High Truths and Low Lies

How my life has changed in the last 4 years!

October 23, 2024

“Woman is born free and lives equal to man in her rights. Social distinctions can be based only on common utility.” Olympe De Gouges, French author of “Declaration of the Rights of Woman.” Written in 1793.

I am not a pessimistic person. And- I have overcome many obstacles in my life. I try to live a full life now and enjoy many activities with a wonderful wife.

But, as the national election draws near, I reflect back on these last 4 years and report on how things have changed in my life and around me.

Organized looting hit my local grocery store. Now we have armed guards in the store.
My real estate taxes went up $1200 to pay for more schools. The Hispanic students are the single largest increase in student enrollment. My car insurance went up $800/year.
There is a terrible war the Ukraine. And-the US has provided and/or pledged $170 billion in aid. I do not think Biden has a plan. Biden and Harris can’t decide to support Israel or not.
My electric bill went from $92/month to $152/month.
Entrees at many of our favorite restaurants average $32-$35, sometimes more. And-the restaurants show 20% tips on take-out orders. This makes no sense.
There are certain places in town that are unsafe to visit. Crimes are now being reported regularly in my area of the city.
Our local school board passed new “discipline rules for students.” it is ok for students to put their hands on teachers.
The Big Three TV networks (CBS, NBC, and ABC) and CNN have grown hugely prejudice against Conservatives and frequently report falsehoods. Talk show hosts have declined in morals and intelligence. President Trump has been called a Nazi by all three networks. That is insulting, ignorant and grossly inaccurate.
College students are marching in support of Hamas, a global terrorist organization that killed 1,200 people in Israel. I am worried about possible war in the Middle East.
I live in a neighborhood with about 850 homes (single family, condos, and apartments) and for exercise, I walk our streets 3-4 times a week. This week I have noticed that homes that normally fly American flags in their front yards seem to have “Trump for President” signs. Very few Harris signs.

Biden is adding immigrants to Voter Rolls

October 22,2024

“A good answer that is late is always better than a fast answer that’s wrong.” Self

The Biden administration finally found something they can do quickly. Too bad it’s not the FEMA response to Western North Carolina.

Only US citizens are allowed to vote in Federal elections. So, the Biden administration has found a way to accelerate the citizenship process, granting voting rights to more immigrants. Since Biden took office, 4+ million people have gained citizenship, and the process has rapidly accelerated in recent months. Biden also waived the fees for citizenship applications. I believe the Democrats opened the southern border and placed illegal immigrants in key states and congressional districts to win the 2024 election.

Arizona has 11 electoral votes. That is more electoral votes that 27 other states. Arizona is important in the November election. Four years ago, Biden won Arizona by just 10,400 votes. Placing immigrants in that state and granting citizenship to thousands will determine the election.

Studies conducted by national poling agencies, show immigrants favor the Democratic party. That is easy to understand since that party flew immigrants into the US and provided them with debit cards, phones, medical care, education, food and hotel rooms.

Finally, the Democrats have fought every attempt to insure fair and accurate voting, including the requirement to show photo ID. The various national polls show the American public favor photo IDs to vote by 78%. The Democrats have also fought attempts by the states to purge voters rolls of ineligible voters, including deceased residents.

The Democrats want to win the 2024 election by any means necessary, including fraud.

In Case You missed!

October 17, 2024

” There are four things from which the Master was entirely free. He had no foregone conclusions, no arbitrary predeterminations, no obstinacy, and no egotism.” Confucius, 551 BC.

Germany has installed checkpoints at its borders. The Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, said the action is to protect Germany from Islamist terrorists and serious crime. The checkpoints have been installed at the borders with Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark. This is a direct violation the EU’s policy regarding passport-free border crossings. Germany has had serious problems with immigrants including a significant drop in student test scores (bottom of 10 major countries) and violent crime. 90% of all serious crime in Germany in recent years was committed by immigrants.

CBS has a news show called “60 Minutes.” The show has been on the air since 1968. Earlier this week, Kamala Harris was on the show in a taped and edited interview. CBS edited her remarks to make her appear more effective. Can you imagine a candidate for US President needing a news show to edit her comments? Why would CBS do that? And- CBS did not release a tape of the entire interview to the press. Releasing the tape has been a long-standing practice of that show, but not this time. CBS was helping a weak candidate.

Liz Cheney is out of politics. She lost her re-election bid in 2022 after serving as Wyoming Congresswoman for 6 years. She held the same HR seat as her father, Dick Cheney. During that time, she voted in support of Trump’s agenda 93% of the time. She also lost a senatorial bid in Wyoming in 2014. Cheney served as Vice-Chair of the January 6th House Committee. During that time, she has been accused of witness tampering. Recently, she denounced her Republican party and issued a statement in support of Harris. American politics has no place for her.

The United States Secret Service failed in its job to protect a US President. An investigation released this week describes the operational flaws in the USSS. Apparently, the leadership has “installed” a weak and left-leaning culture in the Service. Hiring, training and promotions can’t be based on DEI, nor can the Service have 3-4 main purposes. Madness!

According to a recent study, heavier cars are more deadly in crashes, killing more people. The Ford F 150 weighs 4,700 lbs. The Ford F-150 Lightning (electric) weighs 6,700, including the 1,800 lb. batteries. The Tesla Model 3 weighs 4,000 lbs. The Honda civic Sport weighs 2,800 lbs. This means that electric cars are more dangerous.

Our leaders in Washington have a short and dangerous memory. In 2004 the 9/11 Commission released its report. Five operational failures were identified that allowed terrorists into the US. The five were:

-Not discovering false statements on visa applications

-not recognizing passports manipulated in a fraudulent manner

-not expanding no-fly lists to include names from terrorists watchlists

-not searching airline passengers identified by the computer-based CAPPS screening system

-Not strengthening cockpit doors and other measures to prevent and prepare for suicide hijackings

All of the above have been negated by the flood of illegal immigrants crossing our southern border. Biden and Harris have endangered the US.

Lastly, and to finish on a more positive note-congratulations to Caitlin Clark who won the WNBA Rookie of the Year honors. I admire her class and athletic ability. She received 66 of 67 votes.

Mentally Strong People

September 27, 2024

“New ideas are always suspected, and usually opposed, without any other reason but because they are not already common.” John Locke, English Philosopher, 1632-1704.

I have had the privilege of working in 5 large and very sophisticated companies, mostly at the senior level. I watched many very competent and successful leaders, often as their peer. I also observed senior leaders that failed in their jobs, many miserably. After about 5-6 years, I could predict success and failure. I just watched their mental toughness. It was simple. Mentally tough leaders often have the following traits:

1. Mistakes are learning opportunities, and they avoid repeating. These leaders always check their motives to make sure their actions are not self-centered and have high integrity. The pursuit of a goal to make oneself look good is usually contrary to business success.

2. Mentally tough leaders are not complacent. When a problem develops, these leaders do not drag their feet to address. They know that the problem will only get worse. Of course, dealing with a problem is often “hard work.” but mentally strong leaders don’t wilt or avoid taking action. And-mentally strong leaders are excellent problem solvers.

3. Mentally strong leaders remain calm during upheavals or in a crisis. They are not impulsive, nor do they let their emotions dictate their actions. Letting emotions take over, causes missteps, misdeeds, and miswords.

4. Leaders have limits to their skills and abilities, and most importantly, know when to ask for help. Young leaders and/or rapidly promoted leaders hate to ask for input or guidance. They would rather drown. Mentally strong leaders are excellent at self-assessment regarding their skills. Strong leaders build strong teams. They want talented people around them. Building an effective team is an important leadership competency.

5. Mentally tough leaders take care of themselves and do not try to please everyone. By trying to please all, often a leader has to act inauthentically by holding back or presenting a false image. That effort is energy draining and sends a mixed message to the organization.

6. Strong leaders don’t blame others; they don’t gossip, nor grab the “glory.” They let the sun shine on others. When they commit, and give their word, and they keep it. Mentally strong leaders are transparent. “What you see is what you get.”

7. Mentally strong leaders are not physically lazy. They have the personal energy for the job. Their team can reach them if needed. If left a message, or email, they respond in a timely manner. These leaders are “engaged” in running the enterprise.

And one more related thought-highly successful business leaders have great external grasp of their industry. They know the competitors, growth prospects, economic factors, laws and regulations, and product growth cycles.

Biden/Harris Blunders

September 7, 2024

Newton’s Second Law of Motion and Energy—Force = Mass X Acceleration

The 2024 election is getting close, and the American “citizens” will have a choice. For me the choice is easy. Trump.

This post is intended to remind my readers of the mistakes Biden/Harris team has made and the mess the Democrats have caused. Here are some examples:

Stopped building southern border wall and “invited” 10-13 million unvetted people into the US. I cannot understand why any American would support this, especially the Blacks. Biden/Harris broke the law, and then lied to Congress.
Added red tape and new regulations on oil and gas companies which caused gas prices to hit $4.00+ a gallon. This crushed our small businesses and caused record inflation. My monthly budget has gone up $600 -$800 in three years.
Biden’s undisciplined and haphazard withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan was a national disgrace and caused the death of 13 soldiers. And-left behind $80 billion in US. weaponry retrieved by the Taliban. I watched on TV in horror. That awful event occurred in August 2021. Russia invaded the Ukraine 6 months later.
China sent a spy balloon across the US. Biden allowed it to traverse the country for days. Our security systems did not detect it. A farmer saw it from the ground. Can you imagine what the Chinese government thinks of Biden? Trump would have knocked it down immediately.
“Covid Relief” spending and ” The Inflation Reduction Act” provided $$$’s for millions of people, even the Boston Marathon Bomber got $1,200 checks. ” This federal spend caused prices to rise to record levels. Biden’s inflation went from 1.9% to 15-19% or more. Bacon is $8-10/lb.
The Democrats conspired with the media giants to cover-up Biden’s fitness for office. He should have been removed from office 3 years ago. The Biden FBI told Facebook to censor conservative sources and coverup Hunter’s crimes.
Biden and Harris want to hand out “free” money to everyone- $$$’s for college, housing, childcare, and EV’s. The Democrats think healthcare is a “universal right.” I have been paying my medical insurance premiums and all other expenses for 51 years. Why should an illegal immigrant get free healthcare. Madness!
Harris wants the Federal government to run our healthcare system. She claims there be less “red tape.” And-include all. Can you imagine the total cost for that plan. And the impact on healthcare providers like ER’s? Hell, the Federal government can’t even run the USPS. It lost $6 billion last year.

Trump must win!

My Weekly Irritations!

August 28,2024

“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the acme of skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.” Sun Zi, Chinese Emperor, Fifth Century.

Zuckerberg finally admitted that the Biden/Harris DOJ pressured him to censor stories on Facebook. Can you imagine the impact on the 2020 election? Facebook has 1.8 billion viewers with posts available in 118 languages. The censorship was directed at the Republicans and Trump. The FBI told FB that Hunter’s laptop was Russian disinformation.

My Walmart has gone to 100% self-checkout. This morning, I saw 6 WM employees standing near the 7 self-checkout stations. Madness!

Oregon and Minnesota are offering $30,000 to new home buyers, as long as the recipients are non-citizens. Taxpayer money going to unknown people, from unknown places.

California is worse. That state just passed a law offering $150,000 to illegal immigrants to use as a down payment on a new house. What’s tied to that sneaky proposal is a social security card. Just another way to get “qualified voters.” And- Newsome most likely will veto the bill to show he’s a “moderate.” All of this is deliberate. Madness!

Democrat Governor Maura Healey of Mass. has declared a “state of emergency” within the state’s social services and education departments. The state is overwhelmed with illegal immigrants.

Don’t do it!!!

Lowes Corporation announced cutbacks to its DEI program. The NC based company says it will focus more on “core” business issues like affordable housing, and skilled trades education. Lowes has 1,700 stores and 300,000 employees. Of course, the LBGTQ+ groups have reacted negatively.

If you criticize a Black person for gross incompetence and lying, you are not a racist. WH Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has lied to the American public for 27 months. She once told the American people that Joe Biden “works circles around all the WH Staff.” She fielded many questions from the WH Press Core about Biden’s competency and lied repeatedly. These lies were not “spins” or half-truths, they were blatant lies.

Harris is proposing taxes on “unrealized” capital gains. if you own 100 shares of stock worth $50/share or $5, 000 and that stock price rises to $55/share, on paper you have a capital gain of $500. Harris wants to tax that! There is not an economist or financial advisor that supports this looney idea. Of course, it would kill the investing industry and the American economy. Harris is dangerously stupid.

The WNBA is hosting “Barbie Night” at several of their games. I guess it is fun for the young girls. Tickets prices range from $180 to $500. I wonder who gets that money?

PS- there must be “big bucks” in gutter guards. Every day on the Internet there are 6-8 articles about buying gutter guards and which types are the best. UGH!

My Take on Tattoos!

August 19,2024

“If you have to ask how much it costs, you can’t afford it.” Self

The tattoo on this woman costs about $3,000. Maybe more! What’s the point? Painting your body with artwork? This might be the same woman that is protesting student debt, or credit card interest rates. I am not sure.

Three thousand dollars could be used to pay off debt or to buy a used Honda. Or tuition for a community college. A great investment on yourself.

I am at the beach this week. I see 100’s of men and women with tattoos. Most have multiple tattoos. I saw one young mother with 3 small children ages 2-5. She had a huge tattoo of a gun belt with cartridges, holster and large revolver tattooed on her upper thigh. Not exactly sure what that meant.

I do not recall seeing tattoos in the 60’S or the 70″s or the 80’s except on criminals, delinquents, and some military personnel. But in the late 90’s Allen Iverson, star NBA player had multiple tattoos. He is “credited” with the explosion of tattoos in the NBA, especially among the Black players. Young men admired these players. At the same time, drug gangs emerged in major cities, and the members were often identified by their tattoos. The photo below is MS 13 gang members.

Women started getting tattoos in the early 2000’s, mostly small ones depicting flowers, or animals. I guess their male friends encouraged them These tattoos were called “tramp stamps” often because of the type women having the tattoos.

Unfortunately, the tattoo craze has exploded, and the “tats” have grown to full-size pieces of art. Huge images of animals, beasts, dragons, birds, etc. Some tattoos cover the entire thigh or back. People are getting tattoos on their necks and faces. Mike Tyson has a tattoo on his face.

The problem with tattoos is that they are permanent! Ink is injected under the skin to form the picture. But tattoos can be partially removed using lasers. The cost to remove a tattoo is $1,500. The laser heats the ink particles to partially dissolve, and the body then absorbs.

To pay this fee, new “medical credit cards” are offering an introductory interest rate of 15% for new customers. Wow, a great deal!!

New Record for Car Repossessions, 1,800,000 vehicles

August 9, 2024

“The price of anything is the amount of life you exchange for it.” Thoreau

Please note the first quarter 2021 when Biden took office, and also note the steady rise for 3.5 years. Government stimulus checks went to purchase new cars. Inflation caused cars to be more expensive (average price is now $48,000) and also caused interest rates to rise. The average interest rate is 7.3% This year the average new car loan monthly payment is $700, and the average auto loan amount is $40,000.

This situation is being called “sub-prime” exactly like the housing disaster of 2007-2008. Car owners are “upside down” on their car loans. That means they owe more on their cars than the car is worth. And it gets worse. See next graph.

The current auto loan balance in the US is $1.6 trillion. That represents a 100% increase over the last 9 years.

Of course, the result is a record number of repossessions. See data below:

US. repossessions by year:

-2021 1,110,000

-2022 1,228,00

-2023 1,500,00

-2024 1,800,00 (estimate)

Interestingly, the Ford F 150 truck and the Honda Civic are the most repossessed vehicles!

Sadly, and to make matters worse, credit card debt is also at record levels. Americans now owe $1.2 trillion in credit card debt. See below.

US consumers, especially young people, are spending more than they earn and borrowing more than they can afford. Period, and yet, these same people complain about a 7% mortgage rate. Interest rates on credit cards are 22-24%. I hope Powell does not lower the Fed. Res. rates.

PS-Taylor Swift tickets cost $1,100 on average this year, yet her concerts are sold out!!!! A family of 4 would spend $4K on the concert. Pay off the credit card!!

UNC is dropping Majors

Philosophy, Drama, French Literature, and Sociology are on the list.

July 30, 2024

“Most people work hard enough to not get fired and get paid enough not to quit.” George Carlin

The University of North Carolina System has 19 universities, and an enrollment of 250,000 students. Universities include UNC-Chapel Hill, NC State University, Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, East Carolina University, and 14 other universities.

At two of the universities, enrollment is declining. UNC Asheville (2,900 students) and UNC Greensboro (16,000 students) have seen an enrollment decline of 20-25% over the last 4-5 years. Decline in student enrollment equates to loss of revenue. UNC Asheville has a $6 million budget shortfall.

So, both universities have made decisions to curtail about 24 curriculum offerings, and thus reduce teaching staffs. I support these moves since both universities are state/federally supported.

Cuts in the degree programs include Religious Studies, Drama, Philosophy, German language, Ancient Mediterranean Studies, (Ugh!) Anthropology, Geography Education, and others. Interestingly, at UNC-Asheville only 4 students of 2,900 selected Philosophy as their major and the university has 6 tenured professors in that curriculum. What do they do all day?? Ancient Mediterranean Studies had 3 students.

Of course, the faculty senate at UNC Greensboro condemned the course reductions.

The good news is that both universities have seen sharp declines in liberal arts student enrollment. See chart above. My advice to incoming students, select a major that will lead to employment. Duh!

Debt is Debt!

Banning medical debt from credit reports

July 27, 2024

There is no such thing as "fun for the whole family." Jerry Seinfeld

President Obama and Elizabeth Warren set up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in 2011. The bureau was established as an “independent agency.” Big mistake and no oversight by Congress. The agency now has 1500 employees and an operating budget of $600 million.

The CFPB’s new proposal is to ban lenders from using medical debt on credit reports. Credit rating agencies would be banned from showing a consumer’s total debt. Of course, this would allow high risk borrowers to borrow more, perhaps a new car or a home mortgage.

According to the CFPB, medical debt contained in credit reports equals about $88 billion. So, the CFPB wants it hidden. Where’s the transparency? And what about the incentive to pay medical bills.? If medical debt doesn’t count on a credit report, people won’t pay, and what happens to the doctors and hospitals that provided services? How will they recover those costs? Higher billing rates for others, closing facilities? UGH!

The sub-prime mortgage disaster of 2007-2008 started the same way. lower the standards for loan qualifications, give people more credit and watch the unqualified borrow more $$$$’s and then default on those loans. Nobody wins.

The CFPB is wrong about medical debt.