High Truths and Low Lies

My Take on Student Debt

April 12, 2024

“Most men with great wealth have a guilty conscience, I already have a guilty conscience, so I might as well have the money.” Wyatt Earp.

Married couples making $240,000 per year will not have to pay their student debt. Has Biden lost his mind? The average loan payment is about $335/ per month. I bet these people can make their car payments, or did they pay cash?

I am against any form of “relief or forgiveness regarding student debt. Here’s why:

-Half of the current debt (2023) is for master’s degrees and med/law degrees.

-The current average student debt is $35,000. Over 10 years payback is $3,500/year or $300/month. This is not a “crushing amount of debt.” The average price of new car is $47,000. Tesla’s lowest model cost $43,000.

-Biden cannot spend money not authorized by the Legislative Branch. The SCOTUS has already ruled on that. But-forgiving student debt “buys” votes for the Democrats. Give me money and I will vote for you…..

– What about families that saved $$$’s for college? What about students that paid back their debt? Chumps???

-A contract is a contract. Students signed loan agreements and got the funds. Many lived great while borrowing more than they needed. And-many borrowers went to private schools and then complained about the high costs.

-AOC (the fool) says student debt forgiveness will allow these students to “travel aboard.” So-taxpayers should pay for a trip to Europe?

Some students with BA degrees in Liberal arts are having trouble paying their loans. Gender Studies, Art History, Advertising, African Studies, Equity, Social Justice, or French Literature degrees don’t pay well.

-Some research studies have shown families that were impacted by the “sub-prime” mortgage crisis of 2007-2008 (easy credit) are the exact same families whose children are now in debt for school loans. I find that fascinating!

-Why should taxpayers bail out students? What does it teach them????

PS- “My Bad” is not an apology. “I am sorry” is!

In case you missed it!

April 5, 2024

” Your rights end where my nose begins” Quote by Z. Chafee, Harvard Law Review 1919

California has a $60+ billion budget deficit this year, yet illegal immigrants are receiving free medical insurance. One third of all homeless people in the US. live in California.

The city of Houston, Tx. is broke, according to Democrat Mayor Whitmire. Labor problems, unions, pensions, etc. are to blame. Democratic mayors have run Houston for the last 50 years. Politicians promise huge gains to workers and cannot deliver.

Deion Sanders is a world class “hotdog!” I like him but wish he would speak using proper grammar. Doing so would set a good example. Same for Charles Barkley!

Known or suspected terrorists (KST’s) have entered the country. The Dept. of Homeland Security “estimates” 730 KST’s entered last year.

AOC continues to make dumb remarks. People in her congressional district are revolting due to the massive influx of illegal immigrants. Drugs, and prostitution are visible on the streets. She needs to go!

Tuberculosis (TB) cases are on the rise in Chicago, occurring in migrant camps. This is completely controllable-just stop illegal immigration.

City schools in Seattle have stopped the gifted programs. They claim too many white students and Asians. Does that logic make sense?

Women’s college basketball tournament reached record viewership. Caitlin Clark was the main reason, but many basketball analysts claim, “she’s not that good.” let’s see what happens next year!!! PS-Several Black players said nasty things about Clark. Clark’s reaction was all class.

Houthi rebels now control a section of the Red Sea shipping channel, launching drones and missiles. The US Navy is patrolling the area.

Michigan has a large population of Muslims. Obama helped 1000’s get settled there. This week, at a political rally, the Muslims chanted “Death to America!”

Troubling News in the US.

March 26, 2024

“Two fundamental laws of economics-One, resources are scarce so allocate on merit. Two-law and order are necessary to protect people and property. Without property rights, there is no reason to work hard.” Self

NYC Council is pushing to have non-citizens vote in local elections, including the elections for the City Council and the mayor. Why? The Appellate Division of Courts has already struck down the NYC law as unconstitutional. This is madness, allowing 800,000 to 1.5 million illegal immigrants to vote.

Credit card debt in the US. is at a record high of $1.2 trillion. Experts say the debt is directly related to the price of food, gas, and housing. Interest rate hikes have also contributed. The Biden WH has responded by lowering the allowable late payment fees on credit cards to $8. Great, enact policies to cause inflation, and raise prices and then hit the banks with rules to lower the collection costs on credit cards debt. Of course, this will increase the cost of credit and hurt the US. economy. Fools.

Memphis TN. is one of the most violent cities in America. Its crime rate is 4X the national average. last year, Memphis recorded 400 murders and 380 car jackings. Yet, local government officials believe law enforcement is a cause of the problem. It is racist to arrest Blacks, or to overly patrol Black neighborhoods.

The US has measles outbreaks in 17 states. Over 60 cases have been reported to the CDC. Yellow fever and polio have once again hit the US, same with other diseases. There has also been a case of the Bubonic Plague recorded in the US. This is incredible and directly related to the vast invasion of illegal immigrants. NC schools “require” vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Most immigrant children have none of these.

Florida Fish and Wildlife officers intercepted a boat from Haiti carrying 25 able-bodied men. The boat also had guns, drugs and night vision equipment. The major liberal networks called the people “immigrants fleeing chaos in Haiti.”

Mexican President Obrador wants the US to pay $20 billion per year to Mexico and other Latin American countries to help stop the mass migration. He also asked Biden to “legalize” Mexicans currently living in the US. Biden is being bullied by Mexico.

NYPD officer was killed during traffic stop. The 2 assailants had prior arrests for multiple felonies. One had 14 felony convictions. The officer had a 1-year-old child. Soft on crime policies led to this killing.

Lastly, The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, announced that she is being treated for cancer. I wish her all the best. She has class and grace.

The Oscar’s new Diversity Requirements

March 12, 2024

“There will always be the lower 20%. That is a mathematical fact.” Self

I never watch the Oscars. Too many political rants, or social justice pronouncements.

It’s a shame because 10-15 years ago I did watch the show.

And-after the awards show, most of the minority groups complained about not winning an award. Race hustlers always analyzed the winners to highlight the “racial disparity.” They believe each minority group should win an award.

Of course, this is madness. Each year actors are nominated and voted on by their peers. Acting is a craft. We know a very good movie when we see it. We love a great performance by an actor in a movie. And, there are awards for women and men. The issue is race, of course.

Regrettably, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has changed the rules. Beginning in 2025, the Academy will require “Best Picture” nominees to have a least one Asian, Hispanic, Black, Native American, Middle Easterner, and Hawaiian in the lead or supporting roles. The casting job just got tougher having to check all those boxes. Too bad for Al Pacino, Robert Deniro, Leonardo Decaprio, Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson and Daniel Day-Lewis. And-actors from the LBGTQ community, and people with disabilities must be employed in the film. These same requirements also pertain to the film crews.

Obviously, this is absurd! If in the future, Hollywood is producing a movie about the Battle of Valley Forge, an Asian might be cast in the role of George Washington. And an Hawiian might play Thomas Jefferson. Same with the Battle of the Alamo, a Hispanic must be cast as Davy Crockett.

Of course, this is ridiculous. I just means to me that I will once again skip the Oscars award show.

The North Face DEI training

March 11,2024

“If you succeed and achieve, it must be automatic. If you fall short, it must be someone else’s fault.” Self

For customers of The North Face clothing store, you get a 20% discount for taking a DEI course. Yes, that’s right! A $400 jacket can be yours for $320 if you take their course. The course teaches you about “equity in the outdoors, White privilege, and systemic racism.”

According to The North Face training, Black people can’t enjoy the outdoors. There is an underrepresentation of Blacks in the outdoors. The outdoors is not equitable!

What a load of crap! Every state and national park I have ever been to is open to all people, and most without fees. One of our local city parks is filled with people of all races, and no fees. Every weekend there are hundreds of Hispanics playing soccer. The park has a huge child playground used by all people. No fees.

So, what is The North Face thinking? Maybe trying to expand its customer base? Did they like the Bud Light fiasco? Same with Ben and Jerry’s or Disney? White people have been carrying their sales for 50 years. Can’t imagine a retail chain offering training which criticizes its major customer base. Fools.

Ironically, The North Face just announced the closing of its San Fransisco Union Square store. No reason given, but many other retailers also closed. Macy’s closed its store, and 400 people lost their job. The local media blames rising crime levels.

USPS, EV’s and Cornhole

March 6, 2024

To Biden: “Every breath you take, and every move you make, every bond you break, every step you take, I’ll be watching you.” Song lyrics from The Police.

This is a picture of the front door area at our local Post Office. It is obvious that the PO has management and employee issues. Postal workers earn about $55,000 a year. In 2023, the USPS had 506,000 employees, most are unionized. Each city post office has 12-20 workers, including supervisors. Wonder why the trash can has not been emptied? Additionally, last fiscal year the USPS lost $6.5 billion. First class postage rate is now $.68. What a disgrace.

Winthrop University is located in Rockhill, SC. The university has 4,700 students. Cost per year is $25,000 to $30,000. However, if you can play cornhole, you can get an athletic scholarship. Yes-the University has started granting scholarships in cornhole, the bar and backyard game. Will the scholarship players need a strength and conditioning coach???

EV’s are expensive to drive. A new study reveals that entry level cars like the Honda civic or the Subaru Impreza cost about $9.46/one hundred miles driven. EV’s of similar type cost about $12. 48 when charged at home. Even higher cost ($15.98) when charged commercially. This is according to a new study using data from the US Energy Information Agency. The results are similar for mid-sized cars with gas fueling prices at $10.71 per 100 miles, while a Type 3 Tesla costs $12.61 per 100 miles to charge. EV’s do not save you money!

Crime in Washington DC

March 1, 2024

“I failed my driver’s license written test. When asked what road sign is likely to be seen on a 2-lane rural highway, I answered “Fresh eggs for sale.”

Our Nation’s capital is a dangerous city. In 2023, DC had 932 carjackings, mostly at gunpoint. In 2019, DC recorded 152 carjackings, so in 4 years the rate has gone up 4X. Yet, the City Council passed a law removing the mandatory sentence for carjacking. Soft on crime is exactly the cause for the rise in violent crime. Thank goodness the Congress, led by Republicans, reversed the new law.

DC’s murder rate is also at a record high. 247 people were killed last year, making DC the 5th most dangerous city in the US, surpassed only by New Orleans, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Memphis.

DC’s local government is to blame. The mayor is Muriel Bowser, a Democrat. The City Council is also Democratic. Bowser was elected mayor in 2015. The voters in DC have voted for Democrats for 60 years!!

DC’s crime lab lost its accreditation in 2021 for mistakes and trying to cover up mistakes. Regrettably, only 10% of DNA samples taken from crime scenes were processed, which made it very hard to prosecute crimes. Arrested criminals walked.

And to make matters worse, the Democrats in DC were focused on the January 6th riot so much, that violent crimes were not prosecuted. Criminals walked.

Washington DC has 12-15 open positions for its district judges. These are appointed by Biden and confirmed by the Senate. Sadly, Biden is making appointments elsewhere across the US where he can gain political advantage. DC votes for Democrats, no need for Biden to worry. So, there is a huge backlog of cases going to trial, and criminals walk free.

Democrats pursue the “soft on crime” approach because data shows a disproportionate number of minorities are arrested for crimes. And they link that to racial injustice. But we must keep in mind that in most major cities the mayors are Black, the Police Chiefs are Black, many police officers are Black, the same with the prosecutors. So where is the “racial injustice” coming from?

Bowser and DC City Council can fix this quickly. Support and fund the police, enforce tough penalties, end no cash bail laws, and put hardened criminals away. And-fix the crime lab!!!!

In case you missed It!

February 27, 2024

“My wife said I had 2 major faults, one-I was not a very good listener, the second I can’t remember.”

The US has a new 25 cent piece. Gone is the America Eagle. The new quarter features a Hawaiian woman (see image) who’s talents are social activism, teaching and chanting. The wording is in a native language, not English. The Mint is planning more quarters featuring women. The next one is a ballerina.

Biden is buying more votes, trying to cancel student loans. The price tag is $1.3 billion of taxpayer’s $$$’s. The Supreme Court already ruled he does not have the authority. Remember-1/2 of the total student debt is for law school and medical school.

Nursing student in Georgia killed by illegal immigrant from Venezuela. He was previously arrested in NY and fled the state. I place the blame on Biden.

Speaking of illegal immigrants-Australia had a massive influx of migrants (500,000) in 2023. Now, there is a huge housing crisis. Most Australians (60%) believe immigration is too high. Crime will be next.

Marvel Studio has released 23 films since 2008. The movie industry calls them “comic book” movies. Most are just average, ratings are poor, especially the recent ones. However, China loves them.

I saw a wonderful interview of NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns. He is from the Dominican Republic. Mr. Towns is an intelligent and thoughtful person, with great speaking abilities.

NATO countries are not spending $$$’s on defense. England is way behind; and the Tories have been in power for 13 years. Many Brits blame the lack of “manpower.” Some newer projects like the new Ajax armored vehicle are just poorly developed. The damn thing vibrates too much!

Teacher unions are against Charter Schools, and these unions donate $$$’s to Democrats, thus the Democrats are against Charter Schools. New studies show Charter Schools work, especially for low-income students. Trump always supported these schools and increased the funding. 45 states and DC have Charter Schools. Unions hate them.

Lastly, Biden paused the US exporting of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Democratic climate activists love the stoppage, claiming it helps the planet. US allies in Asia and Europe feel deserted. Everyone knows LNG burns cleaner than fossil fuels. Biden is always on the wrong side of problems. He is just playing politics. Sad.

PS-Denny’s has re-introduced the breakfast “Grand Slam” for $5.99. I’m excited!

My Highs and Lows for the Week!

the good the bad and the ugly

February 11, 2024

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

-Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas is still in office. His Congressional impeachment failed. Democrats like the job he is doing at our southern border.

Biden broke the law but is too senile to stand trial. Very scary and dangerous.

-The CDC has issued a medical alert about a new measles outbreak. The cause is the rising number of unvaccinated people in the US. Measles is highly contagious. 9 million illegal migrants, but of course, the government will not comment.

Syphilis cases in the US. have reached a 75 year high. Over 220,00 cases in 2022 which is an 80% increase in the last 3-4 years. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to serious damage to the brain, heart and other major organs. Low-income communities are disproportionately impacted. CDC has not commented about illegal migrant cases.

Consumer credit card debt in the US. has reached $1.1 trillion. The US. national debt reached $34 trillion. One trillion dollars is the annual interest on that debt. Think what that trillion dollars could provide to our schools.

West Point will continue to use gender and race as qualifiers for admissions. Supreme Court declined to pass a judgment. On the other hand, Dartmouth reinstated SATs for entry.

Apple’s new product, “Vision Pro,” headset costs $3,500. It’s being called a “face computer.” Hope buyers do not use credit cards to purchase.

Caitlin Clark (Guard at Iowa) is 39 points away from breaking the NCAA scoring record in women’s basketball. The record is 3,527 points. She has been great for women’s sports. Attendance at her games is also at record levels. Sheryl Swoops claimed Clark was 25 and has played for 5 college years and that she takes 40+ shots per game. All of that is incorrect and petty. Hope it was not racially motivated. Swoops is ignorant and nasty.

I like to see Taylor Swift at the Chiefs games, but many internet fools complain.

Grammys are over. I did not watch, too much political speak and racist comments. Blacks complain every year if they do not win. Tay Tay won for “Album of the Year,” for the 4th time.

Is Ron Rivera a Good Coach?

February 2, 2024

“If you are not in the parade, you watch the parade.” Mike Ditka

In the last 4 years, Ron Rivera has been fired twice as an NFL head coach. The most recent as the Washington Commanders Head Coach. While with the Commanders for 4 seasons, he compiled a record of 26 wins and 40 losses, or .393. He did not have a winning record in any year. This past year the Commanders won only 4 games. His estimated annual salary with the Commanders was $8.5m. Makes no sense.

Prior to getting the Commander’s job, Rivera was the head coach at the Carolina Panthers for 9 seasons. His W/L record with the Panthers was 76/63 or .563. He had 3 winning seasons while at the Panthers.

His overall W/L record in 13 seasons as a head coach in the NFL is 102/103 or .493, with only 3 winning seasons. Ron Rivera has had his chance. He just can’t win.

There is a rumor that Rivera is being considered for another NFL job, perhaps with the Cowboys. What makes Jerry Jones think Rivera can get that team to the Super Bowl and win?

One final thought: I have seen Rivera on the sidelines standing emotionless, like a statue with sunglasses.