An interesting question posed by one of my many wonderful opponents of Obama's existence, who expect (even though they don't expect) all the world's problems to be solved, our economic crisis ended (even though it took their guy 8 years to get it to this point) and the weight of guilt for being so racist for so long lifted (although it's going to take a lot more than that to reparate the wrong of your ancestors - and YOU).
Yet they scorn everything Obama. Why, I'm surprised they haven't even rode Michele harder just for getting out to get to know the people of Washington DC, the town where she is in effect the first citizen. Washington is, after all, the capital of the Federal District, just like Sacramento is the capital of the state of California. I'm surprised they haven't made a complaint about that.
Nor has the opposition presented an opposition plan of action to solve the problems. Perhaps like the child who shits in his pants, he knows how to make a mess but not how to clean it up without Mom. In this case, Mom is our government, doing what should be done and whose responsibility it is to do it, more than anyone else or like any other parent. No, thank goodness, we don't want a parental government, only a helping mature hand.
Whatever Obama is doing or does, it is what needs to be done. It may not work, it may create more problems. If anyone has a better idea (and old stale ideas don't count) let's hear it. Let's try it if it will work, i.e. put people back to work in relatively safe jobs where they can be productive and earn living wages and take care of their lives. Let's try it if it will increase home ownership and personal wealth without jeapardizing our financial capabilities. Let's try it if it will bring reasonable equity between rich and poor. I mean, it's OK to have something to strive for, for some to be rich and some not. But the system in this country is too much capitalism at the expense of those who are disenfranchised, at too much wealth that isn't justified by any means.
We need ideas that made the 1990s go: economic opportunity that everyone can get a piece of. Those who can't we must help, perhaps in other ways. Those who won't must be made to understand they must, it is their duty to a society that takes care of them. If that means lower wages and some live in relative poverty, then so be it. Everyone can't be on top. But at least the bottom will be a place where one can live in and with dignity, safety and peace of life, like every one of The Supreme Being's children were meant to live.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 - The Obama Era Begins
Happy New Year!
The year that everyone and everything has been predicting will be worse than 2008 is here! Welcome. I hope you find this year no more painful than last. On the other hand, you may find this the relieving moment in your life. Finally, we all came to understand the latter part of last year that our mindless conspicuous consumption formula for fueling our economy has no meaning that is fulfilling. Just buying stuff for buying stuff, just trying to prove you're richer than the next guy (while enjoying emotional bankruptcy), just projecting profit off the backs of tradition and sympathy that only follows an Anglo-Christian philosophy (better known as revisionist history), we find ourselves outspent, outwitted and broke.
So what many of us have learned or practiced this past Christmas season is restraint. We traveled less, spent less at Macy's, ordered less IPhones. No matter how much they marked down the price, we decided it's better to keep what little cash we have left in our pocket. So how will the 'greatest country on Earth' get outta this one? Well I guarantee it better not be by spending. But if we have to spend, let it be on job creation and production of goods and services which is purchased by those in the world who need it and want it. That should be the promise of globalization, that the machine that moved us in the 1840s and 50s, the 1870s, 80s and 90s, the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, and again in the 1990s can once again be the production engines that generate one dollar in work for every one dollar earned. Or at least earn half that.
As long is production is honed in our hands, the spirit and infrastructure and investment in our own people, not just in skill, but in hands, can produce the amount and kinds of things the world needs and wants from us. The world will buy from America; we just have to have something to sell that's worth it.
The year that everyone and everything has been predicting will be worse than 2008 is here! Welcome. I hope you find this year no more painful than last. On the other hand, you may find this the relieving moment in your life. Finally, we all came to understand the latter part of last year that our mindless conspicuous consumption formula for fueling our economy has no meaning that is fulfilling. Just buying stuff for buying stuff, just trying to prove you're richer than the next guy (while enjoying emotional bankruptcy), just projecting profit off the backs of tradition and sympathy that only follows an Anglo-Christian philosophy (better known as revisionist history), we find ourselves outspent, outwitted and broke.
So what many of us have learned or practiced this past Christmas season is restraint. We traveled less, spent less at Macy's, ordered less IPhones. No matter how much they marked down the price, we decided it's better to keep what little cash we have left in our pocket. So how will the 'greatest country on Earth' get outta this one? Well I guarantee it better not be by spending. But if we have to spend, let it be on job creation and production of goods and services which is purchased by those in the world who need it and want it. That should be the promise of globalization, that the machine that moved us in the 1840s and 50s, the 1870s, 80s and 90s, the 1920s, 1950s and 1960s, and again in the 1990s can once again be the production engines that generate one dollar in work for every one dollar earned. Or at least earn half that.
As long is production is honed in our hands, the spirit and infrastructure and investment in our own people, not just in skill, but in hands, can produce the amount and kinds of things the world needs and wants from us. The world will buy from America; we just have to have something to sell that's worth it.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
And What of Hil?
Well HIllary Clinton didn't do bad with her appointment to Secretary of State. But now that the election is over here's a comment from someone who would like to see more of her:
And Have We Commented on the Election?
First, let us comment on the stunning and decisive victory of President Barack Obama. Not only has he made history as the first African-American President of the United States, not only is he an inspiration and a generational change for our time, but he has uplifted the country in the Kennedy spirit like no one has since, well, the Kennedys.
And now, it's good I didn't comment (see my blog CNSaw where I speak of Obama and the then-ongoing election extensively), because one of my wishes appears might come true: Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg is now throwing her hat (or pillbox) in the ring for the New York seat in the U.S. Senate, with strong backing from New York's first African-American governor David Patterson (who has eyes on his continued legacy as well). If she is elected, she will bring instant credibility and honor to perhaps the most important office in Congress.
In addition, please note the other important development in what is perhaps the second most important office in Congress: the Illinois senate seat. The seed of two of America's most prominent Presidents, as well as a host of powerful political leaders in our history, this seat is poised to go (with the backing of the mayor of Chicago and the governor of Illinois) to Jesse Jackson, Jr., one of the upstart leaders of a new American government for the 21st century. As well a son of one of the icons of the 20th century, Mr. Jackson like his hopeful counterpart in New York brings Obama's change message to the floor in a meaningful and respected way, but with new ideas from their fathers that promises to transform America for the new century. We can only wish them all so well!
So my comment on the election? Goddammit America, Yes We Did!!!
A Hottest Contest to the Finish....
And now for the contest of who has the hottest newshoneys in the world: Germany or America. Or France or India. Hard to guess, I guess we'll have to have a beauty contest...
Just so you know, the contest was actually between Annika Kipp of DW News and Kiran Chetry of CNN. But as you can see, at the top, Julie Chen Melissa Theuriau can give them both one helluva run for their money...
Smokin' Housewives
Now this is a smoker: the hottest newswomen in the world. A blog all about them. We have some here, but just hit the title above to link to the site. Melissa Thuriau, Jackie Meretsky, Julie Chen, the list goes on. Oh well....enjoy
By the way, these are the most beautiful newswoman in the world. Hard to disagree....
By the way, these are the most beautiful newswoman in the world. Hard to disagree....
Tips for Those In A Tough Economy
Look to the Insurance Industry for Job Stability
by Dona DeZubeMonster Finance Careers Expert
In tough times, we all need tips to get, stay or hump ahead. From time to time I hope to bring those who may be seeking work ideas, and that they will share theirs with me. One area that has come to my attention is the insurance industry. Not one everyone thinks about when they go to college, but one so many of us work for when we get out. Here are some tips.
People may not think of insurance as the most glamorous industry in America, but it does offer stability, challenge and growth to those who choose the profession. “You don’t have a lot of college students graduating and saying, ‘I want to work in insurance,’” says Eric Schulting, enterprise recruiting and retention manager for State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Illinois. “But there are a lot of benefits and advantages in insurance that you don’t have in other industries.”
For instance, insurance is fairly recession-proof, because insurance companies tend to be fiscally conservative and Americans need insurance whether the economy is up or down. And since insurance firms are often mutual companies (meaning they answer to policy holders rather than Wall Street), they can launch sophisticated and aggressive information technology strategies, routinely support safety education and tend to have close ties to their local communities, Schulting adds.
The industry is not without challenges. If gas prices rise too high, consumers may decide to own (and insure) fewer cars, and fewer home sales mean fewer homeowners’ policies sold. When unemployment rises, so do theft and arson, and, therefore, hazard insurance claims.
Industry job growth is also limited by corporate downsizing, improved productivity due to new underwriting technology and a trend toward marketing by mail, telephone and Internet. At the same time, the industry is expanding into the sales of other financial-services products, such as securities, retirement plans and mutual funds. That trend is balanced by competition from banks that have entered the insurance market.
Retirement is also driving a strong hiring climate for the young: With so many of their employees rapidly reaching retirement age, insurance companies are on the lookout for all types of employees. “The biggest trend influencing hiring and employment in the insurance industry is the generational shift the talent market is going to experience,” says Sharon Rues Pettid, manager of human resources for a large national insurance company.
But there is hope for the old: Some insurance firms look beyond recent college graduates and also recruit mid-career professionals from the health, financial-services and call-center industries. “We hire doctors and nurses for underwriting,” says Clarissa Gilliam, corporate vice president of talent acquisition for another insurance organization. “We open our search to investment houses for our accounting positions and look for sales and marketing people who want to move over and learn insurance.”
At State Farm, call-center jobs are plentiful since the company does not offshore its customer-service representative (CSR) positions. However, competition for those jobs can be keen, because the pay is decent, the benefits are generous and job security is good, Schulting says. And multilingual CSRs are particularly in demand.
Actuaries and underwriters continue to be very much in demand, according to Pettid. “This unique skill set is challenging to find and provides a unique and defined career path,” she says. “Also niche product line expertise, such as group disability insurance, tends to be very hot and lucrative for candidates.”
The medical service and health insurance segments are the fastest-growing parts of the insurance industry, thanks to aging Baby Boomers buying health and long-term- care insurance, as well as annuities and other pension products. Growth may be slower in the auto insurance segment, where competition has resulted in rate declines in virtually every state, says a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
While some areas of insurance are projected to grow more than others, companies in all lines will continue to need support personnel in the years ahead, Gilliam says. “We don’t get to be successful at life insurance without having good accounting, corporate, compliance, public relations, underwriting, risk and tax people,” she says. “Life insurance is our brand and our product, but we’re a major, stable, successful, diverse employee-friendly company.”
Additional Articles on this subject:
Insurance Careers Home
Insider Tips for a Powerful Insurance Sales Resume
Sample Resume for an Insurance Sales Professional
Tips to Prepare for Your Insurance Sales Interview
Get Ready for Your Insurance Industry Interview
Insurance Industry Fueled by Finance, Accounting Professionals
IT Pros Can Find Variety of Jobs in Insurance Industry
Lawyers, Paralegals Work at the Center of Insurance
Job Q&A: Claim Team Manager
Opportunities Knock at State Farm Insurance
by Dona DeZubeMonster Finance Careers Expert
In tough times, we all need tips to get, stay or hump ahead. From time to time I hope to bring those who may be seeking work ideas, and that they will share theirs with me. One area that has come to my attention is the insurance industry. Not one everyone thinks about when they go to college, but one so many of us work for when we get out. Here are some tips.
People may not think of insurance as the most glamorous industry in America, but it does offer stability, challenge and growth to those who choose the profession. “You don’t have a lot of college students graduating and saying, ‘I want to work in insurance,’” says Eric Schulting, enterprise recruiting and retention manager for State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, Illinois. “But there are a lot of benefits and advantages in insurance that you don’t have in other industries.”
For instance, insurance is fairly recession-proof, because insurance companies tend to be fiscally conservative and Americans need insurance whether the economy is up or down. And since insurance firms are often mutual companies (meaning they answer to policy holders rather than Wall Street), they can launch sophisticated and aggressive information technology strategies, routinely support safety education and tend to have close ties to their local communities, Schulting adds.
The industry is not without challenges. If gas prices rise too high, consumers may decide to own (and insure) fewer cars, and fewer home sales mean fewer homeowners’ policies sold. When unemployment rises, so do theft and arson, and, therefore, hazard insurance claims.
Industry job growth is also limited by corporate downsizing, improved productivity due to new underwriting technology and a trend toward marketing by mail, telephone and Internet. At the same time, the industry is expanding into the sales of other financial-services products, such as securities, retirement plans and mutual funds. That trend is balanced by competition from banks that have entered the insurance market.
Retirement is also driving a strong hiring climate for the young: With so many of their employees rapidly reaching retirement age, insurance companies are on the lookout for all types of employees. “The biggest trend influencing hiring and employment in the insurance industry is the generational shift the talent market is going to experience,” says Sharon Rues Pettid, manager of human resources for a large national insurance company.
But there is hope for the old: Some insurance firms look beyond recent college graduates and also recruit mid-career professionals from the health, financial-services and call-center industries. “We hire doctors and nurses for underwriting,” says Clarissa Gilliam, corporate vice president of talent acquisition for another insurance organization. “We open our search to investment houses for our accounting positions and look for sales and marketing people who want to move over and learn insurance.”
At State Farm, call-center jobs are plentiful since the company does not offshore its customer-service representative (CSR) positions. However, competition for those jobs can be keen, because the pay is decent, the benefits are generous and job security is good, Schulting says. And multilingual CSRs are particularly in demand.
Actuaries and underwriters continue to be very much in demand, according to Pettid. “This unique skill set is challenging to find and provides a unique and defined career path,” she says. “Also niche product line expertise, such as group disability insurance, tends to be very hot and lucrative for candidates.”
The medical service and health insurance segments are the fastest-growing parts of the insurance industry, thanks to aging Baby Boomers buying health and long-term- care insurance, as well as annuities and other pension products. Growth may be slower in the auto insurance segment, where competition has resulted in rate declines in virtually every state, says a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute.
While some areas of insurance are projected to grow more than others, companies in all lines will continue to need support personnel in the years ahead, Gilliam says. “We don’t get to be successful at life insurance without having good accounting, corporate, compliance, public relations, underwriting, risk and tax people,” she says. “Life insurance is our brand and our product, but we’re a major, stable, successful, diverse employee-friendly company.”
Additional Articles on this subject:
Insurance Careers Home
Insider Tips for a Powerful Insurance Sales Resume
Sample Resume for an Insurance Sales Professional
Tips to Prepare for Your Insurance Sales Interview
Get Ready for Your Insurance Industry Interview
Insurance Industry Fueled by Finance, Accounting Professionals
IT Pros Can Find Variety of Jobs in Insurance Industry
Lawyers, Paralegals Work at the Center of Insurance
Job Q&A: Claim Team Manager
Opportunities Knock at State Farm Insurance
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
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