http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/5355906.html
I used to say that parts just 'fell off' my GM cars, but never actually had a nationwide investigation!!! Can't Wait til the Found On Road Dead (FORD) guys get ahold of this one.
Replies (21)
ttocs on 04/19/2005 17:17:11
the heated bumpers probably messed it up.....
swez on 04/19/2005 19:58:01
Hey, our GM engineering guys have managed a blunder leading to recalls once again. Gee, wonder why/if all the layoffs and corporate cuts are causing problems there? Get all the old school talent out the door, cut their pensions and hire fresh faced engineers at 1/3rd the salary.
Or, maybe this is a cost/weight cutting venture. Use cheaper, light weight cables to save a few bucks until they break, tailgate falls off and causes an accident or two. Then, a massive recall is launched to repair the oversight. NO Wonder GM is going in the hole big time the past few quarters.
My next vehicle will definitely be an Import. They don't break down so much. I had a 1980 Datsun 310 GX Sport Coupe for over 12 years. That car was very reliable and I gave it away at 136,000 miles. The body was rusting a bit, but the rest of the car was solid and required very little maint.
Swez
Buickman94 on 04/20/2005 00:49:43
"Imports are good for one thing, and one thing ONLY. =good gas mileage."
Toyota Camry and Honda Accord = best-selling passenger cars in America...
ttocs on 04/20/2005 10:55:34
my room mate has a buick, he is 32. Way way old........
"I will kick yer but if yall talk bad about ford again"-while runnnig fingers through mullet.....
danielm87 on 04/20/2005 11:02:28
Sorry i ever mentioned anything.
lol
gearhead on 04/20/2005 11:04:42
American made products?? American Honda has 8 manufacturing/assembly plants in the U.S.. This doesn't include their multitude of wholly-owned subsidiary companies in the U.S..
Toyota has 11 manufacturing plants in the U.S.. Again, this doesn't include their multitude of wholly-owned subsidiary companies in the U.S.. Nissan, 3 manufacturing plants in the U.S., Again with the subsidiaries. Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Subaru, Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi, BMW, and many other "foreign" companies manufacture their products in the U.S.. If I'm not mistaken, there are more U.S. made parts on a Honda manufactured in Marysville, OH, than there are on an "American" car manufactured by one of the "Big 3".
MrBrownstone on 04/20/2005 13:16:38
Gearhead is quite correct
This is how the 'smarter' gurus @ Honda and Toyota avoid some of the import tax...by making most of the cars in the US.
What Swez & I are so sore about is that GM and Ford used to mean something. AMERICAN cars and American companies used to be something to take pride in. Now, they are the laughing stock of the industry.
Part of it was the unions had the companies so bent over a barrel that they had to cut costs in the only thing that they produce....the car. Now, GM is spending more in benefits to workers than the actual COGS. 60 years ago, when people were working in cramped, unsafe environments, yeah, I could see it. But now, Unions have ruined US Cars, NBA, MLB, NFL...bout the only thing they haven't got their greedy little hands on are the nudey bars.
I'm Glad that Nudey bars are a safe place for Swez & I to hang out now. Imagine how much a 'dance' would cost if they were union?
$5B on healthcare....which is OK. However, $78,000 a year to run a white glove over a car to check for paint dust? I think we can hire a monkey or a car wash robotic arm for less.
That company needs to hire back Ross Perot to their board.
gearhead on 04/20/2005 14:44:05
"I'm Glad that Nudey bars are a safe place for Swez & I to hang out now. Imagine how much a 'dance' would cost if they were union?"
If I remember correctly, there ARE some union strippers, and union organizers are trying to get more of them to join. I can see it now. A 55yr old stripper that can't be fired! Yikes!!!
uochronos on 04/20/2005 20:30:06
ya i agree ford, chevy, dodge just arent what they used to be.... although i would like to point out mazda, volvo, austin martin, land rover, and jaguar are all ford companies and especialy mazdas are the same cars ford makes... i have a friend of mine who swears his mazda truck is 100x better then my ranger... that drives me crazier then people who sweaqr new fords and chevies are as reliable as a toyota...
and i'm a huge ford guy btw i own 3 of them and 1 runs thats just not good odds right there hehe...
swez on 04/20/2005 21:21:51
Let me clear up one thing... I don't do Nudie Bars! Sushi bar, candy bar and soap bars are pretty much my limits.
As for the American VS Import debates... I agree with Mr. B. Unions have ruined more than helped. The only need for Union representation, is for the screw off workers that do just that... screw off all day and mess up other people that are trying to do things well. If you look at Consumer Reports the past 10 years, very few American cars have made the top 10 picks list. Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Infinity dominate most categories of the best of the best. (Why is that?)
I have a neighbor whos' wife works for Ford. She works the line in a tranny plant. In a good year, she makes >$120,000/yr with loads of over time. On a bad year, she makes just above $80,000. Doing what? putting a few bolts in a tranny. She has the smarts of an 12 year old child. I take that back... my 11 year old son has a lot more on the ball.
Not only that... they have the best health care package anywhere in the nation. (Except our Govt officials) When they need medical care, flip out the ol BSBC card. This is better than an American Express Platinum Card to most healthcare providers. Carte Blanche is the deal here.
Ever notice the price of a new car these days? Used to be able to buy a loaded Caddy or Lincoln for well under $15,000. (Circa 1970's) Now, cannot touch one for under $35,000. What's up with that?
Hey, I live in Detroit. I see this stuff day in and day out. The Auto companies have priced themselves out of a job because of Union activities, wages and benefits. Michigan was once a thriving economic area. Today, we are ranked in the lower 5% in terms of net job growth, wages have dropped to a point, most families cannot make ends meet if they do not work in the automotive plants or sub suppliers. People are fleeing the state in droves to find work. I may be one of them soon.
Manufacturing jobs, which were once plentyful and paid good living wages, have simply evaporated. Many have closed their doors, move south or off shore for cheaper labor and better workers. Now, the Govoner (Jennifer Granholm) has been raising taxes on gas, "sin taxes", property taxes and anything she can push through the legislators docketts. Darn liberal Democrats! Blow em up and start fresh is my recommendation. Not much good news out of Detroit these days except the Pistons and maybe the Tigers this summer. Oh yeah... I forgot Ted Nugent and Bob Segar. Kid Rock should have been aborted.
End Rant!
Swez
danielm87 on 04/21/2005 00:11:06
Everybodys political and opinionated beleifs in general ....
Boiled down....
EQUALS =
America sucks. but its better than living in a crap hole country in the middle east ...or... africa, i guess.
MY solution = everybody in the world forgets all their worries and problems, moves to Australia and New Zealand and we all have a big Fosters beer festival and we all live happily ever after!
"ITS ALL GOOD MAN"
swez on 04/21/2005 09:52:22
Let me clarify something... America is a great country to live it. For all new immigrants, it is still a land of great opportunity. For those born here, we still have a great opportunity to get ahead in life.
The problem as I see it.... is not with the general population. Most Americans are hard working, want an opportunity to be successful in their pursuits of health, wealth and happiness and willing to work hard at getting these things. The real problem is greed, corruption and a lack of ethics. This is most evident in our Govt., big business and the underground network of thieves, cheats and ner-do-wells that prey on the weak and innocent.
Let's look at the Govt., for a minute. Our elected officials have the best retirement and health care plan in the world. Presently, Senators and Reps get a base salary of almost $180,000 annually. They can retire after a 2-6 year term and get 100% (+COLA) for the rest of their lives. When they die, their spouse get more than 60% of whatever the pension was for their mate... for life.
They are not part of the Medicare system either. They have their own health care plans that are basically Carte Blanche... paid by the tax payers. Noooo, Medicare is for the average Joe/Jane American, but not adequate for the elite in our Govt.
Until recent times, we had a good system of checks and balances. Having 3 distinct branches of Govt., Administrative, the Senate & House of Reps and Judicials, each sector had a chance to initiate, review and innact laws. Senators and House propose the laws, the Judical reviews the proposed laws and judges them against the Constitution. The President has the power to veto or pass the laws as they cross his desk.
Today, the Judical branch (appointed, not elected offices) has taken a new role to mandate new laws from the bench. The sad thing is... they are getting away with same. Most rulings are based on precidents. If there were cases heard previously that have a similar nature to them, the courts can use that feature to pass on bad judgements, based on now irrelivent precidents.
Now, let's look at who makes up our Govt. Most Congressmen/women were once lawyers. Same with our Judiciary. In the Executive Branch, there is diversity of backgrounds here. People from many non-legal backgrounds are free to participate. But, they are hopelessly outgunned by the other 2 branches. It's hard to get much done in Congress due to the endless in-fighting between Liberals and Conservatives.
The Democrats are now the minority and are constantly looking for ways to bring down the Republican's across the isle. This puts the Republicans on the defense, as they stuggle to maintain thier power bases and majority status. There is one primary job in every politician's mind... GETTING RE-ELECTED. Are there good (fair & honest) politicians in Washington? Yes! However, they are often beat down with endless attacks from less than honest ones that want to get them to step down. On it goes... the endless struggle for power and domination of both parties is very counterproductive. We foot the bill while they squabble.
What about Bush? Personally, I would hate to have his job right now. IMHO, Bush is an honest man with integrity and a sense of purpose. However, his hands are often tied by others with other agendas. This has always been the case and Bush needs to figure out a way to mend some fences, restore order and lead all branches of the govt., to work together in harmony with due diligence. How he can do this is anybody's guess. Bush has done a very good job at stating his policies, going after terroism, protecting the good people of the US from outside terrorism and setting new trends when dealing with the UN. He basically told them to shove off... we're going after Saddam Insane and Osama ben around too long. He may have received bad intelligence reports about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq... but he went with the best information available. The main goal was to give the people of Iraq, a chance to govern themselves in a democratic way. I commend Bush for that. Now, we need to find Osama. His days are numbered.
OK, I am voicing my opinions here because our audience is young, unaware and indifferent to the politics and world views/threats out there. When I was in my 20's and 30's, life was good. Worked hard, got a few notches up the economic ladder that my parents never reached and now... at almost 50, I want to know what is going on and have a say. I write to my Congressmen, tell them my views and let them know my opinions on the issues. It may do little good as 1 voice in the wilderness, but if others would step up and voice their opinions and vote with their feet.... things will change.
In short, the people of America finance the Govt. We should have a strong say in policies and decisions that affect the many. Right now, about 10% of Americans (the rich and powerful) have the reins. The middle class has almost evaporated as we are taxed right out of the game. The poor are getting poorer, the rich are getting wealthier and the Middle Class foots most of the bill. This is the legacy we will have to pass down to our children and grandchildren. Think about that.... are we willing to abdicate our responsibilities as taxpayer, to police what is really going on at the top of our economic structure?
Are you folks listening?
Swez
ttocs on 04/21/2005 10:54:47
wow, dunno what to say there swez. I am listening just speachless.....
Buickman94 on 04/21/2005 13:55:04
"wow, dunno what to say there swez. I am listening just speachless..... "
x2
MrBrownstone on 04/21/2005 14:13:08
Swez is just bitter because of the New Michigan Beer tax. :-)
If I strike a nerve, someone please tell me. Tee Hee
swez on 04/21/2005 19:36:51
Am trying to give you guys a heads up on what is going on behind the scenes with our elected and appointed officials. Yes, it comes off as a rant to some who think everything is just peachy right now. I can assure they are not from the perspective of most retired folks and people in mid-life crisis modes.
I am venting my frustrations because I have now become more aware of how whacked up things have gotten. A few years ago, I was in a high tech sales job. Sold ~$5,000,000 a year in products, got paid about $80,000/yr in salary, bonuses and perks. The company made a profit of roughly of ~$3,000,000. (after expenses) Of that profit, I got a whopping 2.7% gross earnings off sales in my territory. The company made a few huge financial blunders and had to cut back staff by >20%. That translated to about 23 people. So much for 13 years of solid performance on the job huh?
Now, live in Michigan where there are very few tech sales jobs available. Yes, there are plenty of $8-12.00/hr service jobs. But that won't pay the bills and keep my family above the waterline. Am I bitter about that? Yes! All those years of building a career as a Professional Sales Manager have gone right out the window. Time to start over I guess and make the best of a bad situation.
I think it will take Michigan a long time to rebuild its economy. Right now, it's a one note Johnny state... Automotive related biz is over 60% of our present economy. Many other mfging companies have pulled up stakes and left for the south or off shore cheap labor. Cannot say I blame them. They were getting taxed to death and high wages too. Those who remain, are getting taxed even more and new ventures are slowly gaining a foothold in biotech and related industries. However, it may take 10 years to put Michigan back on solid footings. Hense, I think it high time to relocate to a warmer climate and learn to live on a smaller budget.
Not a problem with me either. Just want to do what I do best and make a living wage in the process. Having a variety of skills and talents to offer, am looking for good opportunities to live a decent lifestyle again. It is tough to start over at almost 50 years old. That's what is eating at me guys. If you ever face this situation at the peak of your careers, you will know exactly what I am talking about. It's not a great place to be at this stage of life.
Swez
PS Am trying to keep a positive attitude... but the lack of opportunity and the many rejection letters I have collected, leave me wondering what to do next? In short.... very frustrated as I really want to be a difference maker on and off the playing field.
Brian, the beer prices do not bother me. But the high gas taxes, property taxes and lack of well paying jobs are bugging me a lot at the moment. I feel utterly trapped in a hole I cannot seem to climb out of. Very depressing at times. Who's hiring skilled Technical Sales folks these days? I'm all ears.
danielm87 on 04/21/2005 21:03:30
Amen Swez, a man like you with the technical A/V skills that you have should be able to get a GOOD paying job without much searching at all. Your knowledge alone should reap you great financial benefits, but the "system" isnt allowing it.
Minimum wage needs to go up. Teenagers working on minimum wage level need more money for gas, insurance, saving up money for college, etc.
Not to mention that fact that the value of the dollar is quickly being diminished.
I feel trapped in that same hole.
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ttocs on 04/22/2005 09:37:24
I just really cannot get into polatics due to the idea that they will do whatever it takes to get re-elected, just like I would....
swez on 04/22/2005 10:00:24
Well, if we don't get involved in politics, it will in time, run right over us. As Daniel87 put it so well.... they collect funds from Joe/Jane Americans like it's going outta style and then, funnel it off to places we would NEVER ?invest? in.
Anybody care to pay a few hundred grand to study the habitat and mating habits of the spotted owl in the NW forests? Well, they did and the study found a major population decline due to excessive logging of old growth timber. This study promptly stopped logging in the NW for years.
Further studies now show that the spotted owl is still on the decline, but they prefer nesting in McDonald's signs. They are not sure about the decline in population, but they sure were wrong about the birds' ability to adapt. Personally, I think they like the french fries better there.
Daniel, thanks for your response. It takes someone who has been there, to understand the gravity of how frustrating things can be. We cannot support 2 households, 2 growing kids and live a decent lifestyle on wages under $35,000 a year. Am trying to turn this frustration into motivation and get back into the game. Damn... it's very hard in the marketplace I reside right now.
For those who are doing well and have well paying jobs... I am happy for you. For those who have had a major finacial meltdown and are struggling to stay above the water line.... I have great empathy for you as well.
Swez
PS Are there good paying jobs in Austrailia, UK or Brazil?
gearhead on 04/22/2005 13:10:45
I tried the OZ route a few yrs. (15) back. Sent out 160 letters. Got about 20 replies. ALL of them emphasized that immigration to OZ isn't easy or automatic, and is generally only open to people with needed skills. Top-notch diesel mechanics weren't in that group at that time.
MrBrownstone on 04/25/2005 13:59:43
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/5367911.html
unbelievable. Seat belts have been in operation since about the 1940s....you'd have thought GM would have perfected that by now, but evidently not
I used to say that parts just 'fell off' my GM cars, but never actually had a nationwide investigation!!! Can't Wait til the Found On Road Dead (FORD) guys get ahold of this one.
Replies (21)
ttocs on 04/19/2005 17:17:11
the heated bumpers probably messed it up.....
swez on 04/19/2005 19:58:01
Hey, our GM engineering guys have managed a blunder leading to recalls once again. Gee, wonder why/if all the layoffs and corporate cuts are causing problems there? Get all the old school talent out the door, cut their pensions and hire fresh faced engineers at 1/3rd the salary.
Or, maybe this is a cost/weight cutting venture. Use cheaper, light weight cables to save a few bucks until they break, tailgate falls off and causes an accident or two. Then, a massive recall is launched to repair the oversight. NO Wonder GM is going in the hole big time the past few quarters.
My next vehicle will definitely be an Import. They don't break down so much. I had a 1980 Datsun 310 GX Sport Coupe for over 12 years. That car was very reliable and I gave it away at 136,000 miles. The body was rusting a bit, but the rest of the car was solid and required very little maint.
Swez
Buickman94 on 04/20/2005 00:49:43
"Imports are good for one thing, and one thing ONLY. =good gas mileage."
Toyota Camry and Honda Accord = best-selling passenger cars in America...
ttocs on 04/20/2005 10:55:34
my room mate has a buick, he is 32. Way way old........
"I will kick yer but if yall talk bad about ford again"-while runnnig fingers through mullet.....
danielm87 on 04/20/2005 11:02:28
Sorry i ever mentioned anything.
lol
gearhead on 04/20/2005 11:04:42
American made products?? American Honda has 8 manufacturing/assembly plants in the U.S.. This doesn't include their multitude of wholly-owned subsidiary companies in the U.S..
Toyota has 11 manufacturing plants in the U.S.. Again, this doesn't include their multitude of wholly-owned subsidiary companies in the U.S.. Nissan, 3 manufacturing plants in the U.S., Again with the subsidiaries. Mercedes-Benz, Mazda, Subaru, Isuzu, Hino, Mitsubishi, BMW, and many other "foreign" companies manufacture their products in the U.S.. If I'm not mistaken, there are more U.S. made parts on a Honda manufactured in Marysville, OH, than there are on an "American" car manufactured by one of the "Big 3".
MrBrownstone on 04/20/2005 13:16:38
Gearhead is quite correct
This is how the 'smarter' gurus @ Honda and Toyota avoid some of the import tax...by making most of the cars in the US.
What Swez & I are so sore about is that GM and Ford used to mean something. AMERICAN cars and American companies used to be something to take pride in. Now, they are the laughing stock of the industry.
Part of it was the unions had the companies so bent over a barrel that they had to cut costs in the only thing that they produce....the car. Now, GM is spending more in benefits to workers than the actual COGS. 60 years ago, when people were working in cramped, unsafe environments, yeah, I could see it. But now, Unions have ruined US Cars, NBA, MLB, NFL...bout the only thing they haven't got their greedy little hands on are the nudey bars.
I'm Glad that Nudey bars are a safe place for Swez & I to hang out now. Imagine how much a 'dance' would cost if they were union?
$5B on healthcare....which is OK. However, $78,000 a year to run a white glove over a car to check for paint dust? I think we can hire a monkey or a car wash robotic arm for less.
That company needs to hire back Ross Perot to their board.
gearhead on 04/20/2005 14:44:05
"I'm Glad that Nudey bars are a safe place for Swez & I to hang out now. Imagine how much a 'dance' would cost if they were union?"
If I remember correctly, there ARE some union strippers, and union organizers are trying to get more of them to join. I can see it now. A 55yr old stripper that can't be fired! Yikes!!!
uochronos on 04/20/2005 20:30:06
ya i agree ford, chevy, dodge just arent what they used to be.... although i would like to point out mazda, volvo, austin martin, land rover, and jaguar are all ford companies and especialy mazdas are the same cars ford makes... i have a friend of mine who swears his mazda truck is 100x better then my ranger... that drives me crazier then people who sweaqr new fords and chevies are as reliable as a toyota...
and i'm a huge ford guy btw i own 3 of them and 1 runs thats just not good odds right there hehe...
swez on 04/20/2005 21:21:51
Let me clear up one thing... I don't do Nudie Bars! Sushi bar, candy bar and soap bars are pretty much my limits.
As for the American VS Import debates... I agree with Mr. B. Unions have ruined more than helped. The only need for Union representation, is for the screw off workers that do just that... screw off all day and mess up other people that are trying to do things well. If you look at Consumer Reports the past 10 years, very few American cars have made the top 10 picks list. Honda, Toyota, Lexus and Infinity dominate most categories of the best of the best. (Why is that?)
I have a neighbor whos' wife works for Ford. She works the line in a tranny plant. In a good year, she makes >$120,000/yr with loads of over time. On a bad year, she makes just above $80,000. Doing what? putting a few bolts in a tranny. She has the smarts of an 12 year old child. I take that back... my 11 year old son has a lot more on the ball.
Not only that... they have the best health care package anywhere in the nation. (Except our Govt officials) When they need medical care, flip out the ol BSBC card. This is better than an American Express Platinum Card to most healthcare providers. Carte Blanche is the deal here.
Ever notice the price of a new car these days? Used to be able to buy a loaded Caddy or Lincoln for well under $15,000. (Circa 1970's) Now, cannot touch one for under $35,000. What's up with that?
Hey, I live in Detroit. I see this stuff day in and day out. The Auto companies have priced themselves out of a job because of Union activities, wages and benefits. Michigan was once a thriving economic area. Today, we are ranked in the lower 5% in terms of net job growth, wages have dropped to a point, most families cannot make ends meet if they do not work in the automotive plants or sub suppliers. People are fleeing the state in droves to find work. I may be one of them soon.
Manufacturing jobs, which were once plentyful and paid good living wages, have simply evaporated. Many have closed their doors, move south or off shore for cheaper labor and better workers. Now, the Govoner (Jennifer Granholm) has been raising taxes on gas, "sin taxes", property taxes and anything she can push through the legislators docketts. Darn liberal Democrats! Blow em up and start fresh is my recommendation. Not much good news out of Detroit these days except the Pistons and maybe the Tigers this summer. Oh yeah... I forgot Ted Nugent and Bob Segar. Kid Rock should have been aborted.
End Rant!
Swez
danielm87 on 04/21/2005 00:11:06
Everybodys political and opinionated beleifs in general ....
Boiled down....
EQUALS =
America sucks. but its better than living in a crap hole country in the middle east ...or... africa, i guess.
MY solution = everybody in the world forgets all their worries and problems, moves to Australia and New Zealand and we all have a big Fosters beer festival and we all live happily ever after!
"ITS ALL GOOD MAN"
swez on 04/21/2005 09:52:22
Let me clarify something... America is a great country to live it. For all new immigrants, it is still a land of great opportunity. For those born here, we still have a great opportunity to get ahead in life.
The problem as I see it.... is not with the general population. Most Americans are hard working, want an opportunity to be successful in their pursuits of health, wealth and happiness and willing to work hard at getting these things. The real problem is greed, corruption and a lack of ethics. This is most evident in our Govt., big business and the underground network of thieves, cheats and ner-do-wells that prey on the weak and innocent.
Let's look at the Govt., for a minute. Our elected officials have the best retirement and health care plan in the world. Presently, Senators and Reps get a base salary of almost $180,000 annually. They can retire after a 2-6 year term and get 100% (+COLA) for the rest of their lives. When they die, their spouse get more than 60% of whatever the pension was for their mate... for life.
They are not part of the Medicare system either. They have their own health care plans that are basically Carte Blanche... paid by the tax payers. Noooo, Medicare is for the average Joe/Jane American, but not adequate for the elite in our Govt.
Until recent times, we had a good system of checks and balances. Having 3 distinct branches of Govt., Administrative, the Senate & House of Reps and Judicials, each sector had a chance to initiate, review and innact laws. Senators and House propose the laws, the Judical reviews the proposed laws and judges them against the Constitution. The President has the power to veto or pass the laws as they cross his desk.
Today, the Judical branch (appointed, not elected offices) has taken a new role to mandate new laws from the bench. The sad thing is... they are getting away with same. Most rulings are based on precidents. If there were cases heard previously that have a similar nature to them, the courts can use that feature to pass on bad judgements, based on now irrelivent precidents.
Now, let's look at who makes up our Govt. Most Congressmen/women were once lawyers. Same with our Judiciary. In the Executive Branch, there is diversity of backgrounds here. People from many non-legal backgrounds are free to participate. But, they are hopelessly outgunned by the other 2 branches. It's hard to get much done in Congress due to the endless in-fighting between Liberals and Conservatives.
The Democrats are now the minority and are constantly looking for ways to bring down the Republican's across the isle. This puts the Republicans on the defense, as they stuggle to maintain thier power bases and majority status. There is one primary job in every politician's mind... GETTING RE-ELECTED. Are there good (fair & honest) politicians in Washington? Yes! However, they are often beat down with endless attacks from less than honest ones that want to get them to step down. On it goes... the endless struggle for power and domination of both parties is very counterproductive. We foot the bill while they squabble.
What about Bush? Personally, I would hate to have his job right now. IMHO, Bush is an honest man with integrity and a sense of purpose. However, his hands are often tied by others with other agendas. This has always been the case and Bush needs to figure out a way to mend some fences, restore order and lead all branches of the govt., to work together in harmony with due diligence. How he can do this is anybody's guess. Bush has done a very good job at stating his policies, going after terroism, protecting the good people of the US from outside terrorism and setting new trends when dealing with the UN. He basically told them to shove off... we're going after Saddam Insane and Osama ben around too long. He may have received bad intelligence reports about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq... but he went with the best information available. The main goal was to give the people of Iraq, a chance to govern themselves in a democratic way. I commend Bush for that. Now, we need to find Osama. His days are numbered.
OK, I am voicing my opinions here because our audience is young, unaware and indifferent to the politics and world views/threats out there. When I was in my 20's and 30's, life was good. Worked hard, got a few notches up the economic ladder that my parents never reached and now... at almost 50, I want to know what is going on and have a say. I write to my Congressmen, tell them my views and let them know my opinions on the issues. It may do little good as 1 voice in the wilderness, but if others would step up and voice their opinions and vote with their feet.... things will change.
In short, the people of America finance the Govt. We should have a strong say in policies and decisions that affect the many. Right now, about 10% of Americans (the rich and powerful) have the reins. The middle class has almost evaporated as we are taxed right out of the game. The poor are getting poorer, the rich are getting wealthier and the Middle Class foots most of the bill. This is the legacy we will have to pass down to our children and grandchildren. Think about that.... are we willing to abdicate our responsibilities as taxpayer, to police what is really going on at the top of our economic structure?
Are you folks listening?
Swez
ttocs on 04/21/2005 10:54:47
wow, dunno what to say there swez. I am listening just speachless.....
Buickman94 on 04/21/2005 13:55:04
"wow, dunno what to say there swez. I am listening just speachless..... "
x2
MrBrownstone on 04/21/2005 14:13:08
Swez is just bitter because of the New Michigan Beer tax. :-)
If I strike a nerve, someone please tell me. Tee Hee
swez on 04/21/2005 19:36:51
Am trying to give you guys a heads up on what is going on behind the scenes with our elected and appointed officials. Yes, it comes off as a rant to some who think everything is just peachy right now. I can assure they are not from the perspective of most retired folks and people in mid-life crisis modes.
I am venting my frustrations because I have now become more aware of how whacked up things have gotten. A few years ago, I was in a high tech sales job. Sold ~$5,000,000 a year in products, got paid about $80,000/yr in salary, bonuses and perks. The company made a profit of roughly of ~$3,000,000. (after expenses) Of that profit, I got a whopping 2.7% gross earnings off sales in my territory. The company made a few huge financial blunders and had to cut back staff by >20%. That translated to about 23 people. So much for 13 years of solid performance on the job huh?
Now, live in Michigan where there are very few tech sales jobs available. Yes, there are plenty of $8-12.00/hr service jobs. But that won't pay the bills and keep my family above the waterline. Am I bitter about that? Yes! All those years of building a career as a Professional Sales Manager have gone right out the window. Time to start over I guess and make the best of a bad situation.
I think it will take Michigan a long time to rebuild its economy. Right now, it's a one note Johnny state... Automotive related biz is over 60% of our present economy. Many other mfging companies have pulled up stakes and left for the south or off shore cheap labor. Cannot say I blame them. They were getting taxed to death and high wages too. Those who remain, are getting taxed even more and new ventures are slowly gaining a foothold in biotech and related industries. However, it may take 10 years to put Michigan back on solid footings. Hense, I think it high time to relocate to a warmer climate and learn to live on a smaller budget.
Not a problem with me either. Just want to do what I do best and make a living wage in the process. Having a variety of skills and talents to offer, am looking for good opportunities to live a decent lifestyle again. It is tough to start over at almost 50 years old. That's what is eating at me guys. If you ever face this situation at the peak of your careers, you will know exactly what I am talking about. It's not a great place to be at this stage of life.
Swez
PS Am trying to keep a positive attitude... but the lack of opportunity and the many rejection letters I have collected, leave me wondering what to do next? In short.... very frustrated as I really want to be a difference maker on and off the playing field.
Brian, the beer prices do not bother me. But the high gas taxes, property taxes and lack of well paying jobs are bugging me a lot at the moment. I feel utterly trapped in a hole I cannot seem to climb out of. Very depressing at times. Who's hiring skilled Technical Sales folks these days? I'm all ears.
danielm87 on 04/21/2005 21:03:30
Amen Swez, a man like you with the technical A/V skills that you have should be able to get a GOOD paying job without much searching at all. Your knowledge alone should reap you great financial benefits, but the "system" isnt allowing it.
Minimum wage needs to go up. Teenagers working on minimum wage level need more money for gas, insurance, saving up money for college, etc.
Not to mention that fact that the value of the dollar is quickly being diminished.
I feel trapped in that same hole.
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ttocs on 04/22/2005 09:37:24
I just really cannot get into polatics due to the idea that they will do whatever it takes to get re-elected, just like I would....
swez on 04/22/2005 10:00:24
Well, if we don't get involved in politics, it will in time, run right over us. As Daniel87 put it so well.... they collect funds from Joe/Jane Americans like it's going outta style and then, funnel it off to places we would NEVER ?invest? in.
Anybody care to pay a few hundred grand to study the habitat and mating habits of the spotted owl in the NW forests? Well, they did and the study found a major population decline due to excessive logging of old growth timber. This study promptly stopped logging in the NW for years.
Further studies now show that the spotted owl is still on the decline, but they prefer nesting in McDonald's signs. They are not sure about the decline in population, but they sure were wrong about the birds' ability to adapt. Personally, I think they like the french fries better there.
Daniel, thanks for your response. It takes someone who has been there, to understand the gravity of how frustrating things can be. We cannot support 2 households, 2 growing kids and live a decent lifestyle on wages under $35,000 a year. Am trying to turn this frustration into motivation and get back into the game. Damn... it's very hard in the marketplace I reside right now.
For those who are doing well and have well paying jobs... I am happy for you. For those who have had a major finacial meltdown and are struggling to stay above the water line.... I have great empathy for you as well.
Swez
PS Are there good paying jobs in Austrailia, UK or Brazil?
gearhead on 04/22/2005 13:10:45
I tried the OZ route a few yrs. (15) back. Sent out 160 letters. Got about 20 replies. ALL of them emphasized that immigration to OZ isn't easy or automatic, and is generally only open to people with needed skills. Top-notch diesel mechanics weren't in that group at that time.
MrBrownstone on 04/25/2005 13:59:43
http://www.startribune.com/stories/535/5367911.html
unbelievable. Seat belts have been in operation since about the 1940s....you'd have thought GM would have perfected that by now, but evidently not
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