Jack Webb Schools Obama on Democracy!

Jack is back...and he's mad as hell...check this short vid out...WOW!

Obama in the Dragnet

I HEAR THE TRAIN A COMIN...

Well, the furor over the increase in train traffic and associated peace disturbance caused by train horns, both louder and more frequent continues to heat up.  The move to create quiet zone from the California border to the downtown train trench is picking up a lot of steam.  There is tremendous support from the public and private sector, with one exception, Union Pacific. As stated previously, I am in support of train transportation, as it is the most efficient method available.  The rail industry was the key contributor to the building of this country, especially out west.  As with any business with a conscience, being a good corporate citizen is a dual edge sword.  Recent comments by their 'community relations' person reflects their unwillingness to do their part.  They have increased their profits by being allowed to double stack containers (one atop another) at the expense at continued violation of a property owners right to quiet enjoyment.  Their response...not our problem.  I seen responses in the paper questioning why someone would buy a house near the tracks. I live nearly 2 miles away in a secluded community (Somersett), yet hear trains at 3:30 in the morning as if they are in my backyard.  I feel for my fellow citizens that live considerable closer.  I am not railing against UP.  Just asking the to do the right thing and be part of a solution.

The New Downsizing

Everything is shrinking at the grocery store expect for prices.  We've all noticed the downsizing going on in packaging (if  you haven't better let someone else do the shopping).  Ice cream, milk, oj, cereal, coffee; you name it, you get less for the same price or more.  The new half dozen is 5 (better count next time).

It's not false advertising.  It's just relying on the typical disconnected consumer not to notice.  Why doesn't that product go as far as it used to?  Look at the label.  We have recently been taught to focus on ingredients (anything with sugar in the top 3 should be left on the shelf).  Great marketing, distracts us from content.  Gee, just like political ads!

Now more than ever, vigilance is key.

Quality of Life Soon Outweighed by Lack of Opportunity

The jobless rate has risen over 20% since last year in our fair state, 30% above the national average.  This is overly conservative, as it does not take into consideration self employed and/or entrepreneurs that cannot collect benefits or are truly the working poor.  The service/entry work that is out there my son quips as JOBs, Just Over Broke.  I'd say vote for change, but we already did that.  The Benjamin's that used to be in my pocket are now just loose change.Our economic engine was traded in during the cash for clunkers. We're still waiting for the new model.  The quality of life that attracted us to the area can only hold us so far.  One by one, our friends are moving to better economic environments.  Professionals, the one's this state needs to keep.  Our eyes are open to opportunity out of the state, as it appears to be little but scenery to keep us here.  The barn door isn't open...the barn is in foreclosure.  We love living in here...give us a reason to stay!

No Phone Zone

There are not a lot of reasons to follow in California's footsteps.  Here's one:  Talking while driving ban.  As we continue to take driving as a right not a privilege, I think it's time to mandate a little common sense.  It's a make sense motor vehicle law, right up there with seat belts.  It is moving up on the most dangerous influence to drive under list, quickly.  You've seen them, been cut off by or nearly run into by them.  Needless to say, I was less than surprised watching someone texting while driving in the fast lane (or what used to be, now the entitlement lane).  It's election season...anyone want to move this into a bill?  I ready to help craft it!

Same Clowns, Different Circus

Foreclosures continue to set all time highs.  What isn't reported nearly enough is the associated meteoric rise in mortgage fraud, perpetrated primarily by the same ilk that fed the hungry buying public bogus mortgage programs a few years back.  Now it's under the guise of assisting in short-selling your home, fake assistance programs and stolen identity.  Realtors, mortgage companies, title companies all have their rotten eggs and desperate sellers are easy pickings.  The silver lining is you have legitimate choices.  Make sure you ask A LOT of questions, check the backgrounds of who you are dealing and work with seasoned, verifiable professionals.  If you are a seller, you are not alone.  Don't feel like you are.  Work with people you know and trust.  It's not easy, there's no bailout money for you.  Work through it, get it in the pass and start anew.  Buyers, don't expect miracles or overnight closes, even if you're paying cash.  The government-forced taxpayer bailout of banks (even one's that didn't need it) were paid handsomely for toxic mortgage debt.  They are in no hurry to liquidate.  Bottom line...buyer AND Seller...BEWARE!

Sign, Sign, Everywhere a Sign

The flowers are blooming, the lawns are greening, and candidate signs are multiplying faster than the bunnies killing my grass. The bi-annual political infestation is in full swing.  As we enter the latest chapter of patronizing pandering, one should ask themselves, is this freedom OF or FROM choice. The billboards, the yard signs, idiotic commercials, street walkers (anything for a vote) and the phone calls.   I teeter between apathy and anger over our current political state.  Our system is irreparably broken.  Our choices are between bad and worst.  Our voices, the few times we wake from our collective stupor to use them, are not heard.  I love our country and what it has stood for.  Our American Dream is being stolen one piece at a time, now in big chunks.  Change happens.  Are we to be catalysts or victims of it.  You decide.