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.

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!!!!

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.

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!

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?

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.