2010: Six Hairy Issues (and How to Solve Them)

These "hairy issues" are just symptoms.



1. Blaming regulators doesn't make sense. Greed and extreme self-interest are at the heart of people's problems in general, and the causes of many of the decisions resulting in our current position. Witness the power usurped from the Senate and Judiciary by the Executive branch over the past fifty years. Those same people hobbled regulators and imposed their wills to weaken the regulatory structure and further empower themselves.



2. The fact that money speaks louder than bullets in Washington is one avenue through which those self-interests are articulated. Part of this problem is the aggressive nature of the lobby industry; a key complement to it is the non-transparent environment in which lobbying must take place to be effective. If our representation is to be responsive to all constituents it cannot be for sale or otherwise influenced by financial strength alone.



3. That a corporation is afforded the rights of a human being is wrong. It has no conscience or purpose, other than to generate a profit at any cost, sometimes with catastrophically dangerous outcomes (thalidomide, tobacco, Ford Pinto...) A corporation's person status enables self-interested people to further reach for power by allowing them to do things through the corporation that would be unconscionable by an individual and/or illegal, and to only pay penalties when caught. When personal responsibility exits, a sociopath remains. This cannot be fixed with legislation; Sarbanes-Oxley's only good when it's enforceable.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

New Poll: Less Than Half Of Republicans Believe Obama Was Born In U.S.

I see a lot of sardonic, 'Duurrrrr' responses to this article but this many people making an "I don't believe" or "I'm not sure" statement shows that racism is a bigger problem than many people think.



Instead of saying "baaaaa, Repugs!" or the like, how about some ideas about what can be done about the racism problem. I don't want to live with it and I sure as eggs is eggs don't want my kids to have to live with it either.



This is a problem we can't "nyah nyah" away. And it won't improve on its own.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Privilege vs. Right vs. Will

I was drinking a cup of coffee with some friends this morning when we touched on some items in the news, specifically the Smuggling case in Laos and the highway shooting case in Arizona of a Speed Camera operator. It was kind of a rowdy conversation - we had touched upon an HMO's mis-diagnosis of a friend with rheumatoid arthritis, who was told she had Lime's disease and paid thousands of dollars for treatments which made no improvement, and on a local bank's requirement to provide fingerprints when cashing a customer's check for a non-customer (example: you go to a bank you don't bank at, such as oh say Bank of America with a check issued to you by a BOA customer, and you ask to cash that check.) Also, we covered the new phenomenon of restaurants charging for water and bread when we dine.

At times, there were murmers of 'big brother' and 'personal choice' but they were from different corners at different times.

It was generally agreed that:

1. the woman in Laos will unfortunately likely meet her fate there; dealing with local governments on their terms means dealing with the consequences.
2. the poor schlub in the speed camera van ought never have been harmed, although the opponents of speed cameras should probably be held as culpable as the man who pulled the trigger, since they provide an environment that encourages people to break the law by 'protecting their privacy.'
3. The HMO caused the woman additional pain and expenses by not running a thorough second diagnosis before putting her to treatment. Question of how the HMO might have benefited financially.
4. We all were a little revolted by the idea of giving up our fingerprints just to get a check cashed. It seems a way the bank can avoid providing service to 'non-customers.' Wonder how they would like it if all the landlords whose clients bank with them had to come in and withdraw cash instead of writing checks? Probably they would not care very much.
5. There were suggestions of posting the names of restaurants who are charging for 'amenities' like bread, water, and butter. Hopefully though this won't be necessary!

The klatch got me thinking as I drove home about the expectations we have as Americans in the North American society. We tend to think about things like gun ownership; driving; good medical coverage; a legal process that can get you off when you're in trouble; privacy, and free bread (and circus) as not only benefits of location but benefits everyone should expect.

Many folks took up the Briton in Laos' situation as 'a travesty,' for one reason or another taking the side that the government in Laos is barbaric and therefore something ought to be done for her. The fact that Laotian authorities have upheld this very widely publicized punishment on the books for years seems to deepen their 'barbarism.' I don't wish to judge the poor woman who finds herself in this fix, but Laos is a long way from home for her, and arguing she didn't know she was carrying over a half-kilo of heroin is disingenuous. You would notice if you were carrying an extra pound of anything. Do we have the right to flout a country's laws, or expect the leniency of our own courts in other jurisdictions?

A lot of folks look at driving as a personal right. I'm told that in some states, drivers whose licenses were suspended due to drunken driving are permitted to drive to and from their jobs during suspension, so that their work doesn't suffer for the penalty. People forget, we're allowed the privilege to drive, provided we do so safely. Which in turn means driving in the proper lanes, at the proper speed. Without alcohol or firearms in hand (firearms my addendum).

Do we have the right not to have our photograph taken when/if our vehicle exceeds the speed limit? Good question. I say, 'forget it. You're driving, it's a privilege, and if you break the rules you get what you get.'

Hopefully that opinion won't earn me a cap in my trunk.

The rest of it, well, sign's o'the times I guess. Restaurants and banks can cut their noses off to spite their faces, and HMO's will do what they do because.... well, they can. But it was a good morning, and I'm glad I went down to 'little Athens' to meet and klatch.

Make Skiing Helmets Mandatory ?

It had to happen at some point - a prominent public figure has a tragic end due to a ski-related injury.  OK, so we didn't pay attention when Sonny Bono or the Kennedy Cuzzin came to their ends, but let's be honest, we really weren't paying attention.  Maybe this time?  From Bloomburg:

Natasha Richardson’s death after a fall during a ski lesson in Quebec has renewed debate in Canada over whether all skiers should be forced to wear helmets, the Canadian Press said today.

The U.K.-born actress reportedly wasn’t wearing a helmet when she fell, and seemed fine immediately afterward, Canadian Press said. Richardson, 45, died in a New York hospital yesterday. A family statement didn’t give the cause of death.

A report released last year suggested that of the 26 ski deaths in Quebec from 1990 through 2004, 14 were the result of head injuries, and just two of those victims were wearing helmets, Canadian Press said.

Emergency room doctors called on Quebec last month to make helmets mandatory, and Quebec Sport and Leisure Minister Michelle Courchesne said she would consider the idea in time for next year’s ski season, Canadian Press said

.

Personally I cover my noggin, and my children's noggins, whenever any of us goes up to ski.  If others would do as well, perhaps this sort of thing could be avoided.

Mr. Peanut to do Perp Walk

Our great and good friends at the Associated Press released the news today that
Peanut Corp. of America owner Stewart Parnell ordered the shipments tainted with the bacteria because he was worried about lost sales.  What more can one say.

Peanuts the New Pinto

The New York Times reported this morning that the Peanut Corporation of America has closed a second processing plant; this one deep in the heart of Plainview, Texas.  Given the fact that the first plant in Georgia had 'problems' with its hygiene it's not too surprising that a second location would have it's own 'issues.'

As noted in the article (and widely reported) the roof on the building leaked so badly that workers erected tarps near the ceiling whenever it rained.  When they were there - meaning if it rained at night, well, anything that was up on the roof (bird droppings, dead animals, etc) would wind up draining off the roof and onto the peanut product and associated machinery.  Also noted was the fact that never-draining standing water was a daily fact in the building's basement.  Take peanuts, shelter, ample water and lax cleaning habits and you get:  rats and other vermin aplenty.  So the plant was not a shining example of the way to run a food-processing operation.  At least, as far as we consumers are given to believe.

Now, before the reader accuses me of going all paranoid about the way our country minds its P's and Q's (there are other better brains to do that work, for which I am grateful) consider the costs involved in running a filthy plant.  Right.   The costs are less than running a clean plant. And if those costs are compounded day + day + day, pretty soon you really don't want to do anything about the problem, except maybe clean up enough for the FDA to come through and hopefully not look to closely or carefully.  And if your're lucky that won't happen except, oh, every four years or so.

OK, now I'm starting to feel a little like Lewis Black, but hold on:  people run the plant, and people are basically good, so what up with that?  After you quit a place like that, you could call your local newspaper, write a blog, whatever, get it off your chest that you watched stuff like that go on.  Right?

Kenneth Kendrick, a former assistant plant manager of the Texas facility, said in an interview that the plant had a leaky roof, rodent infestation and poor process controls. A second former employee of the Texas plant, who asked for anonymity because of legal concerns, confirmed Mr. Kendrick’s descriptions of the plant and its processes. Mr. Kendrick left the plant about two years ago.

“This was a disgusting plant,” Mr. Kendrick said. “We cut corners.”

The plant always had standing water in its basement, Mr. Kendrick said. The roof leaked so badly that when it rained, workers were instructed to raise tarps to the ceiling to direct the water away from peanuts and plant equipment, the two said. Rain at night went unattended, they said.

So much for conscience here.  Anyway, at some point (if this story has legs enough) we'll find out what the management of the company did to evade detection.  Did they help stock the FDA's employee pool with friendly inspectors?  Discuss internally the costs associated with recalls?  The second item is worth a second or third look, given that the food industry tells the FDA when a recall is OK.

If you delay recalls long enough, the problem goes away - into the guts of consumers.  Sure, you pay off a few illness claims and death claims, but the product is sold, you got paid, and if the plant closes, heck, you can just take a few months off and re-open "Under New Management."

Gates Gets Elites Buzzed

With thanks to Slashdot's CmdrTaco:

"Microsoft founder turned philanthropist Bill Gates released a glass full of mosquitoes at an elite Technology, Entertainment, Design Conference to make a point about the deadly sting of malaria. "Malaria is spread by mosquitoes," Gates said while opening a jar on stage at a gathering known to attract technology kings, politicians, and Hollywood stars. "I brought some. Here I'll let them roam around. There is no reason only poor people should be infected.""

Like so many others Bill is really outshining his first life with actions in his second.

No More Waiting For The Peanuts to Dissolve

Peanuts,Food Safety

 

(With thanks to the late Mr. Frank Zappa for the title of this blog)

 

The Associated Press reports the number of producers who are recalling their peanut-laden goodies is increasing:

 

GKI Foods Inc. is recalling a variety of peanut candies, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. This is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems. No illness has been reported. The candies were available nationwide and sold under a variety of brand names. Details: by phone at 248-486-0055.

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Genisoy Food Co. is recalling Genisoy organic apple cinnamon soy protein bars, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The bars were available in grocery and specialty stores. Details: by phone at 888-436-4769; by Web at http://www.genisoy.com

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Eillien's Candies Inc. is recalling select jars of dry roasted peanuts, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The nuts were sold in drug, convenience and grocery stores. Details: by phone at 920-336-7549.

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Landies Candies is expanding its earlier recall of select chocolates, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The recalled candies were available in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia. Details: by phone at 800-955-2634.

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House of Flavors Ice Cream Co. is expanding its earlier recall of select ice cream products, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. Details: by phone at 800-930-7740 extension 2229.

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Kashi is recalling select granola bars, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The recalled bars were sold around the country in retail and club stores. Details: by Web at http://www.kashipeanutbutterrecall.com.

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Nutritional Resources Inc. is recalling select protein bars, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled bars were distributed to weight-loss centers and bariatric physicians in Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Louisiana, Arkansas, Texas, Nevada, California and Ohio. Details: by phone at 800-395-8931.

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Great Skott Foods is recalling select snack mixes, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. The recalled snacks were available at stores around the country. Details: by phone at 414-291-9977.

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Hershey Import Co. is recalling select snacks sold under a variety of brand names, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The recalled products have expiration dates between Jan. 1, 2008 and Jan. 29, 2010 and lot codes 7001 through 9029. Details: by Web at http://www.unfi.com.

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Ocean Spray is recalling select lots of Fruit and Nut trail mix products, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The trail mixes were sold nationwide. Details: by phone at 800-662-3263.

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Walgreen Co. is expanding its recall of peanut products to include a variety of trail mixes, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. Details: by phone at 847-315-2755.

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Prairie Farms Dairy is recalling two ice cream products, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The ice cream was sold in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Details: by phone at 800-421-3459.

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Hudsonville Ice Cream is recalling one of its ice cream products, because it could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. The ice cream was sold in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. Details: by phone at 616-546-4005.

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The Hain Celestial Group Inc. is expanding an earlier recall of one of its Ethnic Gourmet frozen foods, because they could be contaminated with salmonella. No illness has been reported. Details: by phone at 800-739-4838.

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Cherrydale Manufacturing LLC recalls Bartons, Cherrydale Farms and Haddington Farms products because they have the potential to be contaminated with salmonella. There have been no illnesses reported.

Letter to Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter

Greetings and good wishes for a safe and productive New Year.

I am writing today greatly saddened by the news that Israel has once again attacked a UN installation in the Gaza territory. This marks the fourth time that Israeli forces on the ground in sight of the target elected to train their arms on a humanitarian mission.

I would call your attention to the excellent radio program broadcast on NH Public Radio evenings at 9:00 PM, 'As It Happens.' Written by the Canadian Broadcasting Company, the international news is very different from domestic news sources. In particular, I call your attention to the first portion of the program from January 9th, in which both a journalist in Gaza and a former Israeli Air Force Captain. You can hear this program through the link on CBC radio's web site, http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20090109.shtml

It is becoming clear that US support of Israel is encouraging that country to disregard the conventions of Geneva, disrespect the International community in its agressions, and perhaps most importantly, to disrespect human life. All of this, in the name of 'making our people safe,' is too much to bear.

I think that Israel's thought processes are erroneous and dangerous. America's support of Israel weakens the safety of Americans at home and abroad, much the same way as America's incursion in Iraq made the world less safe for Americans. And America cannot continue supporting a position that kills people in foreign lands and makes our peoples less safe from the combatants.

I therefore ask you to please enter a resolution condemning Israel's actions in Gaza, and propose banning delivery of additional military hardware and technical assistance to Israel until all aggressions are ended.

Remember when you got drunk in your brother's house?

So, here's W.  stopping by someone's house.  The owner NEVER THOUGHT he could own a house.  But W thought everyone should have one.  So W made it happen.

That was 2001-2002, when W was looking for ways to stay popular (read: BEFORE  "911" became part of the excuse vernacular)

A clip from the past:

Darrin West could not believe it. The president of the United States was standing in his living room.

It was June 17, 2002, a day Mr. West recalls as “the highlight of my life.” Mr. Bush, in Atlanta to unveil a plan to increase the number of minority homeowners by 5.5 million, was touring Park Place South, a development of starter homes in a neighborhood once marked by blight and crime.

Mr. West had patrolled there as a police officer, and now he was the proud owner of a $130,000 town house, bought with an adjustable-rate mortgage and a $20,000 government loan as his down payment — just the sort of creative public-private financing Mr. Bush was promoting.

“Part of economic security,” Mr. Bush declared that day, “is owning your own home.”

A lot has changed since then. Mr. West, beset by personal problems, left Atlanta. Unable to sell his home for what he owed, he said, he gave it back to the bank last year. Like other communities across America, Park Place South has been hit with a foreclosure crisis affecting at least 10 percent of its 232 homes, according to Masharn Wilson, a developer who led Mr. Bush’s tour.

“I just don’t think what he envisioned was actually carried out,” she said.

Who knows what that mofo envisioned?  Not me.  Holy FuShizzle.

Sorry....I got caught

I try never (honestly) to judge people. And I hope I'm not doing that right now. But I just can't feel this plea is a little insincere.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Sarah Palin Turkey Incident: Does TV Interview While Turkeys Are Slaughtered In The Background (VIDEO)

I couldn't watch...after she started talking about what she's grateful for. Bet she's grateful she's not a turkey being mishandled in front of a tv camera.... hey, wait a minute....

As for grateful, I am. That she's back in Aye-Kay.

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

World Leaders Attend Bully Management, Show off Progress

Obama's Use of Complete Sentences Stirs Controversy

A source close to the New Yorker reported the President-elect's approach to the English Language in the verbal form may cause some confusion and perhaps raise question of his elitism:

In the first two weeks since the election, President-elect Barack Obama has broken with a tradition established over the past eight years through his controversial use of complete sentences, political observers say.

Millions of Americans who watched Mr. Obama's appearance on CBS' "Sixty Minutes" on Sunday witnessed the president-elect's unorthodox verbal tick, which had Mr. Obama employing grammatically correct sentences virtually every time he opened his mouth.

But Mr. Obama's decision to use complete sentences in his public pronouncements carries with it certain risks, since after the last eight years many Americans may find his odd speaking style jarring.

According to presidential historian Davis Logsdon of the University of Minnesota, some Americans might find it "alienating" to have a President who speaks English as if it were his first language.

Israelis Destroying Agricultural assets in Gaza

The BBC is reporting today that the Israeli army has entered the Gaza strip with tanks and bulldozers:

The Israeli military has launched an incursion into the Gaza Strip and clashed with Palestinian gunmen there.

Witnesses say the Israeli troops were accompanied by bulldozers which have been destroying agricultural land east of the town of Rafah, in southern Gaza.

There was no immediate reports of any injuries or deaths.

What can an attack on a peoples' food supply be interpreted as, other than terrorism?  The food grown does not act politically.  Israeli spokespeople said they were looking to disable landmines, but who plants mines with their tomatoes?

The US needs to re-think the support of this administration, or at least conditionalize it's support on more humanitarian practices.

Palin Calls Her Critics "Jerks," "Cowardly"

Interesting she waited to get back outside America's borders to make these comments.  Oh wait, I mean.... never mind.

Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Joe Lieberman To Be Stripped Of Committee Chair?

CT still seems to love this guy. I just don't understand it. If you're blue, and watched Joe, you should not have a lot of love for him, except if you think he hurt McGrumpy's chances by running around with his nose (heck, whole head) up McGrumpy's butt. And if you're red, well, watching this weasel try to reel back to the winning party ought to draw a fair amount of disgust.

Ostracism, after bankrupting him of any status of position held for the Democrats, is entirely appropriate. "Hangin's too good fer 'em."
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Post-Election Corporate Communications

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

Headlines Obama Doesn't Want To See In The New York Times Tuesday Morning

This just in: Obama is is own Grampa.
About Barack Obama
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

McCain Accidentally Agrees: Western Pennsylvania Is Racist

It is sad that people are so unforgiving of older err atic Americans who so desperately need psy cho logical.... hey wait a minute.... isn't that guy running for ... oh man.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost