, shame on them. They want Jimmy the drug addict, who is most likely homeless, or can’t hold down a job, to die so he can get out of the way. But why are the Democrats so suddenly against businesses? More on this in the Part II. Do they not realize that is how our country vaulted to number one status in the world? Oops, did I say a bad thing about American dominance? Hey, only one team wins the Super Bowl, sorry to break that to bleed hearts. Here is how I see it.
The Democrats want more government involvement (period) because they think the government can protect the citizens better than predatory businesses out there. In part that is true, but I would think that most Americans are astute at knowing when they are being snowed, and if they don’t well that’s called, lesson learned. I have been baked, boiled, and fried by many companies, and do I get upset (mild term, there might be kids reading this), absolutely, but you know what, it makes me a more savvy person. Do you know why car companies can’t rake customers over the coals anymore? Private industries that post information on the internet that we can research so when we walk in the dealer’s door, Slick Sammy doesn’t salivate. When I sit down to negotiate, he knows I’ve done my research. Next thing you know the government will be interfering with the car industry, but to their advantage of course. So, and this is a pretty bold indictment, the Democrats say they are looking out for us, are they? Oh sure, there are some great things they have done in the past, but these days are not so great. Do you know why the Democrats wouldn’t allow any Republican ideas? I heard that, no, not because the Republicans have no good ideas, but because what the Republicans were proposing were basically market driven reforms and to a Democrat that interferes with their overall objective. You can’t take over the health care industry with private industry in the way. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Scott you’re nuts, the Democrats are not wanting to take control they just want everyone to have a chance at health care. Okay, then why not peace meal the reform into parts that were bogging down the industry. I am a simple man so I look at things simply. Fifteen years ago I was saying that health care should be treated like car insurance, or life insurance. Why is health insurance the only industry that does not allow that? Yes, not everyone has life insurance, and not everyone drives a car, but my point is, if you open the industry up to individual plans, that person, or family plan is based on their history. You can get life insurance even if you have debilitating health situations, etc. Here’s another thing, if we individualize it like auto insurance then we can go to any company we want, that is called competition, and by virtue of competition the prices become more competitive. Those who are old enough remember back about twenty or thirty years ago when car insurance was extremely expensive, but more companies jumped into the industry thereby leveling the playing field, and now car insurance is pretty doggone inexpensive. Just a simple thought from a simple man.
Okay, you may ask, but what about those who can’t afford the insurance, people need to live, people don’t need to drive. I feel ya. That is where the government can come into play. Look, I am not anti-government I am anti-total-government. It is folly to think that the government is not interested in taking over the whole industry that is why they wanted nothing to do with free market ideas in this health care plan. Here is another way to look at it. Government subsidized health care can look like unemployment benefits. When people are out of work those benefits come into play, and that is a very good idea. The government can step in and help either in total or in partial, just like AFLAC is a form of supplemental insurance. Also, the government, which deals with many contractors, can open up these health care bids to several companies. When the Navy wants to order parts for its ships the bids go out to several contractors, so why not deal health care the same way. With that we don’t have to unnecessarily raise taxes to foot the whole bill, there can be a partial offset by government funds while private industries get some share as well. Look how Wal-Mart does business. They don’t own all these farms, clothing outlets, etc. They bid out, sometimes at a heavy price to the business, but that is how business is done, the big dog dictates. Don’t you think the government is the big dog in this instance? Now I know that level playing field softies won’t appreciate the big dog analogy, sorry, somehow me thinks the world does business that way as well.
However, the way I look at this reminds me of the line from Clash of the Titans when Poseidon says, “Release the Cracken.” When the Cracken is released all hell breaks loose, and you will not like the results. Unfortunately what I am saying is pretty moot, the deal has been made and it looks like we may have to live with this. How heavy will the price be? I don’t care what the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) says because they deal only with the numbers they are given and both parties, when they need them, give them what they feel will benefit their “rosy” picture. To put it bluntly, we’ve been hornswaggled. There are many more bits and pieces that can be addressed, such as the pay before you implement program they are installing, or the graduated (let’s screw the rich first, and then eventually the rest will pay as well) program. I know it’s popular to hate the rich man, and in many ways we can do that, but most of us aren’t rich and we tend to favor the underdog which doesn’t bode well for the rich, but if you tax the rich the way they want to tax the rich, then what do you do when they are no longer rich because they have been taxed into supplication and middle class. Oops, did I just say something about 65% (give or take a few % points) of the population? Hmm, only time will tell I guess.
As an end note let’s see if I have made any sense. I feel the health care reform could have been done in a bi-partisan piece meal way, but as in the case with both parties that is not in their best interests, power and control is in their best interests. The Republicans are really the one’s to blame here. They lacked the backbone a few years back when they had the opportunity to pull a strong arm Democrat move, but they chose to hope that certain things would go right, or that these companies would do the right thing. Uh, figured wrong Butch (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid line). You get what you get when you get what you voted for, and the Republicans blew it, big time, with a little help of course, but they blew it. And then Wall Street had to go and get all goofy eyed, but that is another story. If they would have looked at health care like auto insurance, opened up state lines, reformed pre-condition status, and put pressure on the companies to shape up or face sanctions via a watch dog group then it is the mindset of this simple man that all of this (grandstanding, bickering, back biting, back room dealing) would not have been necessary. I think most Americans have a foul taste in their mouth and it is leftover Congress Stew. If we were smart we would show our wherewithal and strength by showing up in November and clean house, literally. Who cares who goes we need new blood on both sides. Unfortunately I think this debate has opened up a sore so divisive it may be hard to restore our greatness. Honestly, we have some in this country who want a socialized form of government because Europe just looks so cool, and then there are those who don’t want any government, and never the twain shall meet. What’s lost here is that a small segment of the population seems to be pulling at the majority of the people, and that is why I encourage you all to vote in November, let’s send a real message, the message that we’re listening and paying attention.
I was going to write a separate article for the following, but this is important to say now given the climate of what's going on out there with our economy. I have given the housing situation a lot of thought. I would love to hear your response or reply to this suggestion.
There are several factors in play here. One is the reality of the housing crisis, or should I re-classify it as the era of housing greed? I think any rational creature would qualify their thoughts with the idea that our present condition is mostly the result of those greedy mongrels who thought it necessary to out-build real growth, inflate assessments in order to create greater revenue for cities, towns, counties and the like. Not to mention the rising costs of energy which have had a trickle effect on many other areas of our lives, not just our transportation needs. This has had a profound effect on our economy no doubt, but I would like to direct your attention to the following. Now, without drafting a manifesto, or God forbid, a dissertation where you’d have to download into a PDF file, I will be as pithy as I can.
The current mortgage crisis, I feel can be dealt with in a pragmatic, real sense solution. It seems that more and more people are losing their homes because of this housing ‘bubble’ and I feel bad for many of those folks. But I find it hard to feel bad for people who buy beyond their means. I mean seriously, the word budget comes to mind. Did those people think the good times were going to last forever? In my book, in order to keep pace, one must continue looking ahead. Many of us do not have the luxury of high paying jobs that compensate for cost of living and lifestyle. No, most of us live within a certain income and need to be prudent with that income. We (the wife and I) have given up credit cards and will concentrate in paying down our debt to hopefully be credit card free by 2012.
Anyhow, back to my suggestions for the housing bubble. Why doesn’t the Federal Govt make a deal with the mortgage lenders? For instance, they can ask the lenders to reduce everyone’s rates, not just those who are under water, or headed that way. For instance, our current rate is 6%. If our lender would reduce our rate to 4 or 3.5% for five years we would be able to save and average of $200 per month. Imagine what we could do with that extra money.
After the five years the mortgage lenders could re-evaluate, because we hope the housing situation is not still in crisis in 2015. They could have a readjustment of say one percent per year for up to three years, slowly raising the rates based on economic conditions; which would not rise if the normal rate of inflation or federal reserve rates remained low.
This could save millions of home-owners from going under, provide relief to those in stable areas, and maybe boost the economic downturn by putting money in people’s pockets, or at least savings in case they lose their job.
I can’t say this is the end all to be all plan, but at least it’s a start. The Federal Govt could compensate the lenders for some of those losses. I think the sacrifice for customer loyalty and gratitude would far outweigh the company’s supposed ‘greed’ as so many think. A goodwill gesture will and could go a long way, but who knows. We can only ‘hope.’ So, what do you think?
I said this was a two part segment, the next deals with why the Democrats inserted the student loan takeover into the health care bill.
Health Care: All gimmicks and finger pointing aside, it has been argued that people on the “right” don’t want health care reform because they want the insurance companies to continue in their ways. So basically the left thinks that those on the “right” don’t have their premiums raised because the right is in the pockets of, err, I mean, tends to support insurance companies, but those on the left have their premiums raised exclusively because they don’t like the insurance companies? Interesting thought. Yes, those on the right who favor the sickly rich don’t want people to have health insurance, or allow everyone to have access to health care coverage, shame on them. They want Jimmy the drug addict, who is most likely homeless, or can’t hold down a job, to die so he can get out of the way. But why are the Democrats so suddenly against businesses? More on this in the Part II. Do they not realize that is how our country vaulted to number one status in the world? Oops, did I say a bad thing about American dominance? Hey, only one team wins the Super Bowl, sorry to break that to bleed hearts. Here is how I see it.
The Democrats want more government involvement (period) because they think the government can protect the citizens better than predatory businesses out there. In part that is true, but I would think that most Americans are astute at knowing when they are being snowed, and if they don’t well that’s called, lesson learned. I have been baked, boiled, and fried by many companies, and do I get upset (mild term, there might be kids reading this), absolutely, but you know what, it makes me a more savvy person. Do you know why car companies can’t rake customers over the coals anymore? Private industries that post information on the internet that we can research so when we walk in the dealer’s door, Slick Sammy doesn’t salivate. When I sit down to negotiate, he knows I’ve done my research. Next thing you know the government will be interfering with the car industry, but to their advantage of course. So, and this is a pretty bold indictment, the Democrats say they are looking out for us, are they? Oh sure, there are some great things they have done in the past, but these days are not so great. Do you know why the Democrats wouldn’t allow any Republican ideas? I heard that, no, not because the Republicans have no good ideas, but because what the Republicans were proposing were basically market driven reforms and to a Democrat that interferes with their overall objective. You can’t take over the health care industry with private industry in the way. Yeah, yeah, yeah, Scott you’re nuts, the Democrats are not wanting to take control they just want everyone to have a chance at health care. Okay, then why not peace meal the reform into parts that were bogging down the industry. I am a simple man so I look at things simply. Fifteen years ago I was saying that health care should be treated like car insurance, or life insurance. Why is health insurance the only industry that does not allow that? Yes, not everyone has life insurance, and not everyone drives a car, but my point is, if you open the industry up to individual plans, that person, or family plan is based on their history. You can get life insurance even if you have debilitating health situations, etc. Here’s another thing, if we individualize it like auto insurance then we can go to any company we want, that is called competition, and by virtue of competition the prices become more competitive. Those who are old enough remember back about twenty or thirty years ago when car insurance was extremely expensive, but more companies jumped into the industry thereby leveling the playing field, and now car insurance is pretty doggone inexpensive. Just a simple thought from a simple man.
Okay, you may ask, but what about those who can’t afford the insurance, people need to live, people don’t need to drive. I feel ya. That is where the government can come into play. Look, I am not anti-government I am anti-total-government. It is folly to think that the government is not interested in taking over the whole industry that is why they wanted nothing to do with free market ideas in this health care plan. Here is another way to look at it. Government subsidized health care can look like unemployment benefits. When people are out of work those benefits come into play, and that is a very good idea. The government can step in and help either in total or in partial, just like AFLAC is a form of supplemental insurance. Also, the government, which deals with many contractors, can open up these health care bids to several companies. When the Navy wants to order parts for its ships the bids go out to several contractors, so why not deal health care the same way. With that we don’t have to unnecessarily raise taxes to foot the whole bill, there can be a partial offset by government funds while private industries get some share as well. Look how Wal-Mart does business. They don’t own all these farms, clothing outlets, etc. They bid out, sometimes at a heavy price to the business, but that is how business is done, the big dog dictates. Don’t you think the government is the big dog in this instance? Now I know that level playing field softies won’t appreciate the big dog analogy, sorry, somehow me thinks the world does business that way as well.
However, the way I look at this reminds me of the line from Clash of the Titans when Poseidon says, “Release the Cracken.” When the Cracken is released all hell breaks loose, and you will not like the results. Unfortunately what I am saying is pretty moot, the deal has been made and it looks like we may have to live with this. How heavy will the price be? I don’t care what the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) says because they deal only with the numbers they are given and both parties, when they need them, give them what they feel will benefit their “rosy” picture. To put it bluntly, we’ve been hornswaggled. There are many more bits and pieces that can be addressed, such as the pay before you implement program they are installing, or the graduated (let’s screw the rich first, and then eventually the rest will pay as well) program. I know it’s popular to hate the rich man, and in many ways we can do that, but most of us aren’t rich and we tend to favor the underdog which doesn’t bode well for the rich, but if you tax the rich the way they want to tax the rich, then what do you do when they are no longer rich because they have been taxed into supplication and middle class. Oops, did I just say something about 65% (give or take a few % points) of the population? Hmm, only time will tell I guess.
As an end note let’s see if I have made any sense. I feel the health care reform could have been done in a bi-partisan piece meal way, but as in the case with both parties that is not in their best interests, power and control is in their best interests. The Republicans are really the one’s to blame here. They lacked the backbone a few years back when they had the opportunity to pull a strong arm Democrat move, but they chose to hope that certain things would go right, or that these companies would do the right thing. Uh, figured wrong Butch (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid line). You get what you get when you get what you voted for, and the Republicans blew it, big time, with a little help of course, but they blew it. And then Wall Street had to go and get all goofy eyed, but that is another story. If they would have looked at health care like auto insurance, opened up state lines, reformed pre-condition status, and put pressure on the companies to shape up or face sanctions via a watch dog group then it is the mindset of this simple man that all of this (grandstanding, bickering, back biting, back room dealing) would not have been necessary. I think most Americans have a foul taste in their mouth and it is leftover Congress Stew. If we were smart we would show our wherewithal and strength by showing up in November and clean house, literally. Who cares who goes we need new blood on both sides. Unfortunately I think this debate has opened up a sore so divisive it may be hard to restore our greatness. Honestly, we have some in this country who want a socialized form of government because Europe just looks so cool, and then there are those who don’t want any government, and never the twain shall meet. What’s lost here is that a small segment of the population seems to be pulling at the majority of the people, and that is why I encourage you all to vote in November, let’s send a real message, the message that we’re listening and paying attention.
I was going to write a separate article for the following, but this is important to say now given the climate of what's going on out there with our economy. I have given the housing situation a lot of thought. I would love to hear your response or reply to this suggestion.
There are several factors in play here. One is the reality of the housing crisis, or should I re-classify it as the era of housing greed? I think any rational creature would qualify their thoughts with the idea that our present condition is mostly the result of those greedy mongrels who thought it necessary to out-build real growth, inflate assessments in order to create greater revenue for cities, towns, counties and the like. Not to mention the rising costs of energy which have had a trickle effect on many other areas of our lives, not just our transportation needs. This has had a profound effect on our economy no doubt, but I would like to direct your attention to the following. Now, without drafting a manifesto, or God forbid, a dissertation where you’d have to download into a PDF file, I will be as pithy as I can.
The current mortgage crisis, I feel can be dealt with in a pragmatic, real sense solution. It seems that more and more people are losing their homes because of this housing ‘bubble’ and I feel bad for many of those folks. But I find it hard to feel bad for people who buy beyond their means. I mean seriously, the word budget comes to mind. Did those people think the good times were going to last forever? In my book, in order to keep pace, one must continue looking ahead. Many of us do not have the luxury of high paying jobs that compensate for cost of living and lifestyle. No, most of us live within a certain income and need to be prudent with that income. We (the wife and I) have given up credit cards and will concentrate in paying down our debt to hopefully be credit card free by 2012.
Anyhow, back to my suggestions for the housing bubble. Why doesn’t the Federal Govt make a deal with the mortgage lenders? For instance, they can ask the lenders to reduce everyone’s rates, not just those who are under water, or headed that way. For instance, our current rate is 6%. If our lender would reduce our rate to 4 or 3.5% for five years we would be able to save and average of $200 per month. Imagine what we could do with that extra money.
After the five years the mortgage lenders could re-evaluate, because we hope the housing situation is not still in crisis in 2015. They could have a readjustment of say one percent per year for up to three years, slowly raising the rates based on economic conditions; which would not rise if the normal rate of inflation or federal reserve rates remained low.
This could save millions of home-owners from going under, provide relief to those in stable areas, and maybe boost the economic downturn by putting money in people’s pockets, or at least savings in case they lose their job.
I can’t say this is the end all to be all plan, but at least it’s a start. The Federal Govt could compensate the lenders for some of those losses. I think the sacrifice for customer loyalty and gratitude would far outweigh the company’s supposed ‘greed’ as so many think. A goodwill gesture will and could go a long way, but who knows. We can only ‘hope.’ So, what do you think?
I said this was a two part segment, the next deals with why the Democrats inserted the student loan takeover into the health care bill.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
"Universal" Health Care a Reality?
Well, it looks inevitable. After months and months and months (ad infinitum) Congress has finally bribed, conjured, finagled, and bullied the votes. I don't care what political position you hold, this bill will siginificantly impact how the US looks at health care. This entry is not about getting into the minutiae of details on health care, it's just an overall look at what WE now have to confront. I think we've seen the dirtiness of politics, and how divided we are in this country. We have lost sight of OUR common agenda. An agenda that put America first, an agenda that maintained a standard in the world that became (note past tense) the envy of the world. Both parties are more about the parties than they are about US. We effectively have (although it's not exactly set in stone yet) closed the book on traditional health care and ushered in a progressive system that will alter how we do health care business in this country.
First let me say, both sides of the aisle have failed us. For eight years an impotent Republican party had an opportunity to modify, tweak, or otherwise address the impending health care crisis. Yes, they and President Bush attempted (thus I say, impotently) to work on health care but the party of "look who's calling the kettle black" was able to thwart these independent, market driven, capitalist alterations in favor of saying, "It doesn't do enough." But again, because the Republicans lack backbone they cowered for the sake of political correctness and being perceived as insensitive to the needs of 100% of Americans. Therefore, the Democrats won the day because they were the fox in waiting, and once total power was seized, they seized the day.
Conversely, you look at what the Democrats have done over the last year. It was an all out assault on getting this thing passed regardless of what was in it. Yeah, that doesn't sound too attractive, but it's about letting the monster in the door. Once he gets in it's tough to get him out. The Democrats know full well, because they are shrewd politicians, that if they get their footprint on something like this it would take an act of the all powerful to repeal it, or else another sweep in the elections. I do not support one party holding Congress and the Presidency, it is not healthy for the country, and tends to divide the country even more. But make no mistake, there will be a heavy price to pay for all this equality and insuring the numbers they say they want to cover. Again, I do not want to get into all the details because it's utterly insane to do so. Suffice to say, only time will tell. This plan will either create a level playing ground in the health insurance industry, leading to continued excellent care and a more balanced system, or it truly will become the albatross that will weigh us down to an unimaginable depth that as a country we will see many dark, dark days. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
First let me say, both sides of the aisle have failed us. For eight years an impotent Republican party had an opportunity to modify, tweak, or otherwise address the impending health care crisis. Yes, they and President Bush attempted (thus I say, impotently) to work on health care but the party of "look who's calling the kettle black" was able to thwart these independent, market driven, capitalist alterations in favor of saying, "It doesn't do enough." But again, because the Republicans lack backbone they cowered for the sake of political correctness and being perceived as insensitive to the needs of 100% of Americans. Therefore, the Democrats won the day because they were the fox in waiting, and once total power was seized, they seized the day.
Conversely, you look at what the Democrats have done over the last year. It was an all out assault on getting this thing passed regardless of what was in it. Yeah, that doesn't sound too attractive, but it's about letting the monster in the door. Once he gets in it's tough to get him out. The Democrats know full well, because they are shrewd politicians, that if they get their footprint on something like this it would take an act of the all powerful to repeal it, or else another sweep in the elections. I do not support one party holding Congress and the Presidency, it is not healthy for the country, and tends to divide the country even more. But make no mistake, there will be a heavy price to pay for all this equality and insuring the numbers they say they want to cover. Again, I do not want to get into all the details because it's utterly insane to do so. Suffice to say, only time will tell. This plan will either create a level playing ground in the health insurance industry, leading to continued excellent care and a more balanced system, or it truly will become the albatross that will weigh us down to an unimaginable depth that as a country we will see many dark, dark days. I hope for the best, but plan for the worst.
Friday, January 8, 2010
President Obama: One Year Later
Well, it’s been nearly a year since President Obama took office, and it certainly has been an interesting year. Now, since the President was so kind as to grade himself, I think it is fair to say that we too can grade him as well. However, I am going to withhold grading via indicators such as A, B, C, D, F. Instead, I am simply going to point out a few things and you can decide.
From previous entries it’s probably obvious (can I put it that way?) that I did not vote for the man, but hey when your team loses you support the winner as best you can. You can’t be a sore loser, and I do not believe that I am a sore loser; after all I have certainly enjoyed my share of victories. Okay, onto matters relevant to my topic.
Nearly one year in and I would put a stamp on President Obama’s tenure as a time of missed opportunity. He had multiple opportunities to win over an even greater majority of this country, instead I think he has diminished his likeability by sticking with a philosophy that neither suits nor agrees with our American ideals, not to mention certain campaign promises that now are coming to light that he has not been so diligent in carrying out. I believe the priorities he has are not in tune with how this nation looks at itself. Oh sure, you can consider his oratory on the plight of “lesser” Americans, and that the rich man has had his day, it’s time to pony up, but sorry Mr. President, America doesn’t work that way. Perhaps he needs a refresher course on the founding ideals of this country of hard work, enterprise, self-reliance and opportunity would help. Some may say that’s old school, passé, or long gone, uh-huh, sorry, those principles still apply, one need only to venture out into this great country and ask everyday Americans. He speaks of those qualities but does not seem to advocate them through his policies so far.
Okay, TARP, I’ll give the President a pass on that one. I know, I know, but listen, sometimes you have to do what you have to do, and rather than puff out the chest and say things like Wall Street needs to “pay” and these companies should fail, let’s say this. We give you money to bail you out, you pay it back with interest, and then tell the American people when they pay back this money, we are going to use it for things like improving education, roads, bridges, energy, etc. I do not think the administration has articulated what they are going to do with the money that gets paid back. Recently the President mentioned that he wanted to use some of the 200 billion that was not distributed to be used for some programs like highways, bridges, etc. Here, here Mr. President, as long as he means it. Like I said, I give him a pass here. As for the Republican response that the money should go to pay down the debt, yeah like they’re good at that, they are not exactly ambassadors of caring so much about the debt until they stand on the other side of the aisle. Now, whether this us Constitutional, un-Constitutional I do not know, but if the Republicans are correct, then he should adhere; however, in politics there are always loopholes, and perhaps a common sense loophole in this case is the right way to go.
The Stimulus Package has now become a scourge on Washington politics. The administration can try to dance around this one all they can but it stinks like three day old fish. When you say you are going to jump start the economy but backload the stimulus funding you are not being honest with the American people. Here is where I think the President missed a golden opportunity. The Democrats talked of shovel ready projects. Well, they used a shovel but for the wrong reasons if you know what I mean. If he had come out and said, “We’re going to front load about 50% of the money this year, 25% next year, and so on” I think the American people would have been receptive to that. Instead they slid it out in the middle of the night, there was no advance reading notice, and there were more shady deals than a slick dealer at a Vegas casino. Needless to say the American people felt duped, and we don’t like to be duped. Remember what I said about the shovel. They took 800 billion (which seems like child’s play anymore) and played it at a Craps table at the corner of Chance and Opportunist. They could have really hit a home run by using a lot of the money up front and for legitimate “job creating” projects, but like most politicians they think we’re not paying attention; that we’re too focused on the next entertainment gadget to come out, or that we just “don’t understand.” Uh, hey there honcho, figured wrong. We are paying attention, and soon you will be paying as well. Anyhow, chalk it up, missed opportunity.
Another missed opportunity was how we could have quickly rebounded. Now I have a theory here and it sounds sinister but here goes. I usually try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and I am not one to conspiratorialize (call that a Scottism) but when Rahm Emmanuel is involved, and remember what I said about the old fish, anything is possible. Okay, so the Obama administration floats into the Oval Office by promising Utopia and bashing Bush; a good strategy, some of it valid, most of it, garbage. I wonder if Obama would appreciate the same treatment upon his departure? So, here they are in the White House and they council and say, “Look, we’ve probably got a good year, maybe a year and a half where we can use that old Texan cowboy as a kick stool, and then it’s accountability time.” My point is this, why are so many things seemingly backloaded? From the stimulus to health care to credit reform, one must consider the previous statement. If you can blame someone else for what ails America, then you can basically open the candy store for constituents with those sweet payoffs, influential votes, the tennis courts in Idaho, or the doggie park in CA, etc. BE UP FRONT WITH US! There was a line from a movie, I can’t remember now, where a character says, “I usually get kissed before I get…” Well, you get the idea. So, back to the quick bounce back. Why not allow everyone the opportunity to renegotiate their mortgage rates? If everyone was afforded the opportunity to renegotiate their mortgage for a better rate then that would have instantly put money into people’s hands, the banks would have generated a tremendous amount of business, etc. Now, they (mortgage co’s) could have set it up where the new rate would be effective for five or ten years, at which time the mortgage companies could have set a mortgage rate increase of 1% per year for 3 years max based on economic conditions. So, if you negotiate a 4% rate, after that 5 or 10 year period your rate could increase no more that 1% per year, so at worst you’re at 7% in the 8th or 13th year. Some were already at that rate if not more. I am not a mortgage broker, but I think that’s a good start.
Another missed opportunity and this is a big one. When Congress was pissing on each other about the health care the President could have been very presidential, stepped in and said, “Whoa, whoa, you kids play nice.” (My embellishment of course). President Obama should have gone on TV and said something more like this, “We’re going back to the drawing board and we’re going to get this right.” Rather than the rhetoric of, “Hey I need health care reform before I go on vacation.” Had he done that everyone would have relaxed and said, “Great, they’re going to actually try to get this right.” Oops, sorry America. We are going to get something even Einstein couldn’t figure out. What a shame! We are going to get something that is going to consume about 15-18% of GDP.
Another guffaw was back in the spring. The President mentioned credit card reform. He talked big about getting nasty with those credit card companies. “Good for you Mr. President, more greedy bastards that shouldn’t be taking advantage of ordinary American citizens. After all, if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be in the financial straits we are. You know, with all our personal debt and all.” He gave them a year to get their act together. Well, Mr. President, thank you very much. Understanding the vicious nature of the financial world you opened a Pandora’s box of nefarious undertaking by the credit card companies to, how shall we say it, nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got…. I think you know where I am going there. Innocent, on time paying customers were summarily handed a judgment of guilty when their rates suddenly sky rocketed, or certain rates and fees apply were quickly handed down like a Seattle rainy day. Of course, you should be aware that I was kidding about the personal debt thing being the credit card companies fault. I think there is such a thing as “personal responsibility”. Gosh, I feel so dirty when I say that phrase, it’s like the new swear word. But you see, the President is no dummy. Knowing the nature of the beast he calculated the banks would pull some sort of shenanigan before the shackles were placed on them and by God they ceased the opportunity. So now what do we Americans think of these companies? Exactly! Look, I am no big fan of credit card companies, they are opportunists no doubt, but isn’t this America? Aren’t we all about knowing our limitations? Aren’t we all about understanding risks of decision making? Apparently not, some of us missed personal finance in school.
Last opportunity missed by Mr. Obama. He missed on the American people for the most part. I once said that when the head gets too full of itself, it begins to lose its focus. The Democrats miscalculated (my opinion remember?) the mood of America. Sure, many were tired of a war many argued was illegal, and we began to see economic hiccups of a serious nature in 2007, although most forgot about 2003-2007 (the first half), but this much change? That is the question most will have to answer come November 2010, and eventually November 2012.
One final thought. Yeah! The American people are going to have to take a hard look at Washington DC and the people running around up there making decisions that affect our lives. One only need to look ahead about ten years and ask, is this the direction we want to go? Our roads are crumbling, our energy needs are greater than ever, our education system needs a makeover, our national security is at stake, and our businesses are losing out to foreign competition. Now that can sound pretty depressing, but if YOU and yes, I mean YOU will act as an active citizen and involve yourself in the political process. We can show these screwballs we’re not dummies or drones; that we actually pay attention. It takes about as much time to do this as it does to read the newspaper, and this is way more productive. I encourage all of you who read this to know who your representatives are. Write them a letter about how you feel. Look, eventually some of them are going to get it. If the tide keeps changing and these ding-a-lings don’t realize that their political career will be short lived if they don’t listen to the people, then why should they care if you don’t let them know you care?
From previous entries it’s probably obvious (can I put it that way?) that I did not vote for the man, but hey when your team loses you support the winner as best you can. You can’t be a sore loser, and I do not believe that I am a sore loser; after all I have certainly enjoyed my share of victories. Okay, onto matters relevant to my topic.
Nearly one year in and I would put a stamp on President Obama’s tenure as a time of missed opportunity. He had multiple opportunities to win over an even greater majority of this country, instead I think he has diminished his likeability by sticking with a philosophy that neither suits nor agrees with our American ideals, not to mention certain campaign promises that now are coming to light that he has not been so diligent in carrying out. I believe the priorities he has are not in tune with how this nation looks at itself. Oh sure, you can consider his oratory on the plight of “lesser” Americans, and that the rich man has had his day, it’s time to pony up, but sorry Mr. President, America doesn’t work that way. Perhaps he needs a refresher course on the founding ideals of this country of hard work, enterprise, self-reliance and opportunity would help. Some may say that’s old school, passé, or long gone, uh-huh, sorry, those principles still apply, one need only to venture out into this great country and ask everyday Americans. He speaks of those qualities but does not seem to advocate them through his policies so far.
Okay, TARP, I’ll give the President a pass on that one. I know, I know, but listen, sometimes you have to do what you have to do, and rather than puff out the chest and say things like Wall Street needs to “pay” and these companies should fail, let’s say this. We give you money to bail you out, you pay it back with interest, and then tell the American people when they pay back this money, we are going to use it for things like improving education, roads, bridges, energy, etc. I do not think the administration has articulated what they are going to do with the money that gets paid back. Recently the President mentioned that he wanted to use some of the 200 billion that was not distributed to be used for some programs like highways, bridges, etc. Here, here Mr. President, as long as he means it. Like I said, I give him a pass here. As for the Republican response that the money should go to pay down the debt, yeah like they’re good at that, they are not exactly ambassadors of caring so much about the debt until they stand on the other side of the aisle. Now, whether this us Constitutional, un-Constitutional I do not know, but if the Republicans are correct, then he should adhere; however, in politics there are always loopholes, and perhaps a common sense loophole in this case is the right way to go.
The Stimulus Package has now become a scourge on Washington politics. The administration can try to dance around this one all they can but it stinks like three day old fish. When you say you are going to jump start the economy but backload the stimulus funding you are not being honest with the American people. Here is where I think the President missed a golden opportunity. The Democrats talked of shovel ready projects. Well, they used a shovel but for the wrong reasons if you know what I mean. If he had come out and said, “We’re going to front load about 50% of the money this year, 25% next year, and so on” I think the American people would have been receptive to that. Instead they slid it out in the middle of the night, there was no advance reading notice, and there were more shady deals than a slick dealer at a Vegas casino. Needless to say the American people felt duped, and we don’t like to be duped. Remember what I said about the shovel. They took 800 billion (which seems like child’s play anymore) and played it at a Craps table at the corner of Chance and Opportunist. They could have really hit a home run by using a lot of the money up front and for legitimate “job creating” projects, but like most politicians they think we’re not paying attention; that we’re too focused on the next entertainment gadget to come out, or that we just “don’t understand.” Uh, hey there honcho, figured wrong. We are paying attention, and soon you will be paying as well. Anyhow, chalk it up, missed opportunity.
Another missed opportunity was how we could have quickly rebounded. Now I have a theory here and it sounds sinister but here goes. I usually try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt and I am not one to conspiratorialize (call that a Scottism) but when Rahm Emmanuel is involved, and remember what I said about the old fish, anything is possible. Okay, so the Obama administration floats into the Oval Office by promising Utopia and bashing Bush; a good strategy, some of it valid, most of it, garbage. I wonder if Obama would appreciate the same treatment upon his departure? So, here they are in the White House and they council and say, “Look, we’ve probably got a good year, maybe a year and a half where we can use that old Texan cowboy as a kick stool, and then it’s accountability time.” My point is this, why are so many things seemingly backloaded? From the stimulus to health care to credit reform, one must consider the previous statement. If you can blame someone else for what ails America, then you can basically open the candy store for constituents with those sweet payoffs, influential votes, the tennis courts in Idaho, or the doggie park in CA, etc. BE UP FRONT WITH US! There was a line from a movie, I can’t remember now, where a character says, “I usually get kissed before I get…” Well, you get the idea. So, back to the quick bounce back. Why not allow everyone the opportunity to renegotiate their mortgage rates? If everyone was afforded the opportunity to renegotiate their mortgage for a better rate then that would have instantly put money into people’s hands, the banks would have generated a tremendous amount of business, etc. Now, they (mortgage co’s) could have set it up where the new rate would be effective for five or ten years, at which time the mortgage companies could have set a mortgage rate increase of 1% per year for 3 years max based on economic conditions. So, if you negotiate a 4% rate, after that 5 or 10 year period your rate could increase no more that 1% per year, so at worst you’re at 7% in the 8th or 13th year. Some were already at that rate if not more. I am not a mortgage broker, but I think that’s a good start.
Another missed opportunity and this is a big one. When Congress was pissing on each other about the health care the President could have been very presidential, stepped in and said, “Whoa, whoa, you kids play nice.” (My embellishment of course). President Obama should have gone on TV and said something more like this, “We’re going back to the drawing board and we’re going to get this right.” Rather than the rhetoric of, “Hey I need health care reform before I go on vacation.” Had he done that everyone would have relaxed and said, “Great, they’re going to actually try to get this right.” Oops, sorry America. We are going to get something even Einstein couldn’t figure out. What a shame! We are going to get something that is going to consume about 15-18% of GDP.
Another guffaw was back in the spring. The President mentioned credit card reform. He talked big about getting nasty with those credit card companies. “Good for you Mr. President, more greedy bastards that shouldn’t be taking advantage of ordinary American citizens. After all, if it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be in the financial straits we are. You know, with all our personal debt and all.” He gave them a year to get their act together. Well, Mr. President, thank you very much. Understanding the vicious nature of the financial world you opened a Pandora’s box of nefarious undertaking by the credit card companies to, how shall we say it, nuts and bolts, nuts and bolts, we got…. I think you know where I am going there. Innocent, on time paying customers were summarily handed a judgment of guilty when their rates suddenly sky rocketed, or certain rates and fees apply were quickly handed down like a Seattle rainy day. Of course, you should be aware that I was kidding about the personal debt thing being the credit card companies fault. I think there is such a thing as “personal responsibility”. Gosh, I feel so dirty when I say that phrase, it’s like the new swear word. But you see, the President is no dummy. Knowing the nature of the beast he calculated the banks would pull some sort of shenanigan before the shackles were placed on them and by God they ceased the opportunity. So now what do we Americans think of these companies? Exactly! Look, I am no big fan of credit card companies, they are opportunists no doubt, but isn’t this America? Aren’t we all about knowing our limitations? Aren’t we all about understanding risks of decision making? Apparently not, some of us missed personal finance in school.
Last opportunity missed by Mr. Obama. He missed on the American people for the most part. I once said that when the head gets too full of itself, it begins to lose its focus. The Democrats miscalculated (my opinion remember?) the mood of America. Sure, many were tired of a war many argued was illegal, and we began to see economic hiccups of a serious nature in 2007, although most forgot about 2003-2007 (the first half), but this much change? That is the question most will have to answer come November 2010, and eventually November 2012.
One final thought. Yeah! The American people are going to have to take a hard look at Washington DC and the people running around up there making decisions that affect our lives. One only need to look ahead about ten years and ask, is this the direction we want to go? Our roads are crumbling, our energy needs are greater than ever, our education system needs a makeover, our national security is at stake, and our businesses are losing out to foreign competition. Now that can sound pretty depressing, but if YOU and yes, I mean YOU will act as an active citizen and involve yourself in the political process. We can show these screwballs we’re not dummies or drones; that we actually pay attention. It takes about as much time to do this as it does to read the newspaper, and this is way more productive. I encourage all of you who read this to know who your representatives are. Write them a letter about how you feel. Look, eventually some of them are going to get it. If the tide keeps changing and these ding-a-lings don’t realize that their political career will be short lived if they don’t listen to the people, then why should they care if you don’t let them know you care?
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