I wanted to give people a sense of what we are all about so of course I went straight to the About Us page. That led me into the posts I wrote about clearing the sidewalks, which are my most passionate posts. As we were looking through a post I wrote in December of 2007 we clicked on a video link I had placed from the local news station. We were surprised that we could still watch it and it had been a while so we did.

The reporter was interviewing a Township board member about businesses not clearing the sidewalks and how it was a reoccurring problem then

 BAMMM…

“The Accident”

On the video were scenes from the morning our son was killed. There it was right in our face  

Footage of his bike under the SUV

We honestly don’t remember those scenes being in the video or we would prepared ourselves…but it reminds us that even as life moves on that horrific morning will never go away.

The video is a good one, it helped keep at least 50% of the sidewalks clear last year. The Township still doesn’t issue tickets nor do they issue the reminder Mr. Morrison speaks of. This video Bridgeport Businesses Asked to Clear Snow of Sidewalks gives parents like us some type of ammunition against government run institutions that can legally neglect their responsibilities of enforcing codes that can lead to killing kids.

We have many supporters that agree our son would have never been riding his bike in the road if he had a clear sidewalk to travel on…

The Township won’t admit their mistake and they won’t enforce the code. They have spit in our face and in the face of any parent that has lost a child due to the same circumstances. Just because they’re “the government” it doesn’t give them the right to neglect public safety due to the cost of issuing a ticket which actually brings in revenue.

It gets worse…The State Police Post on the side of the road where our son was hit by the car… Well lest just say that we had to call the Township Supervisor last year because they were not shoveling their sidewalks. Every year on the anniversary at the time of Dustin’s accident a group of us go to the cross on the side of the road and light a candle as a tribute to his memory. Last year there was 10 inches of snow across the sidewalk leading to his cross.

So even the State Government could give a shit about the safety of kids riding their bikes to school. That Really Makes Me Boil Over!

That ambiance has left and the people in Michigan are losing hard! Not only are over 12% of us unemployed, but the crime rate is staggering and house values….yeah right. Even if they wanted to, the middle class couldn’t move out of this state right now without taking a huge loss.

It’s not just the closing of iconic plants like Flint Powertrain North, but it’s also the closing of numerous dealerships and parts suppliers around the state. Unless you live here, you could not image the chaos of losing so many jobs so quickly.

This loss has helped Michiganders band together and help others, as we are all the same boat. Community support for our local Garber Buick Dealership is a great example of this. Garber Buick has been serving the people of Saginaw for 102 years starting in 1907 and received the dreaded letter from GM that in October of 2010 they will have to close the doors. The dealership has set up a website (Garber Buick) as a message to their customers and to rally support appealing to GM about the closing.

Dick Garber states: “Garber Buick is one of the top performing dealerships in America. We’re off the charts in sales, service and facilities.”

Michigan has lost its identity, stability and jobs, but we’re sticking it out, making the best of it. Many of us have planted gardens for the first time this year…helping with the money at the end of the summer when the cost of the kids going back to school always hits. There are garage sales on almost every corner, every weekend…people just trying to make an extra buck to get by.

I read an article this morning in which some morons (President Obama’s Advisers) said:

“The economy is gaining momentum and the Democrat-passed stimulus package is only just beginning to pay dividends to the American workforce”

Just beginning to pay…HMMM

• National Unemployment rate is 9.4% – Michigan 12.7%
• Obama’s advisers say it’s the smallest job loss since September of last year – Did they think maybe most of the people have already lost their jobs or their unemployment has already run out which means they are not counted?
• Joe Biden says the stimulus is funding 3,600 projects and that $11 billion has been spent to date on highway construction. – What jobs did that created? It just brought back the laid off highway workers which is good for them.

What about the people that have 20 to 30 years into these plants across America that are closing down? The Federal Government has “plans” in place to retrain these workers. Well, if I worked at a plant for even 15 years, I would not want to retrain into a new job I knew nothing about for lower wages and shitty benefits.

• The three car companies that employed a half-million Michigan residents three decades ago employs just 112,000 in 2009. In 2010 when more plants, suppliers and dealerships close due to the bankruptcy this number will drop significantly. 
• Michigan in 2000 had 105% of the national average per capita income, it’s now at 89 percent.
• Michigan also trails its neighbors, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin in personal income growth this decade.         Michigan – 14.7 percent, Neighbor’s average – 25 percent.

Although Michigan is losing a sense of history, we still have the Red Wings and the appreciation of a sunny 80 degree summer day.

One more thing:

President Obama told America that taking over GM was the only way to save what’s left of the economy and that we, the taxpayers, will own 60% stock in the automaker.

Well, Mr. Obama I don’t feel comfortable owning 60% stock in a failing company…so can I cash out now? Just send it direct deposit…we don’t accept checks.

I am talking about the Gay Marriage debate. Everyday you can find some type of headline in the news about legalizing or not to legalizing gay marriage. Search “legalize gay marriage” in Google News for the past week, you will be faced with 23,099 entries.

It seems this country should spend it’s time and money on what is really important “The People”! Whether those people are straight, gay, black, white or alien….WHO CARES we are all PEOPLE!

What gets me is that the religious sector of the population appears to be the biggest supporters of not legalizing gay marriage. Aren’t they the ones that say we are all Gods children and Jesus loves us all regardless? I also thought that the Bible states “Thou Shall Not Judge”.

Yeah, you could throw some other interpretation at me about the Bible and God not allowing homosexuality, but that is just a bunch of BULL!

Did you frown on the gay person you were standing next to in line yesterday, you know the one don’t you? No you probably don’t because they are people just like you & I.

They deserve to be happy with the one they love not the one we as people tell them they should love. They deserve to get health benefits for each other just like straight married couples and they deserve to file Married Filing Jointly on their taxes if they choose. Not to mention retirement and death benefits. There are many things that “married” couples share and it is just plain not right to keep people form those benefits because you don’t agree with who they are marrying.

WHY would it bother you if two people that loved each other committed to spending their lives together?

Acceptance of people as a whole will help bring this peace to this country in more ways than one.

Dr. Adrian Rogers, 1931 to 2005

How many of us could use a “Bailout” right now? Maybe we should all get together, form a large corporation, say we are in trouble and line our pockets with HUGE bonuses. Then we can start spending as the government has requested to boost the economy…

Take this one personal financial example, from us:

We have an auto loan through Capital One and according to these figures it’s hard to see why they needed a $35 million dollar bailout in November.

• Original Loan Amount: $16,648
• Payment totals for 2.5 years: $10,778
• Loan Account Balance: $13,740

Can you see what is wrong with that picture…..A mere $2,098 went towards the actual principal on the auto loan. That means Capital One put $8,680 of our payments in their pocket.

We are one loan…imagine 10,000 (very low number) loans like ours….That would be $86,800,000 in their pockets! I say in their pockets because it is the interest on the loan, which is a fancy way of saying that’s what you pay to us for screwing you over.

So if companies like these are “getting one over” on the American people WHY should we “The Taxpayers” bail them out? I think we already paid our portion of Capital One’s Bailout money, so why more? OH yeah, it’s so they can employ rude people that don’t speak English to harass you when your a day late with the payment….

NY Times Article from October confirming Capital One Bailout Money – 16 Banks Plan to Seek U.S. Aid

Click Here to Track your financial institutions bailout money provided by the NY Times.

By the way, since our great government says the only way to get out of this economic crisis is to spend money …why not let the millionaires handle that. Us poor folk have already given way more than we have and they keep taking more!

According to the Center for Automotive Research if the Big 3 go under the country will lose another 3 million jobs. Image the economic impact on our financial system if that happens. In a direct quote:

“Our model estimates that a complete shutdown of Detroit Three U.S. production would
have a major impact on the U.S. economy in terms of lost wages, reductions in social security receipts, personal income taxes paid, and an increase in transfer payments,” said Sean McAlinden, CAR chief economist and the study’s leader. “The government stands to lose on the level of $60 billion in the first year alone, and the three year total is well over $156 billion.”

After reading that it seems $25 million is just a drop in the hat.

The crisis that the auto industry faces is in part their own, but it also has to do with the economic recession that the country is facing. Standard math car sales are down over 40% – that’s a lot of revenue to lose. I do agree with many of the critics, the Big 3 MUST cut unneeded expenses. That does not mean employee wages, they have already been cut by 50% for new employees. That means sell the luxury jets and stop giving bonuses, especially to top execs who already make much more than the middle class American. Eliminate concept automobiles until the economy picks up and profits are there again.

The people of Michigan are glued to the news wondering if they will still have a job at the end of the year. GM alone will be out of money come the end of December and they have already extended the normal holiday shut down for many. With an unemployment rate of 9.3%, we are already struggling to survive in this state residents just can’t afford the collapse of the auto industry.

In favor of the Big 3 – they already have a new labor contract with the UAW that will come into effect in 2010, eliminating legacy benefits that are not needed. They also have new more fuel efficient or hybrid cars that will be hitting the market in 2010, in hopes to increase automobile sales.

In favor of Congress – The Big 3 MUST stop the ridiculous spending. They have to cut unnecessary expenses in order to stay on budget – just like the American families have had too.

Download the Report from The Center for Automotive Research

Not only did I find her tone racist, but very Anti-American. Yes, she is an accomplished professional, but a bitter one. Much of what she has to say mimic’s Reverend Wright just in a less callous way.

This article will now focus on the stomach turning remarks from the “Next Possible First Lady”.

Most of you remember the comment in Wisconsin that Mrs. Obama made

“For the first time in my adult lifetime, I’m really proud of my country.”

Everyone makes mistakes so I gave her the benefit of the doubt, strike one. Maybe she just wasn’t thinking about all the wonderful accomplishment that our country has made over the years.

The Jeremiah Wright comments were released shortly after that. These were some of the most Anti-American remarks our country has heard and they came from the Obama’s Pastor. Hummm…Ok I will give the benefit of the doubt one more time, strike two.

Although in the back of my mind I kept the thought…… How could someone know a person for over 20 years, ask for their advice, but not agree with at least some of their beliefs? The Obama’s gave $22,500 in one year to the church that they “don’t” share the views of the pastor.

Then I find an article about Michelle spewing garbage about how America tried to hold her back as a child. She even goes as far as saying she was “set up” by America to not succeed. This was due to her poor performance on standardized tests that made it hard for her to attend Princeton. Michelle did end up getting into Princeton despite her low test scores because someone in America seen the potential within her. Although, according to Michelle she did it on her own with no help from anyone.

Below are some comments from Michelle Obama posted in an article in The New Yorker.

At a church in South Carolina she states:

“On behalf of my church home and my pastor, Reverend Wright, I bring greetings.”

Hmmmm…greetings from a person she supposedly does not agree with.

A comment made by Michelle to a co-worker when meeting Barrack for the first time:

“I figured that they were just impressed with any black man with a suit and a job,”

Another comment:

“What minority communities go through still represents the challenges, the legacies, of oppression and racism. You know, when you have cultures who feel like second-class citizens at some level . . . there’s this natural feeling within the community that we’re not good enough . . . we can’t be as smart as or as prepared—and it’s that internal struggle that is always the battle.”

A statement from Michelle after the Wisconsin primary:

“Black voters will wake up and get it.”

Three strikes and your out Michelle Obama.

I am not saying that Mrs. Obama is racist against whites….but it is hard to ignore the comments she makes and her affiliation with Jeremiah Wright.

So why does the black community feel the “white” people owe them something? As far as I know it was the “white” men that fought for the freedom of the slaves plus my ancestors were not in America until after the Civil War. I am not a prejudice person I do not judge black or white.

I understand that black Americans feel like we are holding them back, but in reality there are more programs helping Black Americans than White Americans thanks to Affirmative Action. A young black person would be considered for college or a job because they are black. Our white sons will get consideration based on their merits. Where does that leave us? Why are there “special rules” based on gender and race? That itself is racist.

Statistically the majority of black people have a harder time in life. Whether it is lower income, living in bad areas, or a higher crime rate it all statistically points to the black community. Does that mean that we should judge black people by that? NEVER! It means that they should stop blaming the white people and take pride in themselves.

Listen to Bill Cosby’s message: “You are the only one who can change your life, do not lay the blame on someone else.”

The bottom line is there are white people that are prejudice, but most of us have grown up and realized that it is individuals that cause their own problems, not just black people. We should treat each other as fellow human beings because we all have to live in the same world together.

Its all talk, the normal American family is struggling more this week than last and I am sure it will continue to get worse. The news of the stimulus arriving early has Americans anxious to get some extra money in their pockets probably to just pay their bills. On Monday Boiled Over had a large amount of traffic from people searching when they would get their check.

Gas is now at $3.75 a gallon and groceries went up again this week. We feel like we are working only to eat and put gas in the car to get to work. “Working for Nothing”

I found this from an article on Ajc.com

McCain and Democratic hopeful Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton have said they favor suspending the federal excise tax on gasoline through the summer driving season.

Clinton’s Democratic rival, Sen. Barack Obama, has said suspending the tax – 18.4 cents per gallon – would save consumers barely enough to buy half a tank of gas, belittling the idea as a band-aid approach to the larger issue of energy security.

This may only be a band-aid approach, but every little bit counts at this point. We all know that something must be done about our dependence on oil, but realistically it will take many years to enact any energy plan. We need help NOW, TODAY! If all you have is a band-aid, as long as its free I’ll take it!

As the American people take two steps back a day, the politicians are playing the blame game and getting nothing done.

A headline this week that about made me fall out of my chair:

Bush Calls on Congress to Help the American People

Yeah ok weren’t you the jerk that got us in this mess in the first place? Eight years of his administration running this country and people are loosing their homes, can’t pay for a tank of gas and now there’s talk of a possible food crisis……oh boy we’re in for the long haul.

So for a little humor and to put a smile on everyone’s face I am posting an email I received from a friend. I wish I knew who wrote it so I could give them the proper credit…Enjoy!

Dear Internal Revenue Service:

Enclosed you will find my 2008 tax return showing that I owe $3,407.00 in taxes.

Please note the attached article from the USA Today newspaper; dated 12 November, wherein you will see the Pentagon (Department of Defense) is paying $171.50 per hammer and NASA has paid $600.00 per toilet seat.

I am enclosing four (4) toilet seats (valued @ $2,400) and six (6) hammers valued @ $1,029), which I secured at Home Depot, bringing my total remittance to $3,429.00.

Please apply the overpayment of $22.00 to the “Presidential Election Fund,” as noted on my return.

You can do this inexpensively by sending them one 1.5″ Phillips Head screw (see aforementioned article from USA Today newspaper detailing how H.U.D. pays $22.00 each for 1.5″ Phillips Head Screws).

One screw is enclosed for your convenience.

It has been a pleasure to pay my tax bill this year, and I look forward to paying it again next year.

Sincerely,

A Satisfied Taxpayer

A perfect example of these freedoms being violated is the Texas Polygamous Sect Story. Although I would not necessarily agree with the lifestyle of this religious group, they have rights too. Yes they have more than one wife and maybe have sex with underage children, but that is their religious belief. Who are we to judge what is right to believe in? We have underage pregnancy in this country on a daily basis, why is it frowned upon more when the man is 60 instead of 16. From what I have read these children are brought up in that society not knowing a lot of the “outside world”. That is their culture, what they are taught, why would you rip them from everything they know and are safe with because YOU THINK something they would be better off. Well I live in this “outside world” and I find it hard to believe that these children are going to be better off after all this is over. The government went into this ranch on a “unfounded allegation” with guns blazing, ripping children from their homes and flat out lying to the adults. Should we be proud of this?

The government now has these children held in a coliseum and only the ones under four have been allowed to see their mothers. The “Judge” has ordered DNA testing on over 400 children, claiming they need it to investigate the abuse allegations. Last time I checked DNA can only be used for proof of abuse if testing in a “rape” situation. The only thing the Government will prove is who are the parents of these children and if their mother is underage. In my opinion the Government has caused more harm to these children then their parents in any situation. We now have over 400 children that will be torn from their families and placed in the “outside world” because the Government thinks they know what is best for them.

I wanted to touch a little bit on the Freedom of Speech which is another dying freedom. I could use many examples in this, but the most talked about controversy this week was Bill Maher and The Pope. If you haven’t heard Bill Maher accused The Pope of being a Nazi this week on his show. Again I do not agree with what Bill Maher said, but isn’t it his right to say it. Every one is blasting him for it and I can understand that, but why should he apologize and why should there be talk about taking him off the air. It was his opinion, if you are offended DON’T LISTEN!

Kudos to a little church in Jonesville, S.C. for using their freedom of speech and sticking to it.
Pastor Roger Byrd said

he just wanted to make people think when he put up a sign reading “Obama, Osama — humm, are they brothers” in front of the Jonesville Church of God on Thursday.

This may be extreme, but you know it has been in the minds of many American people. I am not saying its right, but it is an issue that “everyone” in the media seems to be ignoring. The congregation of Pastor Byrd’s church voted unanimously Sunday to keep the sign up. Good for them to sticking to Freedom of Speech and Religion!

A story in our local news this weekend tells of a single mother trying to buy a HUD approved home. Jennifer found her dream home in Mt. Morris, MI, but she is unable to have the inspection done for the closing. The reason being is the previous owner left a $431 water bill, and the city will not turn on the water for the inspection. HUD has offered to pay the bill for Jennifer, but not before the closing and the poor women can’t get the inspection to do the closing.

I was infuriated when I read this, a similar incident happen to us when we bought our home. The previous owner left an unpaid water bill of $200 and the Township said it was our responsibility to pay it! We refused, we argued the point until we were blue in the face. The end result, the Township added it to our house taxes at the end of the year, we had to pay it! Something needs to be done about this, why should the new homeowner be responsible for a previous owner’s delinquency!

Deal Moves Senate Foreclosure Relief Ahead

Sounds like the Senate may be looking out for American homeowners….NOT! This week the Senate entered negotiations for a foreclosure relief bill, but from the little details provided, it seems the relief will be “Bailing Out Lenders” and not helping existing homeowners. The overall bill wants to provide $4 Million to communities to purchase and rehabilitate foreclosed homes. It is also suppose to provide protection to borrowers from sub prime lending. This bill has not been passed yet, but it also includes a $7,000 tax credit for people buying new homes or foreclosed properties. The White House thinks this bill will not help homeowners it will only help the lenders.

One time in 8 years that I actually agree with The White House…OH I can’t believe I said that! This bill offers NO relief for homeowners that are in financial hardship, only to new homeowners that want to buy foreclosed homes! Are you kidding me, Americans can’t not afford their current home, it goes into foreclosure, lenders won’t lend to you, and your suppose to be able to buy someone else’s home that got screwed buy the economy. With 8000 homes a day being foreclosed on, the Senate should be looking at helping EXSISTING homeowners from loosing their homes.