Consider This!

Say Thank You This Memorial Day!

Mon, 31 May 2010 01:44:00 GMT

Remember Memorial Day. Many of us enjoy our long weekend. It is important that we spend time with our families and friends. It is also important that we have a mid-year break to relieve some of the day to day stresses of life. Americans like the rest of the world are trying to maneuver through the obstacles with the economy and all the while keep the threads of our families and relationships from unwinding. I hope you have the day off, and I hope it is enjoyable and restful.
But I do have one request. I ask that you remember the history behind Memorial Day. I hope you appreciate the Service men and women that have served our country faithfully and those that gave their lives so that you can have your freedoms and dreams. America is made up of history that is rich with stories and events that make it a seductive and attractive country to live in. One could say it beckons us to make our home and build our families. Like a great novel it has life, love, sadness, and joy. Every day you have the freedom to be an author and participant in this great novel. In respect to those Military personnel who served before and who are currently serving please take a moment this Memorial Day to say thank you.

The Costs of an oil Catastrophe

Sun, 23 May 2010 21:51:00 GMT

       It has been a month now since the release of over 100K gallons of crude oil into the ocean. Even for those that have not been watching the news, it must surely come as a surprise and anger as to why BP has been so slow and ineffective at controlling the damage. It will and has started to damage the incomes of tens of thousands of people. Estimates are that 30 percent or more of fishing in the Gulf Region has been reduced. What will happen if that value goes to 50% or even 75%. How many families will no longer be able to earn a living? Not only that, will the costs of seafood increase exponentially? Worst is how permanent will the damage be to the beaches and to the ecosystem of the Ocean and wetlands?
      To make an analogy people were aware of Deforestation and the world wide method of stripping the lands for growth and profit. Since the 1980’s significant climate change has taken place, and change will continue for some time. But 30 years ago not many could for see the drastic effects that we see today, Like deforestation, drastic and severe oil pollution will none the less create irreversible effects for decades to come. Why then do the parties responsible for the pollution not show more concern and interest in controlling the oil purge and delay finding a permanent solution? Even more eye-raising is the fact that the Federal Agencies overseeing such accidents have not been swift and bold to enforce capture and cleanup. If BP has been so slow to act, then they should now have to follow the direction of the Government agencies. If BP is unable to lead, then they should step down to be led.
      Regardless of who takes the reigns, something must be done, and done so without delay. Many people I have talked with about this topic, have pointed out the fact that if they were unable to perform their job duties, that they would be in a spot to lose their job. Why then does a oil conglomerate have the power to fight back against regulation and responsibility. Try to remember back when you went to a southern beach, or deep sea fishing. Think about Louisiana. Think about the Atlantic, and Myrtle Beach and St. Simons or Hilton Head. Was it nice when you went? Were beach sands nice, and the ocean clear? Was the fishing great? Now imagine if in your lifetime that changes. Maybe it changes for 5, 10, 15 years. What about families wanting to take their children to the beach for the first time? What about Dads and Moms floating in the ocean with their children? What about Couples walking the coast lines at sunset talking and getting to know each other better? America has a huge responsibility to put pressure on BP and we also have a long and tedious process of making sure all parties start and continue to clean up for as long as it takes. Fines are only a way for big businesses to ignore their responsibilites and actions. Where does America go from here....

Get Ready Middle Class America!

Tue, 04 May 2010 01:59:00 GMT

       I have looked real hard at the amount of money that is being spent to plug the holes in the American economy, and keep wondering who is going to pay for it all. Sounds almost like I am chastising you as the reader, but really….. have you thought about it. I won’t insult you. I know you have. Maybe you have not really worried too much, or maybe you are a skilled numbers person, but it is an issue or at least it will be soon. The U.S. workforce appears to be chugging along again, a few hills here and there, but never-the-less we are moving again. On the opposite side of the tracks approaching our train is the Federal spending train. It looks empty and has made the last run. If you look close you’ll see it pass by soon. I really wish our train had been as busy as the Federal governments. Even now we are not full steam ahead.
        Now that the money has been allocated to those deemed deserving, it will be soon time to pay for the borrowed money. President Obama said he would not raise taxes on the middle class, and that through higher taxes of the rich, corporations, and other programs, the borrowed money would be paid. I feel funny about this. Who makes up most of the U.S. economy? I had to find out so I decided to look it and found that approximately 65% or more of the demographics of workers are the middle class. Let’s just round up and say 75%. Forget the upper, middle, lower characteristics, as far as I am concerned we are all busting our butt right now. With this in mind, how are the rich going to pay billion’s in taxes? I guess that’s what rich means.
        If you are middle class, I would start sowing your pockets shut. I would save an emergency fund and put it away. The financial double dip will probably be here soon, as all the experts who like shapes, predict. The big banks that got their bailout and steam rolled their account holders will get hit again when the commercial loans start to go under water. Gas prices are going up, Louisiana regrettably may be getting ready to experience an oil catastrophe that will leave them and the entire Gulf region affected. With no money left on the train and supposedly the rich paying their share who is left? I’ll give you a guess.. the Middle class. It would be almost ironic if there was no money available, and the President and Congress had to “unfortunately” tell the middle class that they would be paying more taxes than before. I think they call it Financial Irresponsibility, or spending what you don’t have, or what do don’t make. That’s like lying about your income.
        Maybe I am just being a little too worried here? Am I? Like many I have a family. Like many others I have lost a job and had to find another. What about Congress. What’s their contribution? I figured many people have lost 10-20-30% of their income. What about our leaders? I am talking about the leaders that the voters look to in tough times like these. Has Congress taken a pay cut? Why not? Actions speak louder than words and so far words have not really produced stellar results. Even some on Capitol Hill are questioning if they made the right decisions of late. So even with everything going on, the workforce train keeps chugging, as it always had, as it always did before, and will always continue to do. The Middle class knows they have to work hard to pay their bills, but get ready! I think their may be some bills you didn’t sign up for coming on that Federal spending train.

We are all one part of a whole Nation

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 16:52:00 GMT

Keep your head up. Summer is coming. Turn off the news. Hug your significant one, hug your kids. Smile. Listen to your favorite music. Tell someone thank you when they go out of their way to do something good. Pray. Pray again and give thanks for what you have. Many people have been bumping and grinding at the stone for a while now. I am officially calling for a break. No one else seems to want to. I think its time for one. Even machines get a downtime for servicing. I usually do not try to quote information without researching the facts, but I am going to go out on a limb and say that American’s probably work some of the most hours in the work week when compared to the rest of the world. Why? Do we really have more? What have we achieved? Current economic vitals?
Why does it seem so complicated to unite our population to overcome our obstacles to improve our economic problems, our ethnic indifferences, overall better the everyday lives of all American people? This is not a complex problem. This is also not a solution that will be provided by one person, or one group. I think that we all have the responsibility to participate in the effort to achieve such goals. Not just for ourselves. But for our families, for our friends, our neighbors, and for people who have yet to be born. America was established before we were born, and we should do what we can to make sure it is still here after we are gone. It is our legacy. Why not be able to enjoy it the most while you can?
Many changes have happened and many more changes are going to happen. And when the next Presidential election comes, a lot of changes may be reversed, or they may not. I see so many people around me fretting about the changes made, and glued to the negative news. Please do not destroy the happy side of yourselves. There is more to life. In a way I have to disagree with MasterCard. Sometimes the best things in life that are priceless are Free. Take a walk in the park. Take your soul-mate for a walk to the creek and put your feet in the running water. Campout with your kids in the backyard and make Smores

And when you are ready, find ways you can get involved in your community to make it a better place. Join your local library. Learn about the people who run your community and make sure they have the peoples’ best interest in mind. We are really one part of a whole Nation when you think about it.

What do we do when doctors say no more?

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:45:00 GMT

       Recently I was at my doctor’s office and noticed signs posted saying that the doctors group is no longer accepting Medicare and Medicaid patients. I just had to ask why, so I went to the receptionist and inquired. I was told that both the Federal Government and some State governments were cutting back payments to the doctor’s for services performed. And, in fact, sometimes the payments were leaving doctors with a negative balance. I must have had my face all screwed up and contorted, because she asked if I needed any water after I digested what she had just told me.
       This whole drawn out Healthcare drama is like treasure hunting blindfolded. A lot of people forming this bill, including both Republicans and Democrats are creating paths and worm holes that lead to some mythical destination which yet has been introduced. The scary part is not the unknowns of this whimsical healthcare plan, but instead the axe men who are chopping away at the Medicare and Medicaid coverage that is currently in place. I have private coverage, but I know first hand family members who are losing doctors that have dropped out from government sponsored plans. Yes my premiums are staggering, but at least I still have my doctors. If I believed in conspiracies, which I might have been guilty of before, I would say that behind-the-seen practices are taking place to push non private insured people toward having to use a new Healthcare plan. I bet you’re asking how I formed this idea from a bucket of bolts, so I’ll tell you.
       If doctors are dropping Medicare and Medicaid due to ultra low reimbursements, then what choice do non private insured people have? Drive greater distances to find a doctor who is willing to accept those coverage’s? Or go to the local ER? Even still, there is always a choice to go to the county Health center.
       What if doctors were told that they would receive a competitive reimbursement under this new Healthcare plan? And that the amount would be closer to private insurance reimbursement? Sounds great! But wait, isn’t that bribery? Or is that similar to lobbying? I thought the new Administration did not like lobbyists, but it seems like they are offering higher reimbursement payments if doctors see patients on the new health plan. What’s the difference between groups paying the Senators and the Federal government making deals with Senators to get their support?
       When is this plan going to kick off if it is passed? I thought I read somewhere 2014. So what do people do in the mean time? Also, when does the triple taxation, err I mean the premium collections start for these folks? Who is going to oversee the Plans balance sheets? Last I checked our deficit is in the Trillions, so I would like to know if someone with better accounting is going to be the Plans administrator. Also, what about inflation, are premiums going to rise every year like they do with my private health insurance? After all, as technology gets better in the medical field, someone is going to have to absorb the costs.
       Is there a need for all American’s to have coverage. Yes there is. Does health insurance cost a bunch? You bet it does! But if the Government was playing a football game against the obstacles of a healthcare plan, I would bet they would be running down the field without a helmet on and getting quite a few concussions along the way. Why do I think this?? Because lately some people in Congress seem delusional and oblivious to what their constituents are trying to tell them, and deciding to vote on what they personally feel instead. I also addressed the issue of a Socialized Healthcare plan in an August 2009 podcast. Some of the same questions have yet to still be answered. Please feel free to leave your comments to this post.

Letter to the President

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 14:31:00 GMT

The following email is a letter that I wrote to President Obama. I will explain in a later post the reasons why I wrote the letter. I encourage everybody to read the letter and consider what I am trying to tell the President.

Dear Mr. President. I am writing to you to offer encouragement and a suggestion. Like many Presidents before you, you are faced with ongoing and continuing events such as the economy, foreign relations, and national security. But, unlike many Presidents before you, you have the most potential to prove that "change", can happen and that it can be for the betterment of the American people. My suggestion is that you return to the place and moment when you were thinking of what needed to be done. I always believe that all Americans united will help make those changes possible. Big banking and big spending I do believe is not the answer. History has proven that big businesses are still here because they care only for themselves. We all need your help, and those that say they don't are biting their tongues. Dialogue and creativity are not expensive, and should not require panels or boards. Be courageous, stay true to your heart, and remember some of the best ideas are the most simple. Thank you for your service and dedication. Sincerely, Greg Benton

The Ride Begins for 2010.

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:04:00 GMT

Happy belated New Year. I suppose that I am a little late. What is 2010 going to bring for us? And are the latest events unfolding an indicator of what is in store for us to expect? I first want to express my sympathy for the people of Haiti. Even though most of my posts usually focus on America, as Americans many of us ourselves have been in natural disaster within the U.S. continental territory. Being a close neighbor and self-proclaimed leader of the world, the government well be under world observation and scrutiny by others during the help process for Haiti.

Speaking of help, is the U.S. still in a recession or not? You might have heard that our economy is in a U shape, V shape, double-dipped, or some other alphabetic form of recovery, but what does this really equate too? Spending was down during the holiday season, and while some jobs were gained due to temporary hiring, what happens now that the season is gone? How many people took a second job, and how many were able to get a job that they had not been able to aquire? Is this recession receding for just corporate businesses, or will it also recede for the American worker as well?

I think that the time has come for Congress to make a tough decision. Healthcare reform or Jobs. Which is more important right now? I suppose that depends on whom you ask. Of course we all need healthcare. We are absolutely dependent on it, and yes it is a necessity. You may be 100% healthy now, but anything can happen at any time. But what about having a job? We need these too! We also need our jobs to steady, secure, and hopefully fruitful. The cutbacks, decrease in bonus, etc.. are non-fruitful. Our government declared a year ago that job creation was a necessity. What happened? Healthcare has been the number one priority for the past year, and yet no outcome has been finalized. Is Congress having trouble multitasking?? Are they challenged when its comes to walking and chewing gum as well?

I have talked to and met many people who have effectively and efficiently multitasked in finding ways to keep their job, find a job, save their home, live off a cut in pay, downsize their lifestyle, and keep grinding each and every day. The American people have demonstrated this over and over again. What then can we say about our Congressional leaders? Don't get me wrong here! I LOVE America and would not dream of leaving, but I think many people are fed up and tired of waiting for results. Talk is exactly that....talk. Making decisions is different. Making the right decisions is so much more. Screwing things up in life is a given. Succeeding in life is, however, not a given, but rather it is a result of talk, discussion, decision and being right. If the average American can do this, then what is Congress' and the current Adminstration's excuse?

Recession full blown, but our Nation remains strong.

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 02:58:00 GMT

       It won’t be long and we will be saying 2010 in conversation and printing it out on forms and documents. Looking back over these last 12 months brings both happy and sad memories. I suppose it would not hurt to say that there may also be a few that elicit a little anger. But, never the less, those days have come and passed. To be fair I would say that many Americans can probably sympathize when it comes to telling our stories. Truly I am once again amazed and proud to be an American.
       Even with all the ongoing drama and last minute thrashing by our Government to help jump start our economy and show sense of urgency, we as a nation have remained united and civilized. Recently, I have even seen people stopping to help other motorists change a tire or offer assistance. I have witnessed a shopper unknowingly drop some money, and a person behind them pick it up and give it back. People seem to be saying thank you and you’re welcome. All of these are truly remarkable given the circumstances. An irony is that many of our governmental leaders seem to be doing the opposite in many ways. Bipartisanship has seemed to disappear, and egotism is noticeable on many levels.
       It might make one wonder who the actual leaders of our country are. Truth be known, we as a people of the United States are the leaders, and through continued conversations can solve any problem or puzzle. Conversations sometimes may include all parties in agreeing, or some agreeing and disagreeing, but all sides should be heard and for the betterment of the nation, sound decisions and actions be taken. What are some ways that could help make the process any better? Our elected officials are just that. They are not fixers of all, but hopefully voted in for their particular skills and specialties. Communities and neighborhoods and towns are filled with tremendous thought power and ideas.
       Now is probably the best time if there is one, to contact your elected officials and offer what help you can. Just like the motorist stopping to help change a tire, or an honest person returning money to another, because they know they value of the dollar, you too can help. When someone asks me what I think about the coming of 2010, I just tell them, that “I think 2010 will be a year of ups and downs, but a year where citizens bond together too move America out of it’s recession”.

Why Veterans Day is so important.

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:59:00 GMT

     Today is one of the first days that I find myself at a lost for words. Not words for the sake of saying what is on my mind, but the correct words to express what I feel. Ugly, violent, and self destructive words may get your attention, but to be honest, they still would not serve good use to portray the message of this post. When reason or sense of focus fails to find you, then you must set out to find them.
       As a veteran I am proud, I am honored, and I am sad. I am sad of the tragedy that has hit our military, and has struck pain in our nation. Am I mad? Yes I am. But I will not let myself become consumed by the rush of anger and the build up of negative emotion. I have decided that I will not give another minute of my life thinking about one individual who has caused so many people so much pain. I would rather think about the sacrifices made by our nations military and their families for all of us in our great country to have our Freedom, and rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. No person should have the right to take away any of that.
        But, I would be lying if I said that it doesn’t happen. Our heroes are heroes now, and forever. Being an American gives you so many rights and privldeges that many people in the world will never know. To have these are your right, but you must also realize that responsibility is part of the ownership as well. We all must be responsible for our thoughts, and our actions. We must all be willing to work with our neighbors and support our families with Love and understanding. We all need to agree that from time to time we will disagree, but that is ok. Religion has nothing to do anything in America. Race has no role in our given rights. Sexual preference has no role. What job you have and how much you make should make no difference.
       What will make a difference is you. Who you are, and how you live your life makes the difference. Are you spewing trash about the war, or your government, or your job. Stop!! Take a moment to think about those who have served and are serving in our military to enable you to have that right. Yes this is America, but it is made up of all of us, not just one, not just one percent, not just the elite, and not just the people on Capitol Hill. Everyone is including. If you see someone in uniform tell them thank you. If you see a drive to help those serving our military, do what you can. If you see someone in line at a restaurant in uniform, buy them a meal. Tell them they do make the difference. Show them some kindness and gratitude.
       You may not agree with where our military men and women are, nor the reasoning for why they are where they are, but I hope you understand they are there for you to live a free life, and a life where you have choices, hopes and dreams. Anyone person that is willing to give his life to protect our country and all Americans is a Hero. Heroes are not born….they are made. The best heroes are Made in the U.S.A.

It's Time to Take Control of your Financial Future!

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 20:05:00 GMT

      Hello again, I know it has been a while since my last feed, but I wanted to take time to get involved with what’s really affecting a lot of people right now. It has been increasingly difficult to put politics aside, especially with the amount of involvement from the U.S. government. Big banks are already paying off the TARP loans, and now that they are back on their feet, they seem to be forgetting about the little people, which of course, is us. Many of the big banks have only modified 5-15% of mortgages that are eligible. And to add injury to insult, some have adopted a devious and snake like tactic of increasing minimum monthly payments or reducing the credit limit on an account. You might want to check your local credit unions for their interest rates on credit cards and loans. More often than not, they have lower rates. They can do this because the credit unions are built by consumers like you and me, and not by some shadow monopoly. Like swine, the big banks seem to have a nice mud hole full of money now and have not shown much interest in sharing.
     If you have been reading the news or listening to your favorite talk show, then you already know that many, many American’s are without a job, and there are even indications that many more jobs will be cut next year. Debt in America seems to be rising again, along with more residential and corporate foreclosures. I still am wondering after all these big bank bail-outs, where the benefits to the public are. As far as Socialized healthcare, that may need to be put on the back burner until the basic necessities are restored. It’s almost like America is in a financial war, with the banks and Government on one side, controlling our debts and thus trying to manipulate how we live. What the other side doesn’t know is that we have voting power, the ability to decide to boycott banks refusing to cooperate, and a choice where to spend our money, and that includes switching our banking to competitors.
     Are you tired yet of waiting to be rescued by the new administration? Maybe now, more than ever is the time to take ownership of your future. I believe the time has come to reduce our debts, and look at one another for some support and encouragement. How much has society already sacrificed? I believe that most Americans are ready to downgrade their creature comforts until they can get control of their lives, and thus start rebuilding their financial futures. Some spending will be necessary in order to keep things flowing, but extravagance seems to be the old, and frugality seems to be the new.
       I say lets get rid of the debt, help one another, and be honest. If a big bank wants to still be a pig, then bank somewhere else. Personally I like to use my local Community Bank. The community bank seems to be better than storing my money in a Mason jar.
      Knowing where your money is and knowing where it’s going are the first pieces of financial independence. Become educated and become excited about your future. Don’t assume that your bank or lenders have your best interest. After all, as long as you’re in debt, they continue to grow and eventually bleed your money out like a leech. Your protection is up to you, but I would recommend staying away from the swine and their money pits no matter how tempting they may be.
     The local book stores and your local library have a dedicated section where you can obtain books on how to control your finances. Become involved more and take control of your money. It will be hard in the beginning, sort of like when you first start an exercise program, but the more you apply yourself, the better you become and the better you feel. Thanks again for listening in to Jump Start America.