Because the "mainstream media" have centered solely on the CEOs of the Big 3, the true reason for supporting the bailout has been lost.
In Michigan there are (were?) thousands of people employed by GM, Ford and Chrysler. They DO NOT make $70 an hour. More like $22 an hour (unless they are Skilled Trades). The $70 figure includes benefits and retirement. Okay, so what? An average secretary makes her salary plus benefits as well. Most corporations pay benefits in addition to your base hourly salary. Why single out the auto workers?
If these companies go out of business, not only will the employees of the Big 3 lose their jobs. What about the "collateral damage" (to coin a military phrase)? Gas stations, grocery stores, schools, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, municipalities (you can't pay property taxes, etc. if you don't have an income), public transportation...get the picture? It is the "shit rolls down hill" principle of economics. If the wage earners aren't earning, they aren't spending.
The argument that Toyota and Honda are "American made" is crap. Yes, they have factories in the United States and employ Americans to build their vehicles. However, the profits go to Japan. Not to America.
Unions are not perfect. But, a lot of the anti-discrimination laws and fair employment acts that have been of great benefit to non-union and union workers for the past few decades would never have been passed into law had the unions not initiated the legislation many moons ago. Many of the rights that private sector employees enjoy were created through union efforts to force employers to provide safe, clean and discrimination free workplaces.
So, be angry at the CEOs...hate them, laugh at them, call for their resignations if you like. But don't ever lose sight of the real victim if the Big 3 go belly-up. It's that little label..."Made in the U.S.A."
Friday, December 5, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Wal-Mart Door Buster Sale - Value...One Human Life
A young man was killed yesterday at a Wal-Mart in Long Island. He wasn't in a gang, he wasn't fighting with anyone...he simply opened a door. He had recently been laid off from another job and became a seasonal employee in order to pay his bills.
Did any of the people pushing thru the door stop when he fell to the floor? No. They kept running...to get a deal on some stupid piece of shit that will end up collecting dust in a closet by the time next Christmas comes.
I would like to see each one of the people who stampeded thru the door have to face his family. I would like to sentence them to a lifetime of contributing to the care of his family. Not in anonymity, but face to face at Christmas time every year for the rest of their lives.
Did any of the people pushing thru the door stop when he fell to the floor? No. They kept running...to get a deal on some stupid piece of shit that will end up collecting dust in a closet by the time next Christmas comes.
I would like to see each one of the people who stampeded thru the door have to face his family. I would like to sentence them to a lifetime of contributing to the care of his family. Not in anonymity, but face to face at Christmas time every year for the rest of their lives.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
i am currently experiencing dual writer's block. i have a desire to finish a book i began years ago, but a new idea is floating in my brain. sitting back, i am amazed at all of the different things i have done in my life. some well within the "socially accepted norms" and some, well, not so much. my associations have ranged from actors and fashion designers to topless dancers and bikers. these experiences have created the current me. with all of the memories dancing in my brain, it has become difficult to choose one path to follow when putting pen to paper. add to the mix my knack for gross underachievement and i feel internally screwed. i think my problem is that i don't really like the people i created in my book. they are the past me, the uptight "perfect girl" me. i don't know that person anymore, how she acted and reacted, what her inner thoughts were, what her day-to-day priorities might be. sybil, your party of 17 is waiting...
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
stupidest questions asked by tattoo shop customers
Q. Does it hurt?
A. well, "hurt" being a relative term, if you are into pain - no. if you
need to be sedated before you shave your legs - FUCK YEAH, IT HURTS!!!
Q. where is the least painful spot to get a tattoo?
A. armpit - trust me :)
Q. why do you charge so much for a tattoo?
A. because good drugs are expensive.
Q. which colors are easiest to remove by laser if i decide to have my
tattoo removed?
A. here's the door. you don't belong in my shop. buy some temporary
tattoos, big guy.
Q. what if i don't like it when you're done?
A. see that wire brush over there...
Q. do you tattoo penises? (not really frequently asked, but i had a
good answer i wanted to share)
A. yes, there's a $450.00 handling fee, plus the cost of the tattoo
and a $25.00 tip for the guy who's going to stand over your dick
with a sledgehammer in case you get stupid.
Q. are you any good?
A. NO, I SUCK!!! but, i'm too old to dance in a titty bar anymore.
Q. how many tattoos have you done?
A. including yours? counting the one i did yesterday? uhm, three.
Q. can i change the colors. like, have a tiger with PURPLE stripes?
A. sure, if you can deal with the laughter for the next 20 years or so.
Q. can you knock some money off this?
A. let's see...i can eliminate the front right leg of the panther
and make him toothless for a $25.00 discount.
Q. can my entire family, my best friend, his girlfriend, their dog
and my probation officer come back and watch while i'm getting
tattooed?
A. (a dirty look usually suffices)
Q. mind if my three-year-old eats this chocolate bar while i look
through your flash? (for the uninitiated, flash are the
pictures you look through to pick your tattoo)
A. DIE, BITCH, DIE!!!
Q. what if i pass out?
A. we dress you up funny, stick carrots up your ass and take
pictures :)
Q. what if i throw up?
A. we hand you a spoon.
Q. what if i can't take the pain? you know, if i want to stop?
A. we charge you full price once the needle touches your skin.
if you leave, we laugh about you for the next 5 years.
Q. i need to have a couple of beers before i can do this
(translation - i need to be totally shitfaced).
A. sure. now, where did you want the big dick on your fairy?
Q. i'm getting married in 2 weeks and i'd like to surprise my fiance
by putting her name on me. Can you do this in a way that would
be easy to cover up if things don't work out?
A. now THERE'S a relationship with a future
Q. i have an idea, but i'm not sure if you can do it. could i have,
like, a heart with, uhm, like, a rose behind it, uh, you know,
with one of those cute ribbon thingees going thru it with my
boyfriend's name in it? doesn't that sound TOO CUTE?!?!
A. HOLY SHIT!!! a heart with a rose and a banner?!?! you're a bloody
fucking GENIUS! Why didn't someone think of that 50 FUCKING YEARS AGO!!!
Q. i would like a full back piece. use your imagination. whatever
turns you on. i have cash. do you think you'd want to do
something like that?
A. hold on, i'm having an orgasm...
A. well, "hurt" being a relative term, if you are into pain - no. if you
need to be sedated before you shave your legs - FUCK YEAH, IT HURTS!!!
Q. where is the least painful spot to get a tattoo?
A. armpit - trust me :)
Q. why do you charge so much for a tattoo?
A. because good drugs are expensive.
Q. which colors are easiest to remove by laser if i decide to have my
tattoo removed?
A. here's the door. you don't belong in my shop. buy some temporary
tattoos, big guy.
Q. what if i don't like it when you're done?
A. see that wire brush over there...
Q. do you tattoo penises? (not really frequently asked, but i had a
good answer i wanted to share)
A. yes, there's a $450.00 handling fee, plus the cost of the tattoo
and a $25.00 tip for the guy who's going to stand over your dick
with a sledgehammer in case you get stupid.
Q. are you any good?
A. NO, I SUCK!!! but, i'm too old to dance in a titty bar anymore.
Q. how many tattoos have you done?
A. including yours? counting the one i did yesterday? uhm, three.
Q. can i change the colors. like, have a tiger with PURPLE stripes?
A. sure, if you can deal with the laughter for the next 20 years or so.
Q. can you knock some money off this?
A. let's see...i can eliminate the front right leg of the panther
and make him toothless for a $25.00 discount.
Q. can my entire family, my best friend, his girlfriend, their dog
and my probation officer come back and watch while i'm getting
tattooed?
A. (a dirty look usually suffices)
Q. mind if my three-year-old eats this chocolate bar while i look
through your flash? (for the uninitiated, flash are the
pictures you look through to pick your tattoo)
A. DIE, BITCH, DIE!!!
Q. what if i pass out?
A. we dress you up funny, stick carrots up your ass and take
pictures :)
Q. what if i throw up?
A. we hand you a spoon.
Q. what if i can't take the pain? you know, if i want to stop?
A. we charge you full price once the needle touches your skin.
if you leave, we laugh about you for the next 5 years.
Q. i need to have a couple of beers before i can do this
(translation - i need to be totally shitfaced).
A. sure. now, where did you want the big dick on your fairy?
Q. i'm getting married in 2 weeks and i'd like to surprise my fiance
by putting her name on me. Can you do this in a way that would
be easy to cover up if things don't work out?
A. now THERE'S a relationship with a future
Q. i have an idea, but i'm not sure if you can do it. could i have,
like, a heart with, uhm, like, a rose behind it, uh, you know,
with one of those cute ribbon thingees going thru it with my
boyfriend's name in it? doesn't that sound TOO CUTE?!?!
A. HOLY SHIT!!! a heart with a rose and a banner?!?! you're a bloody
fucking GENIUS! Why didn't someone think of that 50 FUCKING YEARS AGO!!!
Q. i would like a full back piece. use your imagination. whatever
turns you on. i have cash. do you think you'd want to do
something like that?
A. hold on, i'm having an orgasm...
Friday, October 31, 2008
last call
The scumbag in the corner plays footsie with a sick mind
Both wanting love when lust will do
Her dysfunctional inner clock chiming a death knell for her childbearing years
The barmaid pours false courage to a lonely man soon to die and be forgotten
Toss the bottle, wipe the bar
Did he ever exist outside of his own imagination?
Hello…
I hate you…
Please fuck me…
All acts in this alcoholic play
Last call
A last shred of hope
One more chance to unlock their door
And hear more than the echo of empty footsteps in the hall
Katrina
Both wanting love when lust will do
Her dysfunctional inner clock chiming a death knell for her childbearing years
The barmaid pours false courage to a lonely man soon to die and be forgotten
Toss the bottle, wipe the bar
Did he ever exist outside of his own imagination?
Hello…
I hate you…
Please fuck me…
All acts in this alcoholic play
Last call
A last shred of hope
One more chance to unlock their door
And hear more than the echo of empty footsteps in the hall
Katrina
nowhere
I belong not to one man
Not to one soul
I belong nowhere
The very freedom
I have tried to capture
Has become my prison
Drifting, wishing, dreaming
Chasing the moon
I run from myself as fast as I can
Stay with me
For a little while
As I rest. For today.
Both moonbeams
Shining on the same shore
Tomorrow
The whisper of leaves
Will be my song to you
Alone
On windy nights
Under full branches
My voice lets you know…
We belong not to one man
Not to one soul
We belong nowhere
Together
katrina
Not to one soul
I belong nowhere
The very freedom
I have tried to capture
Has become my prison
Drifting, wishing, dreaming
Chasing the moon
I run from myself as fast as I can
Stay with me
For a little while
As I rest. For today.
Both moonbeams
Shining on the same shore
Tomorrow
The whisper of leaves
Will be my song to you
Alone
On windy nights
Under full branches
My voice lets you know…
We belong not to one man
Not to one soul
We belong nowhere
Together
katrina
To comprehend your horror
I fell into your mind
And lost my soul there
But only for a moment
Caverns and passageways
Lit with devil’s fire
Or so you feared
I know the truth now
The most barren corners
Of your heart
Are what I sought
I cleared the cobwebs
And set free the festering thoughts
Kissed the wounds with soft lips
Gently washed away your bloody tears
Cowering behind your anger
I found the man you are
Running as a vampire
From life’s daylight
There he remains
Shattered and bent
He is your soul
Take my hand and know not to fear
Katrina
I fell into your mind
And lost my soul there
But only for a moment
Caverns and passageways
Lit with devil’s fire
Or so you feared
I know the truth now
The most barren corners
Of your heart
Are what I sought
I cleared the cobwebs
And set free the festering thoughts
Kissed the wounds with soft lips
Gently washed away your bloody tears
Cowering behind your anger
I found the man you are
Running as a vampire
From life’s daylight
There he remains
Shattered and bent
He is your soul
Take my hand and know not to fear
Katrina
What did I do with me?
Somewhere down the road
The little girl
Who dreamt of flying on Angel’s wings
Lost her way in the shadows
Daddy loved me a little too hard
But I was too scared to say no
Mommy had an affair
With Johnny Walker
Why couldn’t she see what that did to me?
The fine pink ribbons
Slid from my hair
And landed in a puddle of tears
The little girl who wanted to fly
Took a dark road
And sped from her fears
What did I do with me?
Angel’s wings turned to dust
Dreams scattered in the wind
As I dance upon a shiny brass pole
Tattered pink ribbons at my feet
Katrina
Somewhere down the road
The little girl
Who dreamt of flying on Angel’s wings
Lost her way in the shadows
Daddy loved me a little too hard
But I was too scared to say no
Mommy had an affair
With Johnny Walker
Why couldn’t she see what that did to me?
The fine pink ribbons
Slid from my hair
And landed in a puddle of tears
The little girl who wanted to fly
Took a dark road
And sped from her fears
What did I do with me?
Angel’s wings turned to dust
Dreams scattered in the wind
As I dance upon a shiny brass pole
Tattered pink ribbons at my feet
Katrina
a blank page
to create a thought
when the mind is full
a new start
to create a friendship
when mistakes are made
I take the blank page
And the heart full of regret
To attempt a reconciliation
Combined
These things should be a forum
For my apology
The page remains blank
The words won’t come
The mind overloads
Because my hurt overwhelms my ability
To simply write…
i’m sorry
katrina
to create a thought
when the mind is full
a new start
to create a friendship
when mistakes are made
I take the blank page
And the heart full of regret
To attempt a reconciliation
Combined
These things should be a forum
For my apology
The page remains blank
The words won’t come
The mind overloads
Because my hurt overwhelms my ability
To simply write…
i’m sorry
katrina
Play freely
Rise to the wind
Let nothing hold you down
Release yourself to life
Each breath a new wonder
Within you
Is the power of dreams
Dance in their magic
Get carried away
By their mystery
No person
Can hold you down
No circumstance
Is insurmountable
No dream
Too wild to ride
I was born a free spirit
And no chains
Will keep me earthbound
For long
Katrina
Rise to the wind
Let nothing hold you down
Release yourself to life
Each breath a new wonder
Within you
Is the power of dreams
Dance in their magic
Get carried away
By their mystery
No person
Can hold you down
No circumstance
Is insurmountable
No dream
Too wild to ride
I was born a free spirit
And no chains
Will keep me earthbound
For long
Katrina
rachel
I am here on the tail of each warm Spring breeze
My embrace now felt only in your heart
I’ll watch as you grow
From a silken cloud above
I’ll know your triumphs and defeats
And feel each one with you
Rejoice in my life
And know I am peaceful now
The sunshine is my smile
The raindrops my soft kisses upon your cheeks
The birds carry my song of life to you
We will see each other again in dreams
And you will know me
In the sparkle
Of your children’s eyes
Katrina
My embrace now felt only in your heart
I’ll watch as you grow
From a silken cloud above
I’ll know your triumphs and defeats
And feel each one with you
Rejoice in my life
And know I am peaceful now
The sunshine is my smile
The raindrops my soft kisses upon your cheeks
The birds carry my song of life to you
We will see each other again in dreams
And you will know me
In the sparkle
Of your children’s eyes
Katrina
Life steps
We begin to crawl
Reaching, exploring, wondering
Everything a new universe
A world before us…
Childhood dreams
Castles of sand
Forts of snow, trees to climb
Running freely
Through green meadows…
Walking quickly
In middle life
Sand is dirt
Snow a chore, trees get in the way
No freedom, just burdens
Most of life is spent this way…
At life’s sunset we see before us
What life was – and could have been
How sad that time is abundant
Yet, we cannot run
Only remember
The days of running
Katrina
We begin to crawl
Reaching, exploring, wondering
Everything a new universe
A world before us…
Childhood dreams
Castles of sand
Forts of snow, trees to climb
Running freely
Through green meadows…
Walking quickly
In middle life
Sand is dirt
Snow a chore, trees get in the way
No freedom, just burdens
Most of life is spent this way…
At life’s sunset we see before us
What life was – and could have been
How sad that time is abundant
Yet, we cannot run
Only remember
The days of running
Katrina
an introduction to "random insanity"
i have never posted my thoughts in this way until today. very fitting that halloween would be the day to begin. i invite you to explore my writing with an open mind and to understand that they come from a very protected part of my soul. it is recommended that you are 18 or older, as i do not wear my "potty mouth" filter when i write. it is my intention to inspire others to accept the things that have happened in their lives, realize that your experiences are what built the person you are, and use each stumbling block as a stepping stone.
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