Wednesday, April 11, 2012
DEBT LIMIT - A GUIDE TO AMERICAN FEDERAL DEBT MADE EASY.
Guess what I'll be showing my students next week?
We do need term limits
In response to this article in the dnj.
Vice mayor: Council needs experience, not term limits
I'm willing to vote for guys that have served far too many terms like Toby Gilley and Chris Bratcher, but that doesn't mean I am not for term limits. I hope that our city council will address this issue soon and have the courage to put term limits in place because its the right thing to do.
People in power are rarely ever for term limits, they say let the people decide. But everyone should know incumbents have an advantage in political races, and trust me, people in power know this. One must ask the question why someone feels the need to hold the same position for 20 plus years, is it the power? Is it the money? Because if its to help the people, you could do that by staying active once you leave office. I think its important that people serve and then find good people to replace them. I can sum up my opinion with "Politicians are like diapers, they must be changed often, and its usually for the same reason."
Vice mayor: Council needs experience, not term limits
I'm willing to vote for guys that have served far too many terms like Toby Gilley and Chris Bratcher, but that doesn't mean I am not for term limits. I hope that our city council will address this issue soon and have the courage to put term limits in place because its the right thing to do.
People in power are rarely ever for term limits, they say let the people decide. But everyone should know incumbents have an advantage in political races, and trust me, people in power know this. One must ask the question why someone feels the need to hold the same position for 20 plus years, is it the power? Is it the money? Because if its to help the people, you could do that by staying active once you leave office. I think its important that people serve and then find good people to replace them. I can sum up my opinion with "Politicians are like diapers, they must be changed often, and its usually for the same reason."
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Lack of Leadership
The House of Representatives unanimously rejected an alternative budget proposal based on President Obama's 2013 budget plan, no one, not even one democrat voted for this plan. How could a leader who, according to the media, is so popular, not get even one vote for his budget?
It really isn't a surprise, Obama's budget plans have a poor track record in Congress over the last year. In May 2011, 97 senators voted against a motion to take up his 2012 budget plan, with 3 not voting at all, so not even one senator voted for his budget then and I doubt they will any time soon either.
Make no doubt about it, we have some big issues we must deal with, number one in my opinion, is the budget because it relates to our national debt. I know that in my own house living with and without a budget is an issue, and when we do not have a plan, it gets worse. Of course its not as much fun when we are on a budget, I do not get to enjoy the loco tacos at Taco Bell, and I have to pack my lunch, but its what we must do, small sacrifices, in order to reach big goals. The same applies for out Federal budget.
We must live within our means. Maybe I should say that more loudly, WE MUST LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS! Because as my daddy used to tell me, the band must be paid after a night of dancing. Eventually the bills will come due. Most likely it will be my generation that will have to deal with these issues because those currently in charge refuse to deal with it. As I told Congressman Scott Dejarlais, I'm tired of seeing them kick the can down the road. In twenty years, if we make it that long, we will be facing the same issues Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy are now facing. It would be easier to make changes now, over a period of time, than to have to make them overnight at some date in the future.
But to do that it will take bold leadership. Leadership that can not be presently found in the White House or anywhere else in DC. Even the Ryan plan is not bold enough, but it is a step in the right direction. We can only hope that any step, even a small one, is taken soon.
Make no doubt about it, we have some big issues we must deal with, number one in my opinion, is the budget because it relates to our national debt. I know that in my own house living with and without a budget is an issue, and when we do not have a plan, it gets worse. Of course its not as much fun when we are on a budget, I do not get to enjoy the loco tacos at Taco Bell, and I have to pack my lunch, but its what we must do, small sacrifices, in order to reach big goals. The same applies for out Federal budget.
We must live within our means. Maybe I should say that more loudly, WE MUST LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS! Because as my daddy used to tell me, the band must be paid after a night of dancing. Eventually the bills will come due. Most likely it will be my generation that will have to deal with these issues because those currently in charge refuse to deal with it. As I told Congressman Scott Dejarlais, I'm tired of seeing them kick the can down the road. In twenty years, if we make it that long, we will be facing the same issues Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Italy are now facing. It would be easier to make changes now, over a period of time, than to have to make them overnight at some date in the future.
But to do that it will take bold leadership. Leadership that can not be presently found in the White House or anywhere else in DC. Even the Ryan plan is not bold enough, but it is a step in the right direction. We can only hope that any step, even a small one, is taken soon.
Monday, April 2, 2012
5 phone calls to make this year
I negotiated the fees and rates by saying, "I'm a great customer and I'd hate to have to leave but there are some other companies offer better rates, and then I'd ask them what they could do for me.
In a lifehacker.com article I first heard about this and the recommended you break the ice by asking a routine question, like, "I just wanted to confirm you received my bill on time." Then, highlight how long you've been a customer: "Can you tell me, how long have I been a customer? Do your records show that?"
At this point, it's time to ask for a rate reduction. Use this phrase: "Times are tough." Also, if you've done your homework, you can say, "X company is offering a better deal. I'd hate to have to switch just over a few bucks. What can you do for me?" If they won't budge, ask to speak to supervisor, or the customer retention department, who have the power to make changes.
The question most pose at this point is will it always work? No, in fact it took me a couple of tries, but in the end I found that a few minutes work on the phone saved me and my family a pretty good bundle of cash.
For your convenience, here are the direct numbers to call.
1. Cell phone (very easy)- Verizon Wireless: 1-800-922-0204
- ATT Wireless: 800-331-0500
- Sprint: Dial *2
- T-mobile: 800-T-MOBILE
- Gym Olympus (615) 895-0604
- Anytime fitness (615) 893-9464
- MAC (615) 396-0999
- Gold's Gym (615) 895-8162
- Comcast: 800-266-2278
- Direct TV: 1-800-494-4388
- See phone number on back of your credit card
- Geico: 800-861-8380
- AAA: 866 539-8033
- Allstate: 866 704 9900
- Progressive: 800-776-4737
- State Farm: 855-733-7333
- Cigna: 800-244-6224
- United Health: 800-328-5979
If you have any success let me know by posting a note here in the comments section.
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