2020 - Good Bye See Ya!

 

Federal Elections should have their own day and Process

The elections are over and I must say I'm totally disappointed in the election system of the United States. So many differences in the way to vote and extending counting days and mass mailings of ballots when not requested are just a few examples that are asking for problems.

Federal Government elections should have their own election day and the process should be standard for the country.

State and Local elections should have their own day and each state can set their own standards/processes for their state.

President Trump:

You blew it with your tweets and attitude. You could have been one of the best. The first debate sealed the deal for those voters sitting on the fence.

Covid Memorial at Senior Community - Why so many??

 As I sat in the in the back patio of what was my mother's senior home community I listened to the more that 70 names being read aloud at a memorial for those that have passed during the pandemic known as Covid.

April 16th was the day my Mom passed and I wondered WHY when I arrived at the home that an ambulance was there bring a patient back from a local hospital to continue being treated at a separate wing in the nursing home portion of the community.

I also questioned WHY the two make shift facilities in Metro Detroit that were specifically set-up to help the hospitals were not being fully utilized and are now gone just like the Mercy Ships in New York and California.

April 25th - "Detroit Free Press stated - Both local field hospitals for coronavirus patients — at TCF Center in Detroit and Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi — are open and treating patients, but the pace of admissions has been slow.

At TCF Center, a nearly 1,000-bed field hospital in the former Cobo Convention Center, 14 patients were being treated Saturday and a total of 34 patients have received treatment at some point in the last two weeks. At Suburban, which opened for patients Friday, two patients were being treated at the 250-bed field hospital."

This is a key fact - "The state paid nearly $8.2 million each for six-month leases at the two convention centers. The cost to build out the TCF center was $9.4 million. The cost to transform Suburban into a field hospital wasn't available Saturday."

WHY is it always about MONEY $$$. Is it possible Nursing Homes are getting paid by the state to take in patients?

WHY -

Michigan declined nursing home leader's idea to put COVID patients in vacant centers 

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/06/20/michigan-declined-nursing-homes-idea-put-covid-19-patients-vacant-facilities/3223213001/

WHY -

Michigan Gov. Whitmer admits flaws in controversial COVID-19 nursing home policy 

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/06/02/michigan-gov-whitmer-admits-flaws-in-controversial-covid-19-nursing-home-policy/

WHY -

TCF Center field hospital closes after last COVID-19 patient is discharged

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2020/05/07/duggan-announces-120-million-dollar-construction-work-detroit/3088184001/

WHY -

Whitmer's nursing home policy unfair to seniors and families 9/21/2020

https://www.thenewsherald.com/opinion/whitmers-nursing-home-policy-unfair-to-seniors-and-families/article_51efa7c6-f686-11ea-aef4-c3a03d7290fa.html

WHY???

won't Whitmer put an end to this horrible order"

Thank You Chief James Craig Part I

 With all of the militant protests and rioting that continues to engulf the United States there is one city that continues to stay out of the violent fray and that is Detroit. Most people above the age of 50 know well of the troubled past that Detroit has faced especially in the 1960s.

Police Chief and Deputy Mayor James Craig (Born and raised in Detroit) has served the citizens of Detroit since 2013. I can honestly say without a doubt he is the best Police Chief that has been in Detroit since my 60 + years.

The man has such strong devotion to what is right and what is wrong and follows the law with the best common sense when it comes to troubling times. He doesn't cater the the political right or left and he sees the situation as it is and approaches the solution in a systemic process based on facts and street sense. 

Example - Back in mid July Chief Craig's quick action (Within hours) in showing a video on all the local news channels of an assailant firing at police officers after fleeing from being arrested resulted in the person being killed. Prior to releasing the video social media as well as some of the major local networks were promoting another George Floyd situation in Detroit. Protesters began to gather but the Chief's quick response and leadership avoided the potential violent protest.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/detroit-police-chief-video-shows-killing-of-man-by-officers-was-justified-shooting/ar-BB16B5g5

another example - https://www.mlive.com/news/2020/07/detroit-police-release-video-of-fatal-officer-involved-shooting-of-suspect-in-deadly-drive-by.html

Thanks Chief for the great work leadership and kudos to the brave men and women in your command.

Education Reform - School of Choice

Most states  https://ballotpedia.org/School_choice_information_by_state

have had some form of school of choice since the mid-1990s.

I have written on this subject over the years and yet nothing has improved even with more and more dollars being thrown at the problem. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=school+of+choice

Seems like everyone is using the term "systemic" to define failures in a variety of areas affecting the country. One best understand what "Systems Thinking" is before using it to help them sound important or knowledgeable. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=systems+thinking

School of Choice is a sound strategy to engage in changing the education system but by itself it will not work. That has been proven since the 1990s. Systemic change requires to have all the parts of the system working together toward a common goal. I have shown the interdependencies required in the above graph.

Another way to explain is to understand the matrix below: Clic on Pic to ENLARGE

Dream - In a business setting you can replace Dream with "Vision"

WIIFM - What's In It For Me

Top Five List - Punks, Politicians and Violent Protesters

When I was growing up (14-18), I always kept a Top Five List of people/groups I disliked and would go out of my way to antagonize if encountered or bothered by them (And in each case I was). The list would change order if some event took place that would alter my opinion. Absolute Power is the worst.

1)  Carny Bums
2) Motorcycle Gangs – Outlaw/Highwayman
3) Punks/Bullies
4) Violent/Militant Protesters
5) People who hurt kids and old people

Obviously, age and years of experience have now changed my list.

1) Career Politicians who put party over country and common sense
2) Corrupt Religious People (especially abusers)
3) People who hurt kids and old people
4) Violent/Militant Protesters
5) People who abuse animals

We need to keep a "Spotlight" on these type of people.

C'mon Man are you serious? Biden student debt relief

Joe Biden: I Propose We Immediately Provide $10k In Student Loan Debt Relief!

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/joe-biden-propose-immediately-10k-210000916.html

C'mon Man are you serious?

Both my children are paying off student loans. I am not paying for others choices to make a decision about their finances - good or bad. BINGO!

Wait!! -  I will vote for you if you pay off my house, car and credit card debt. And, my portion of my taxes that will be used to pay off the money used to pay for student debt relief.


More on student debt - https://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=student+debt

April 2nd is World Autism Day

With the Global Covid 19 virus I can't help but wonder about all the routine movements, processes and help that is now so fragmented for people on the spectrum. Perhaps, others can now learn what it is like to have your "normal" life in such a disarray. Autism people have known this kind of stress their whole lives.

While sitting at home with the rest of the world I found this movie that was really good about an English lad who has autism. Check it out!

https://agoodmovietowatch.com/brilliant-young-mind-2014/

And of course I really like the Good Doctor.

April 23 - Update

I was sent (Thank you Matthew) this link
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/internet-safety-guide-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/
that provides valuable information about internet safety for people with ASD.

Click link below for all my posts on Autism over the years. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search/label/ASD%20-%20Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorders

or on the ASD Label (Left Sidebar) for more of my posts on Autism.

Lowering taxes does not cause the national debt to increase.

As I continue to watch the young adults today flock to the "Free" agenda of many of the presidential candidates I wonder what generates such thinking.

Please remember, lowering taxes does not cause the national debt to increase. It is Government Spending that causes the National Debt to increase!

I suppose I can look back when I was young and did not like the fact I had nothing much in the sense of monetary worth and I resented those that had many possessions ( House, Boat, Summer Home, etc...).

The one thing that woke me up to the real world was when I received my first decent paychecks and was shocked at the amount of taxes that was taken out of my check. Not only the amount but how many different taxes comes out of a single paycheck.

I am always willing to pay my fair share but when you throw in all the other taxes it gets to be ridiculous. 
http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/a-list-of-97-taxes-americans-pay-every-year

So, all of you young folks that want the government to take care of you and raise the taxes even more you will lose in the long run. Why? because many of you at some point in your life will work hard for a living and some of you will also have children. Parental instincts will kick-in and you will want to provide for you family. In addition, when the politicians raise the "Death Tax" for most Americans there will be no money to leave you when your parents die. You would be wise to look at the big picture and realize you lose in the long run if you think "Big Brother" will take of you.

Stock Market/Covid 19 - Februaury 2020

After last week's Stock Market crash I wonder where our 401K's, Pension Plans and Retirement Accounts would be today if it were not for all the great economic policies achieved in 2019?

Fox News -  Charles Payne also believes Bernie Sanders rise in Polls is also causing markets to get nervous. I tend to agree.

Student Loan Debt, Free College - Angry Dad Confronts Warren

February 14, 2020
Angry dad rips Elizabeth Warren over student loan plan: 'Am I going to get my money back?' - OF COURSE NOT!!!!
This Dad is spot on and this question is for all you politicians wanting to buy votes from young students who have no idea what is to live in a word where you pay mortgage, car and other debts.
Angrydadripswarren
In fact, I am waiting for a politician to offer to remove my 30 year old home mortgage debt and my car debt. They both strap me financially. What is the difference? The difference is I did what this Dad did and saved and sacrificed to help my children with college. They still have debt but they also have jobs to pay for them just like I did for my debts.

Here is another insane idea!
Ilhan Omar Pushes 'Truly Ignorant Idea': Give GI Bill Benefits to Americans Who Never Served https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/02/rep-ilhan-omar-wants-gi-bill-for-all-americans/
I went to college on the GI Bill and I earned it for my service. It was not free! Later (After Vietnam) they changed the Bill (I don't agree) and each veteran can put money in to an account and the government will also add money for college. I also "WORKED" for a company that offered tuition assistance and along with the GI Bill I earned three degrees and multiple certifications.

Below is a post I wrote last March on Student Debt.

March 2019,

While I do not have student loan debt both of my children do because they needed them for Graduate degrees. My wife and I were fortunate to pay for their bachelor degrees but it was up to them to pay for additional schooling. In order for me to pay for their undergrad degrees at Michigan State (9+ years for two) I refinanced my house. So my debt when in to my home and I am still paying off my mortgage. This was my decision and I'm paying it off in additional years of mortgage payments. If the Democrats want to cancel current studnet debt or reduce it by $50,000 then I want my house paid off too. 

According to a new report (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-student-debt-serious-delinquency-140103419.html), outstanding student loan debt continues to rise and now stands at $1.46 trillion. The alarming stat is student debt delinquency. Apparently, about 11 percent of student debt is 90 days delinquent or in default. The most alarming age group transitioning into this category at the fastest pace is 40-to-49-year old’s; that’s partly because of parents borrowing to pay their children’s educational expenses. This is very dangerous especially for students who attend For Profit Higher Learning Institutions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_for-profit_universities_and_colleges).

My biggest complaint is the cost of tuition continues to rise, and colleges and universities don't seem to want to deal with the increasing cost of tuition. In fact, why should they? People continue to pay it and state and federal dollars keep giving them money with no means of checking accountability.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics - the number of students projected to attend American colleges and universities in fall 2018 is 19.9 million, which is higher than the enrollment of 15.3 million students in fall 2000, but lower than the enrollment peak of 21.0 million in fall 2010 (source). Total enrollment is expected to increase between fall 2018 and fall 2027 to 20.5 million.

With the economy doing well and many employers needing workers my hope is people will once again be given on the job training or vocational training assistance that does not require a 4+ year degree. This will drive the traditional 4-year colleges to cut their expenses and many to close which should because they guarantee nothing other than student debt that comes with many negative tentacles for the student going forward in their lives.

A leading student financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz estimates that more than 25% of borrowers are graduating with "excessive" debt. He explains that this debt load significantly influences how many borrowers live their lives. "I also found that students who graduate with excessive debt are about 10% more likely to say that it caused delays in major life events, such [as] buying a home, getting married, or having children," Kantrowitz wrote.

Mr. Kantrowitz is right on – While my son (Mid 30’s) has a good job he does not own a home, is not married and has no children. These are the negative tentacles that are hurting the future growth of the United States.

More statistics - https://studentloanhero.com/student-loan-debt-statistics/

Reduce College Debt - My solution is to have all College Administrators and staff reduce their salaries based on the success rates of their students finding jobs after graduation. Stop all construction of new buildings (Especially Athletic) that can not prove to help students get proper training and jobs.

Free College - Not sure this can be done but if we could this would eliminate the high cost of administrative salaries. In addition, lower the salaries for the coaches and bring back the true nature of "amateur" college athletics. Go to the pros if you want the money (Coaches and Players).

Trump is becoming a Counterpuncher - Pelosi is a Haymaker

This week has been one for the record books in the political arena. Back in September of 2017 I wrote the below post. The antics of this week reminded me of the post. At times I get disgusted but mostly I'm starting to laugh at all these people. I will say ripping up the State of the Union Speech was the lowest act yet (Haymaker) and that person from California needs to go.

https://newsthud.com/jonathan-turley-says-nancy-pelosi-must-resign-after-disgraceful-conduct-last-night-shameful-and-inglorious/

I will repeat what I have posted before. 

California should be their own country, so many problems would go away.
We really need to consider "Term Limits (Congress 8 years, Senate 12 years)." If not, then we need to cut the pay to a Middle Class Income ($75,000) with no lifelong benefits and perks. Stipends are OK and anyone receiving handouts, kickbacks or financial backing is to be immediately removed.
 I used to believe this statement:

 I do vote for different people but others just stay the course.

https://qualityg.blogspot.com/2019/07/enough-nvfi-no-vote-for-incumbent-in.html
Updated - September 24, 2017

President Trump is a counter puncher – Sorry - Nope - No Way!

C’mon, - this is ridiculous - No counter punching here just a wild Haymaker hoping to land but it did nothing but destroy yourself.  

The “sons of bitches” who knelt for the national anthem should be fired. Why do you need to be so divisive?”

This would have gone its way and was already petering out with just a small amount showing their disapproval.
As President there are “way” too important issues facing our country that you are trying to accomplish. I want Obama Care replaced. I want Tax Reform, I want a stronger immigration policy against those who have committed crimes and I certainly want North Korea to stop shooting missiles.

Instead of trying to unite democrats and republicans you taunt. Instead of letting a diplomatic solution take place with your cabinet people you taunt the ones they need to negotiate with for settlement.

You make everyone’s jobs harder and that is just not good!!! 

I always remember a few lines from the movie Braveheart: 

Robert the Bruce: Now you've achieved more than anyone ever dreamed, but fighting these odds it looks like rage, not courage.

William: It's well beyond rage. Help me. In the name of Christ help yourselves! Now is our chance, now! If we join, we can win. If we win, well then we'll have what none of us have ever had before; a country of our own. You are the rightful leader and there is strength in you. I see it. Unite us. Unite us. Unite the clans!

You are the rightful President – Unite us as a country – you have a chance to do great things but all you do is throw barriers in your own way.

August 18, 2017,

I have heard this statement time and time again referring to President Trump. Trumpnocounterpuncher

People make this statement "Haymaker"/"Counterpuncher" (Boxing References) because they feel every time President Trump is criticized he fires back with both barrels at the attacker. This is not counter punching this is just stupid. Why? Because it is a reaction that has not been thought out or is based on any experience other than a reflex action responding to a threat. In fact, it leaves you open for a counter-punch.

I have been involved with Boxing for over 55 years and a good counter puncher is one who has a plan and a sense of purpose in trapping their opponent by making him miss and then going on the attack. He is the patient boxer that simply stands there waiting for you to make the first move. For every punch that you throw, he has the perfect answer. He relies on the opponent's own aggression to draw him into a perfectly set trap.

Successful boxers who use this style must have great reflexes, ring intelligence, punch precision and excellent hand speed. Willie Pep, Archie Moore, Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather are all great examples of great counter punchers.

President Trump you are being counter punched by the idiot pundits and news agencies. So what should you do? You beat a counter puncher by out thinking your opponent.  Counter punchers sit back and wait for you to throw the first punch. Their goal is to exploit any openings in your attack. You need to develop a systems thinking persona and consider the whole (How will my response affect others) instead of just the piece (Personal attack).

http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=systems+thinking

It takes time and experience to become a good fighter and I believe the same for being a good political fighter. President Trump is new to this arena and needs to rely on his political aides who have experience until he learns the ropes. 

If he can remain patient and learn -  he will then be a force to reckon with -  but for now he is just a punching bag.

Bob Seger Launches You Tube Channel

Legendary Detroit rocker Bob Seger has launched an official YouTube channel, with the first featured video being a lyrical video for "Night Moves."
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bob-seger-youtube-night-moves-936136/

For me personally, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullett Band (aka – The Last Heard and Bob Seger System) will always be the best. I have been a fan since I first heard (1966) “East Side Story” and Persecution Smith.” I was hooked forever when I heard “Heavy Music” and a year later “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” 

I will always remember finishing my morning paper route and having breakfast at Connor's Diner where I played Seger songs over and over on the juke box that was in each booth.

Even though I have not seen him in many moons my cousin Chris continues to play Bass guitar for the Silver Bullet Band.

U.S. National Debt - Who has the GUTS to speak out and actually do something!!

Please remember, lowering taxes does not cause the national debt to increase. It is Government Spending that causes the National Debt to increase!
1/2/20
I started this Post last year and I'm going to keep doing each year until someone starts to address this problem. Certainly, the Spending Bill passed in December keeps us going in the wrong direction.

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2019/12/17/house-passes-1-4-trillion-spending-bill-despite-conservatives-criticism/

Of course it is an election year and all potential candidates have to promise everything to everyone for Free - Ha!!

1/3/19
No politician wants to "seriously" talk about the national debt. No politician wants to cut spending. They want the quick fix by raising taxes which hurt the middle and lower wage earners.

For once I hope a politician will come forward and concentrate on this national problem that continues to grow by the second...

http://www.usdebtclock.org/index.html

Want to know who really is going to pay for all this?

Yep, your grandkids and mine.