Archive for July, 2009
House adds cash to ‘clunkers’ program; Senate vote needed
Doesn’t the government own most of the auto industry now anyway? Did anyone bother to actually do the math to determine if $1 – $4 billion in costs actually result in any measurable decline in pollution or emissions? I’m guessing….no.
House adds cash to ‘clunkers’ program; Senate vote needed
Excerpts from article are in quotes:
“We will insist than any extension of the program requires that the minimum fuel economy improvement for newly purchased vehicles be at least 2 miles per gallon higher than it is under the enacted Clunkers program. It is also important to include lower-income consumers who are disadvantaged under the current program. So, we would also include a voucher for the purchase of fuel-efficient used vehicles,” they said in a joint statement late Thursday. “We believe that any extension of the ‘Cash for Clunkers‘ program must go further in advancing the goals of better fuel efficiency and greater emissions reductions. We will not support any bill that does not meet these goals.”
(Me) But of course….heck let’s just give everyone a car and call it a day.
“Some dealers had stepped back, worried the program would go broke before paying them. “If you don’t have an absolute guarantee of payment, you could be left floating a lot of money” in anticipation of federal CARS reimbursements, says Peter Greiner, a Ford dealer in Casper, Wyo.”
(Me) Smart man….your dealing with the government here….oh, by the way, did you also hear that they are working on a spiffy new health plan for all of us.
“Rules governing the program totaled 135 pages. They required dealers to register, then to fill out electronic forms after each transaction. Dealers had to guarantee that they gave the customer the appropriate discount, that they wrecked the engine in the clunker so it never could be reused, and that the non-running junker went to a scrap dealer.”
(Me) I’m sure every dealer read all 135 pages….I’m also sure that the government will audit that requirement…..anyone check eBay lately…..could be a lot of cars available. I wonder how many times the same car could actually be “re-claimed” for a rebate…..hmmmmmm.
Who is Responsible for a Deceased Relative’s Debts?
Interesting article, in our debt laden society, this is good to know 
.
If your relative leaves unpaid debts when he or she dies, do you have to pay?
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, surviving relatives usually have no legal obligation to pay the debts of a family member who has died. Generally, that person’s estate is responsible for paying his or her debts. But if there isn’t enough in the estate to cover the debts, they typically go unpaid.
After a relative dies, debt collectors may contact family members and ask them to pay their loved ones’ debts. The rights of surviving relatives are covered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which the FTC enforces. The FTC has developed a new consumer alert about this issue titled Paying the Debts of a Deceased Relative: Who Is Responsible? To learn more, go to http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt159.shtm.
Got cyber skills? Uncle Sam wants you
Posted by Kevin in Government on July 27, 2009
This is an interesting approach….if you have kids that are technology savvy, you may want to look into this program.
The US Cyber Challenge is looking for 10,000 young Americans with the skills to fill the ranks of cyber security practitioners, researchers, and warriors. Some will become the top guns in cyber security. The program will nurture and develop their skills, give them access to advanced education and exercises, and where appropriate, enable them to be recognized by colleges and employers where their skills can be of the greatest value to the nation.
Got cyber skills? Uncle Sam wants you
Healthcare Reform
Posted by Kevin in Government on July 24, 2009
I received the following email from Congressman Jim Hines. I found the paragraph I’ve highlighted in red particularly interesting. I agree with him….do I believe that the plan they will propose will be the same as what they have access to, not in a million years. I’m not claiming to have the answer to the health care issue, but I do think that if the government is going to take it over, the system they “inflict” on all of us should also be the exact same one that they (our representatives/congressmen) are required to use. I think that they’ve lost touch with the people they are supposed to be representing….it’s easy to dictate a solution to others that doesn’t apply to you. The cost issue should absolutely be considered throughout the discussion. I’d like 100% coverage for all medical services, be able to use any physician I want, cover prescriptions and not have to pay anything ……but you know what, that’s not realistic.
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Dear Friends,
The cost and inefficiency of our health care system is embarrassing. American families with insurance pay about $1,100 extra every year in insurance premiums to fund the care of 48 million uninsured patients. The U.S. ranks 42nd in life expectancy, and infant mortality and survival-rates for heart attacks in the U.S. fall well below the average for industrialized democracies. Worse yet, nearly 50 million Americans lack access to health insurance coverage, and unexpected health care costs are the leading cause of bankruptcy of American families.
Behind these numbers lie the stories of concerns real families face every day, and it is my job in Congress to help find a solution that addresses those concerns.
But in order to make an informed decision and find a solution that works, I need to hear from you. While most Americans have some form of health insurance, how that coverage will change and whether it will exist in a few weeks or a few years is a question that worries families, workers, businesses, students, and retirees across the country.
I’ve put together a space on my website dedicated to gathering information about your health care challenges. Whether you’ve been denied coverage because of a preexisting condition, have seen your health care premiums skyrocket, or have had to pass up an exciting independent business opportunity because you’re afraid of losing your health coverage, I need to know.
You should have access to the same kind of insurance that I have as a Member of Congress. I get to choose from a variety of plans from a number of companies, so that I can choose the level of coverage that is right for my family, with premiums and deductibles that fit into our budget. Who pays for health care is an important question but certainly not the only one worth answering—or fixing.
I am working to provide a uniquely American solution to the problems that plague our nation’s health care system, a solution that promotes choice and centers on the doctor-patient relationship. We need health care reform that lowers costs, guarantees a choice of doctors and plans, and assures quality, affordable health care for everyone.
If we do nothing, the problem will get exponentially worse. If we don’t get the fix right—if we treat the symptoms rather than the cause of this enormous problem— we’ll only make the situation worse.
Please click here to share with me what you like about your current health care situation, what you think should change, and what you’re unsure about.
Thank you for your time and attention.
The Verizon Prank: Look How Easy it is to Get the CEO’s Private Cell Phone Records and Address
Posted by Kevin in Technology on July 23, 2009
This is pretty funny.
John Hargrave tracked down Verizon CEO’s private address and cellphone number. Then he went to his home—megaphone in hand—to ask him to stop Verizon’s lousy privacy policies. The video is quite funny and his message is clear:
When we don’t have privacy, then freaks with bullhorns start showing up. Keep our phone numbers unlisted. Keep our cellphone records private. Keep us safe in your loving arms, Ivan.