Re: Debt Is Holding Back Economic Growth

What I have not heard is specifics. I believe we have had enough agreements to reduce the deficit. Both parties have historically spent more than we took in and the current president is no more responsible for the deficit than previous presidents. I believe it is said Bill Clinton had balanced budgets. I doubt it but that is what I have heard.

It is time for specifics time for hard numbers. It is time to accept that the rich do not create jobs. If they do where are the jobs? They are in other countries. Both parties must change leadership. Current leadership has shown themselves not up to the job. We need new ideas. We need jobs that pay livable wages.   

The last war our military fought for our freedom was WWII. Since then we have defeated small countries and tied or lost to those who can defend themselves. Our military is not the solution. Our military needs to be brought home from around the world and the defense department needs to have a major reduction in their budget.

Economic strength is what will lead now not the military. 

I encourage you and your fellow representatives to stop playing games, appoint new leadership and solve the issues. So far Obama sounds more reasonable than the Republicans do and more ready to compromise. Politics requires compromise. 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/ 
          http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

No amount of observations of white swans can allow the conclusion that all swans are white, but the observation of a single black swan is sufficient to refute that conclusion.

Karl Popper

On Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 10:30 AM, Congressman Phil Roe <rep.roe@mail.house.gov> wrote:

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Website | About Phil | First District | Constituent Services | Newsroom | Issues | Legislation | Kids Page Debt is Holding Back Economic Growth The national debt continues to rise to ever more dangerous levels and has now reached over $15 trillion – officially surpassing the size of our economy at 100 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).   The unsustainable amount of government debt is so high that it is straining economic growth.  We must get serious about enacting spending cuts that put us on a sustainable fiscal path. Instead of reining in spending, the president has asked Congress to raise the debt ceiling again. That is why this week the House of Representatives will vote on a resolution to disapprove of the administration's request for an increase in the nation's debt ceiling – another "sign of leadership failure," in the president's own words. This vote is in response to the administration's reckless spending binge that has driven America's economy down a disastrous fiscal path and hurt job creation at a critical time for middle-class families and small businesses. Under President Obama's watch, the government has accumulated the three largest annual budget deficits in our nation's history.  Over $4.6 trillion has been added to the national debt since Obama took office, which is the most rapid increase of any president.  Additionally, there was a 25 percent increase in non-discretionary spending by the president when Democrats controlled both the House and Senate.  According to the U.S. Census, every American's share of the national debt stands at $48,699. Economists continue to warn that our nation's economic growth is constrained.  The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Director Douglas Elmendorf has said that the growing debt puts us at risk for a "sudden fiscal crisis."  CNBC's John Carney recently chimed in about the deficit officially surpassing 100 percent of GDP saying that it "has serious implications for economic theory." He goes on to say that "public-sector debt in the U.S. grew from 58 percent of GDP in 2000 to 97 percent in 2010. That almost certainly puts us beyond the threshold where our debt is restraining economic growth." With the upcoming budget that is due on February 6, the president has another opportunity to offer a serious, credible plan that lays out how we are going to get this country's fiscal house in order.  Congress, along with the president, needs to come to an agreement that leads to stabilization and declines the ratios of federal government debt to GDP and debt to revenue. I came to Congress to get our nation back on track and that includes making the tough decisions that will put us on a path to prosperity.  We must end our annual budget deficits and lower the debt if we want to see sustainable economic growth.  Even the president admits that if we fail to do this, it could lead to a double dip recession.  Now is the time to enact spending cuts because our national security is at risk if we do not lower the deficit. Please feel free to contact my office if we can be of assistance to you or your family.  You can contact my office by mail, email or phone.  Our contact information can be found on our website, www.roe.house.gov.    CONNECT WITH US E-News Sign-up Forward to a Friend Contact Phil TAKE A SURVEY Do you approve of the president's request to raise the debt ceiling?  Yes, we should raise the debt ceiling. No, we should not raise the debt ceiling. I am unsure at this time.            Choose Your Answer Washington, DC Office 419 Cannon House Office Bldg Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-6356 Fax: (202) 225-5714 Kingsport Office PO Box 1728 Kingsport, TN 37662 Phone: (423) 247-8161 Fax: (423) 247-0119 Morristown Office 1609 College Park Drive, Suite 4 Morristown, TN 37813 Phone: (423) 254-1400 Fax: (423) 254-1403

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On the subject of “Jobs"

On the subject of "Jobs:" The number of jobs is not the measurement. What are needed are jobs that pay livable wages. Today, a family of four the two adults can each work full-time at Wal-Mart and still be around the poverty level.

 

On the subject of livable wages the United States cannot compete with other countries because the wages those countries pay are not livable wages in this country. When Congress approved NAFTA the jobs left. Anyone with any common sense knew that would happen; apparently anyone but our government.

 

To bring jobs with livable wages back any benefit corporations receive for sending the jobs out of the country must be taken away. For example: I read an article that reported that Steve Jobs told President Obama that Apple had 700,000 jobs in China because he could not find 30,000 engineers in this country to work with that number of manufacturing employees.  A tariff should be added to every product made in China that causes the price to the consumer to be higher than if it were made in this country by people being paid livable wages.

 

Corporations currently receive tax benefits for moving their jobs to other countries. Corporations either should receive tax benefits for keeping those jobs in this country OR penalties should be assessed to every corporation who have senior executives living in this country but have jobs in other countries. Let those senior executives live where their jobs are. Let them live where they send the jobs.

 

Republicans want to keep taxes as they are on the rich because you claim raising taxes on those rich friends will hurt the creation of jobs.  That may have been the case in the past but that is not true today. If it were WHERE ARE THE JOBS THOSE RICH FRIENDS CREATED?

On the subject of SOPA and PIPA.

On the subject of SOPA and PIPA. Why do we consider piracy wrong online or otherwise? Could it be morality causes us to think that way? If that is true, people in other countries not raised with Christian/Judeo morality are not influenced by them.

 

The Secretary of Education in Ukraine said their children have no character, no ethics, and no morals. So he asked a group from the United States by the name of "Easter European Missions" (the organization smuggled bibles into the USSR) to help them. Today Ukraine is using the bible to teach character, ethics and morals to their children in their public schools. While the United States bans such teaching Ukraine is looking to the bible for help.

 

By the way how do you get "separation of church and state" from "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;"? Not making a law that establishes a state religion does not prohibit the government from practicing a religion or even using its literature. No law is the secret.  

Perfection is not sufficient.

Ten percent of the applications to Harvard are from people who got a perfect score on their SAT. About the same number are from people ranked first in their class. More than a thousand in each group are rejected by Harvard every year. Perfection is not sufficient. Being qualified is not reason enough for someone to hire you. 

Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

For years corporations have been mechanizing production and reducing jobs. Jobs requiring manual labor have been dropping for years. Jobs for machine operators and paint sprayers as well as a variety of trade jobs have been replaced with automation in order to lower costs. As we all know, lowering costs produces obscene bonuses for chief executives and other senior managers.

Since the jobs being eliminated belonged to a class of people we found easy to ignore and because we were not affected we rationalized. It was efficient to eliminate blue-collar jobs; it made us competitive; it was progress.  

Now thanks to the information revolution the jobs disappearing belong to us. Suddenly we care about the jobs that are disappearing. The jobs of people who had followed the rules; who had done what they were told to do; have disappeared most likely permanently.

Remember Martin Niemöller’s quotation:

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out –

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

Water and Grain

http://www.earth-policy.org/indicators/C54/grain_2012 

eMail sent to Senator Lamar Alexander:

Your pride is misplaced on the subject of closing an online sales-tax loophole. It helps your rich friends to the detriment of your constituents which supports my assertion that you and your political cohorts are in bed with corporate America.  

Concerning a Balanced Budget Amendment to force President, Congress to balance the federal budget illustrates how unaccountable our government is. If Congress wanted to balance the federal budget it would. It does not take an amendment it takes ethics, honesty and common sense all of which are in short supply in our government. Bill Clinton had a balanced budget. Republicans screwed it up.

On the subject of exporting American-made products – not American jobs is a conundrum. Following the congressional approval of NAFTA jobs left the country. Your rich friends exported those jobs and received obscene bonuses for their efforts. Now you want to give your rich friends more money to make minimum wage jobs. This country cannot compete with wages paid in those foreign countries.  

Articles on you becoming governor, stopping the government from requiring new stop signs indicate how you spend your time on the little things because you and your party cannot face the real problems.

Helping the senate function better requires dissolving the senate and starting over. You act like a union with your overwhelming concern with seniority and good-old-boy-networking.

Your efforts to speed up assistance to Tennessee's storm victims shows how dependent people are upon government to do everything for them. How would the government have responded when George Washington were president?

I do not expect a response from you because unlike Senator Corker and Representative Roe you are too busy to respond to the voters. 

Repetitious Redundancies

Repetitious Redundancies.......We should carefully scrutinize each and every word for recurring, superfluous, redundant and unnecessary repetitions. Maybe perhaps the various and sundry statements are true and accurate but they become ridiculous nonsense when repeating again identically the same thought, often with immediately adjoining words. How often have you heard of a Jewish rabbi, an unknown stranger, or an unmarried bachelor? These expressions are different varieties of the same troublesome problem and may potentially conjure up the possible existence of a Buddhist rabbi, a familiar stranger, or a wedded bachelor. We need to reflect in our minds what we are saying with the words we choose and select. Occasionally, from time to time, superfluous redundancies do more than merely obscure neat and tidy expressions. They, perhaps, may leave an idea in your thoughts of a distinction where no distinction should exist. Both "baptized Christians" and "believing Christians" are used when the word "Christian" is ample and adequate. Such unnecessary redundancy opens the door to the possibility of Christians existing without faith and baptism. We need to be clear that the only way to become a Christian is by coming to faith and expressing that faith in the obedience of baptism. In the same way, we carelessly speak about "true facts" leaving open the possibility of facts being separate from truth. While the world has embraced pluralism and denies a single meaning of truth, Christians should hold onto real meaning and the certitude of truth. Facts are true, and truth is comprised of facts. Truth and facts are the same. We must not compromise truth with sloppy language.

Bachmann Ending her GOP campaign

Isn't it curious that a person intending to improve the country gives up because the people of one state do not vote for them. The truth is the people of Iowa verified what the candidate knew all along. The people of Iowa did the country a favor by getting  a narcissist to go home.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice."

Bill Cosby

Elected officials are out of touch with The People.

Capitalism is an economic system distinguished by certain basic characteristics. Capitalism is the drive to earn profits, invest them, innovate, and grow the economy.

 

 In the 1950s the chairman of presidents Council of Economic Advisors said

 

"The American economy's ultimate purpose is to produce more consumer goods."

 

In 2001 President Bush included shopping in the daily activities that he said were the

 

"ultimate repudiation of terrorism."

 

When the country was in shock the president told us to keep shopping.

 

Most environmental deterioration is a result of systemic failures of the capitalism we have today. Infinite economic growth is not sustainable. Capitalism's need for profit requires a culture of consumerism to support it. Capitalism as practiced in the United States is not sustainable.

 

In 2009 the Happy Planet Index produced by The New Economics Foundation rated the United States at 114^th of 143 countries evaluated. In 1957, 35 percent of the citizens of the United States rated themselves as "very happy" a level we have not reached since.

  

Some aspects of capitalism do not work well for the majority of the people or for the environment.  In 2008 the average full-time Wal-Mart employee was paid $10.84 an hour, $19, 165 for the year for the 34 hour workweek and $2,000 below the poverty level at the time.  In 2007, the Wal-Mart CEO was paid $29.7 million. More than 1,500 times the annual income of an average full-time Wal-Mart associate and he was not even a Walton.

 

Sam Walton deserved everything he received. He had developed a better mousetrap. No one involved with Wal-Mart since then deserves anything like that CEO. Due to the low wages the United States taxpayers subsidize that bloated salary by paying for healthcare, Medicaid, food stamps and subsidized housing for Wal-Mart associates.

 

The number of jobs is not as important as the number of living wage jobs. The conundrum is most likely our representatives and senators relate more to the CEO than the associates. Our elected officials are out of touch with The People. 

 

 

Ron Paul Wouldn't Back His Rivals

Any Republican who does not support the Republican candidate is voting for the Democratic candidate. Interesting mindset: "If I can't have my way I will not play." Remember those days?

 

Speak No Evil of a Fellow Republican

The Republican race is now between Romney and Paul. The rest have viloated the golden rule to speak no evil of a fellow republican. I like Romney's response to Paul. I like Paul's responses. We have over 1,200 military bases in over 120 countries. That needs to be changed. We need one friend in the Middle East and that friend must be Iran. They are the only country that can support us with military and oil. Israel is no longer strategic to the United States.

EMail to Sen Corker Subject:bill, S.1798, the Open Burn Pit Registry Act of 2011.

I believe studies, research etc show individuals are less likely to take responsibility for an action or inaction when others are present. Members of groups above a certain size when responsibility is not explicitly assigned assume others are responsible or any necessary action has been taken.

Twelve years ago before initiating the use of open-air burn pits to dispose of waste materials the commanding officer of the unit initiating the process should have asked the appropriate questions. Anyone with common sense and hopefully anyone with command authority would know or at least suspect that burning plastics, Styrofoam, metal, chemicals from paints and solvents, petroleum and lubricants, jet fuel, unexploded ordinance, etc could be hazardous to one's health.

Now due to their failure people who trusted them are experiencing health problems and very likely will experience premature death. Historically concern for our troops is more rhetoric than anything else even that of the voter.

So, with your effort with the bill you mention I encourage you to investigate and determine who is responsible for placing our troops in unnecessary danger. In football when roughness is classified as unnecessary penalties on the individuals responsible are meted out. I encourage you to do the same for this unnecessary danger to our troops. It is bad enough one has to deal with the enemy trying to kill you. Having to protect yourself from your own government and especially your immediate command is unacceptable.   Heads must roll!!

How quickly this bill is passed by congress will let the voters know if congress is concerned about the military or if their concern is just more rhetoric.

Thank you for your email and your efforts on the subject.

Attendance at GSMNP is Down and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Cannot Afford It

8,537,228 are a lot of people. The decline has been apparent for a number of years. While at times traffic is bad it has not been as bad as had been years ago. Dollywood is getting old. The Wild Eagle is like putting lipstick on a pig. When Dolly is no longer actively involved with Dollywood I expect Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation will try to sell it and find, due to their lack of maintenance, it is not worth what they think it is. Then even those jobs will be gone.

Any business that cannot afford a ten percent drop in income is in trouble. As a general rule if the only thing that differentiates you from your competition is price you cannot survive. None of the shows are worth what they charge for tickets. Nothing in Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge justifies business owners driving Mercedes and living in oversize houses. A few years ago a friend in the cabin business said Sevier County is recession proof. My guess is he does not hold that view today.

So batten down the hatches. The United States is in trouble. Everyone is concerned about jobs. Jobs are not the issue. Jobs that way livable wages are what are needed and the United States has none. We cannot compete with India, China and other third-world countries who pay anywhere from $0.10 to $6 or $7 an hour. The CEO of Wal-Mart is paid over 1,500 times as much as the average Wal-Mart employee is paid. Things will get worse and may never get better. We will regret the day we helped other people live the way we lived. Now we will live the way they lived before our help.

And then there is freak alley where dignified buildings used to be. Coming in from the exit 407 the impressions visitors get is embarrassing. Pigeon Forge looks like a carnival. Gatlinburg looks trashy and cheap. We have torn down our history and now cater to motorcycles, tattoos, and t-shirt shops. 

If you didn't live here would you come here and pay over a thousand dollars for what we provide?

The War in Iraq is Over?

email sent to Rep Roe and Sen Corker and Alexander

 

The war in Iraq is over? I do not recollect surrender. I do not recollect a declaration of war. How can wars be over if no one surrenders? War is opened armed conflict between countries or between factions within the same country. The United States was in an armed conflict with a faction within Iraq. Apparently the more than four thousand dead and thirty thousand wounded and the billions and billions of dollars (that we did not have) spent were to kill Saddam Hussein and obtain oil for the friends of our leaders. Way to go Leaders!!  If you want to improve public opinion you might want to sell used cars.

Lowes and Muslim Reality

 

The "outrage" expressed by members of the media and other groups shows the real you. You would have expressed the same outrage if Lowes had sponsored a reality show about Christian families. Islam is not compatible with western civilization. One day you will understand.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn't understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had."

---Eric Schmidt 

The Posse Comitatus Act Must Remain

email sent to Rep Phil Roe, and Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander.

The intent of the Posse Comitatus Act was to prohibit local governments and law enforcement agencies from using federal military personnel to enforce the laws of the land. The other services were added  at later dates or prohibited by Department of Defense directives.

The use of military drones is a direct violation of the Posse Comitatus Act in that to engage the drones for local use members of the military are working with and assisting local governments to enforce laws of the land. The principle of the Posse Comitatus Act must be upheld at all costs less the military and its "just following orders" mentality become a burden to the citizens of the United States.

I encourage you to NOT repeal the Posse Comitatus Act and to enforce it vigorously.

Capitalism is Not Working

email sent to Rep Phil Roe, and Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander.

Capitalism is an economic system distinguished by certain basic characteristics. Capitalism is the drive to earn profits, invest them, innovate, and grow the economy. In the 1950s the chairman of presidents Council of Economic Advisors said “The American economy’s ultimate purpose is to produce more consumer goods.” In 2001 President Bush included shopping in the daily activities that he said were the “ultimate repudiation of terrorism.” When the country was in shock the president told us to keep shopping. Most environmental deterioration is a result of systemic failures of the capitalism we have today. Infinite economic growth is not sustainable. Capitalism’s need for profit requires a culture of consumerism to support it. Capitalism as practiced in the United States is not sustainable.


In 2009 the Happy Planet Index produced by The New Economics Foundation rated the United States at 114th of 143 countries evaluated. In 1957, 35 percent of the citizens of the United States rated themselves as “very happy” a level we have not reached since.

Some aspects of capitalism do not work well for the majority of the people or for the environment. In 2008 the average full-time Wal-Mart employee was paid $10.84 an hour, $19, 165 for the year for the 34 hour workweek and $2,000 below the poverty level at the time. In 2007, the Wal-Mart CEO was paid $29.7 million. More than 1,500 times the annual income of an average full-time Wal-Mart associate and he was not even a Walton. Sam Walton deserved everything he received. He had developed a better mousetrap. No one involved with Wal-Mart since then deserves anything like that CEO. Due to the low wages the United States taxpayers subsidize that bloated salary by paying for healthcare, Medicaid, food stamps and subsidized housing for Wal-Mart associates.

I encourage you to keep in mind more voters relate to the Wal-Mart associates than the CEO. The number of jobs is not as important as the number of jobs paying livable wages. The conundrum is most likely you relate more to the CEO than the associates. As we see with Mitt Romney our elected officials are out of touch with The People.

In the NFL Helmet to Helmet Contact is ALWAYS Intentional

 

Someone should tell Colt McCoy's father to be quiet. He cannot protect his baby anymore. Screw the concussion. Helmet to helmet contact such as the one that leveled McCoy could easily result in paralysis. These guys are professionals. Helmet to helmet contact is always intentional and should result in a season ending suspension. When the helmet is the first point of contact the result should be ejection and a one or two game suspension. But I do not care. Millions of dollars are on the line and if the players are willing let them sit around in the retirement and drool let them.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"The stone age did not end because they ran out of stones."

 

Plan-B Morning After Pill

Why should government be involved in who purchases such a product? In what Article or Amendment does one locate the authorization for government to control such products and the like?

Oddly Enough Practicing to Fight is as Dangerous as Actually Fighting

During the seven years,2002 to 2008 there were an average 1,643 fatalities per year among active military personnel in Afghanistan and Iraq. Oddly enough during the 1980s with no major wars there were more than 2,100 military deaths per year.

 

It seems practicing to fight a war can be just as dangerous as really fighting one.

 

And. . . since 1982 around 42,000 active military personnel have been killed---roughly the same number of Americans who die in traffic accidents in a single year.

Stone Age vs Post Office

It is time for the Post Office to go the way of the Pony Express. The Stone Age did not end because we ran out of stones. It ended because we found a better way. Anything that does not support itself should not exist. The Post Office ought to shrink back to a size required as to let them provide services where it can make a profit.

Screwed Up Justice System

 

Jerry Sandusky should be arrested and tried not hung out to dry. He can be tried multiple times if necessary but as a citizen of the United States he deserves quick justice.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"The stone age did not end because they ran out of stones."

 

8-Year-Old Corners Bachmann

It was a setup all the way. Not worthy of reporting. Must be a slow news day. Lesbian mother forces 8-year-old into making a political statement to Bachmann at a booksigning. Isn't that a bit queer? Good going les.

eMail to The Mountain Press Reference a Letter complaing how the animal shelter is short of funds

With the percentage of Sevier County citizens living in poverty approaching 25 percent; with over 14 percent of the households in the United States and presumably in Sevier County experiencing "food insecurity" meaning they live with hunger or fear of starvation; with 1 in 6 Americans and presumably Sevier County residents going without food for days at a time; how do people afford to buy food for their pets?


In India people starve while they watch cows, monkeys and rats eat food they themselves could eat and we call those people stupid. Compare that with people who cannot feed their children or themselves but have food enough for their pets. What do we call those people?


With people starving and those with food refusing to share how about turning the animal shelters into food processing plants. People in other countries eat dog and cat as well as other things we find disgusting.


When you sit down at the table tonight think about the children who are going to bed hungry and who will not eat from the time they leave school Friday until they return Monday then look at "Fido" as he or she eats food those hungry children could be eating. What do we call you?

Learning Opportunity?

The media should bring male homosexuals onto their programs and ask them to differentiate between their homosexuality and male pedophiles attracted to young males. Some pedophiles are homosexual predators others are heterosexual predators.

Syracuse Sex Scandle

Syracuse University will find it is impossible for people to believe that all those who knew Bernie Fine did not know of his affection for children. Everyone at Syracuse University in anyway associated with him must go. The longer it takes the more damage to the university. Beginning with the President, Athletic Director, Coaches, supervisors, secretaries, members of the Board of Directors everyone has to go. NOW!!!

Don’t blame corporations for the lack of jobs.

Don't blame corporations for the lack of jobs.

Walter Isaacson, in his biography of Apple CEO, Steve Jobs wrote that Jobs told President Obama "You're headed for a one-term presidency" and urged the president to be more business-friendly. Jobs told Obama how easy it was to build a factory in China, in contrast to the difficulties caused by regulations and extra costs in the United States.

Jobs stressed the need for more trained engineers and suggested that any foreign students who earned an engineering degree in the United States should be given a visa to stay in the country."

The book says that  "Jobs went on to urge that a way be found to train more American engineers. Apple had 700,000 factory workers employed in China, he said, and that was because it needed 30,000 engineers on-site to support those workers. 'You can't find that many in America to hire,' he said. These factory engineers did not have to be PhDs or geniuses; they simply needed to have basic engineering skills for manufacturing. Tech schools, community colleges, or trade schools could train them.

"'If you could educate these engineers," he said, "we could move more manufacturing plants here.'"

Don't blame the Apples or the Wal-Marts for our economic fiasco. Blame our educational system, environmental groups, tax laws and government interference.

Who Does Not Have a Clue?

Listening to the History channel I hear experts say the "ancients" had not concept of this or that. On the subject of construction the question is how did those people who had no clue build walls and buildings with stones that weigh thousands of tons. The question should be why do their structures remain for thousands of years while our stuctures decay in less 50 years. Who does not have a clue?

Not Practical

The United States cannot be governed except from the middle. The Republicans should understand that before Obama becomes a second term president. Gingrich is right. It is not practical to ignore 12 million people nor is it practical to deport them. When I am hired I am asked to show two forms of ID a driver's license and a social security card. No matter who the nominee is the Republicans had better support them with everything they've got or Obama will be Mr. President for another four years. The problem is whenever the Republicans sound reasonable they sound like Obama.

Politicians Beware!!!

Politicians running for re-election should beware.

 

1) In 2010 half of all United States workers earned less than $27,000---adjusted for inflation the lowest median wage since 1999;

 

2) In 2011 with six-figure salaries received by lobbyists, lawyers, and federal employees leading the way Washington D.C. has overtaken  Silicon Valley as the wealthiest metropolitan area in the country. A typical household in the nation's capital earned a little over $84,000.

 

Something is wrong when the seat of Federal Government is the wealthiest metropolitan area in the United States.

 

eMail to Congress

To:

 

Representative Phil Roe,

Senator Lamar Alexander,

Senator Bob Corker:

 

 

When I worked for the Mead Corporation, (we killed trees and made paper) the computer used by the corporation was located on the 16^th floor of the Mead Tower in Dayton, Ohio. Connectivity within the United States and worldwide was critical. When we were notified of a problem there was a lot of finger pointing. You know what that is. Each area said it was not their problem. Some problems took days before the area of the problem was identified not to mention resolved. That was unacceptable. So Mead solved the problem.

 

 

An individual was appointed from each of the areas such as mainframe hardware, desktop computers, intra-company networks, inter-company networks, telephone systems, software and others. When a problem was reported each of those people identified were responsible and remained responsible until the problem was resolved. They were responsible even if the problem was not in their area. They remained involved helping until resolution. Performance evaluations were based on the group working together. People were fired when they failed.

 

 

Now to my point: you were elected to work for the people in your district or state and to work with your peers to resolve problems of the country. Deferring to a super-committee does not relieve you of responsibility. When the super committee fails you, personally, have failed if it was in my power I would replace you with someone who can get the job done and I would encourage others to do the same.

 

 

Until there is a solution you are failing to do what you were elected to do. You are not earning your pay (which goes without saying). Thomas Paine is quoted as saying "Lead, follow or get out of the way." You were not elected to follow or to "get out of the way." If those are your choices resign, we don't need you. Your only option is to lead and until you do and until the issues of the country are resolved you, personally, have failed in your responsibilities to the voters. That congress has failed does not mitigate your failure. Do something or just get out of the way.

 

Neither the World Nor the United States is Beyond Panic and Archy

If you believe the United States is above panicking remember the 1973 Toilet Paper shortage caused by Johnny Carson on his Tonight Show?

 

On December 19, 1973, the writers for the show had heard earlier the federal government was falling behind in getting bids to supply toilet paper and that it might be possible that in a few months the United States could face a shortage of toilet tissue. They took the words of the Wisconsin congressional representative and decided to add a joke for Carson for the evening show.

 

Carson used the joke in a monologue stating, "You know what's disappearing from the supermarket shelves? Toilet paper. There's an acute shortage of toilet paper in the United States."

 

20 million people that watched the Carson show that evening ran out in the morning and bought as much toilet paper as they could carry. By noon on December 20, 1973, practically every store in America was out of stock. Many of the stores tried to ration this valuable paper but they could not keep up with the demand no matter what they did.

 

A few nights later, Johnny Carson explained there was no shortage and he apologized to his viewers. However, this did not help with the scare. As soon as people noticed the empty shelves, they wanted this paper even more.

 

It took a total of three weeks to get the shelves stocked again and the shortage was over.

 

Now consider what could happen when the subject is oil, water, corn, etc. The problem is the world is running out of oil, the world is overusing the primary water sources, and between a lack of water and using corn for fuel we a shortage is in the future.

eMail sent to Rep Roe and Sen Corker and Alexander

If you ever wonder why politicians are all painted by the same broad brush of corruption, dishonesty and lack of ethics Governor Perry might be someone to watch. Apparently shortly after he entered the governor's office in 2001 he reportedly bought land from a state senator at a below-market price and then turned an $850,000 profit just six years later. Along the way, at least two people—a lawyer and real estate broker—involved in the deal landed state appointments from Perry. Likewise, he named two partners in a natural gas venture he co-owned to plum state jobs.

Remember when George W was running for president there were accusasions of special treatment in the National Guard? Everyone denied asking or being asked to do anything wrong. I believed them because I realize people in positions such as you find yourself in know if they do something nice for someone that someone will eventully do something nice for them. Quite similar to the Mafia.

Congress as a whole must void all benefits not available to the public. Congress should receive no healthcare, unless provided by their state. Congress should not receive a pension. Being a member of Congress was not intended to be a profession.  

Gingrich gets $1,500,000 from a government supported agency?

There is something obscene about a professional politician. They are a drain on society.

As Occupy Fizzles

 

Occupy is no different than these demonstrations in Syria and Libya and Egypt. They are against but are not for anything. Have no plans. Have no suggestions. Occupy could have setup a website and listed the laws they wanted changed or passed. Activism does not relate to camping. What a waste. They had a chance but have thrown it all away.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"People don't know what they want until you show it to them."

 

---Steve Jobs

Responding to your message

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office about H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts. 

 

As you know, I voted against the bill. Among many other significant problems, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act takes $466 billion away from Medicare, which is predicted to be insolvent by 2017, and leverages it to create a new entitlement program rather than using it to make Medicare more solvent. The bill also expands Medicaid and sends $25 billion to states, a huge unfunded mandate that creates a very painful situation for Tennessee as well as other states. Tennessee officials believe the mandate will cost the state more than $750 million dollars between the 2014-2019 period. 

 

The bill fails to permanently fix the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) costing the tax payers $285 billion. The SGR formula has left every Congress since 2002 scrambling to prevent drastic pay cuts to Medicare providers, and I have continually expressed frustration that the health care reform bills before the Senate ignore the problem and continue to kick the can down the road. It's irresponsible and our seniors and the doctors who care for them deserve better. 

 

H.R. 3590 uses typical Washington budget gimmickry, taking ten years of new taxes to finance six years of spending, resulting in huge deficits in the next decades. Additionally, the new government-run long-term care insurance program called 'CLASS Act' would reduce deficits by $72 billion in the 10-year budget window but would begin to increase budget deficits in the decade following 2029. Eliminating these two gimmicks means the bill would be $189 billion in the red and puts the real cost of the bill at over a trillion dollars.

 

Studies are showing that Tennesseans who have health insurance will see their costs rise dramatically as a result of this bill. Certainly in a bill this size there are some components that will be positive, but overall, the core of this legislation is flawed. The real tragedy is that Washington has squandered the opportunity for true health care reform that actually lowers costs, rewards quality and innovation, and improves access for millions of Americans who lack coverage.

 

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

 

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

 

Responding to your message

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding our national debt and government spending. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

 

I share your concerns for the future economic stability of our government due to our overwhelming national debt. Regardless of the party, administration, or Congress in charge, our federal government has spent well beyond its means for many, many years. I am committed to fiscal responsibility, and lately our government has been anything but fiscally responsible. 

 

I cannot express how deeply concerned I am over the dire financial situation of the United States government. A quick review of the budget leaves you with a dizzying sense of the mindboggling debt this country is amassing. During my time in office, I voted against measures such as the President's $780 billion stimulus package, the more than $3.5 trillion budget resolution for FY10, and numerous appropriations bills for FY10 that would increase government spending by 12% while inflation is essentially non-existent. Last year alone we added $1.29 trillion of debt and are projected to face massive annual deficits for years to come unless we drastically change the spending habits here in Washington. Unfortunately, even at a time when Americans and families all across Tennessee are tightening their belts, spending here continues at unexplainable levels. Mortgaging our children's future is simply unacceptable.

 

Please know that I will continue to do whatever I can to bring our country's debt down, even as we deal with the current economic crisis and other long-term obligations. The insight and information you have provided here will help my staff and me look more effectively into this issue, and I thank you for your input.

 

I have delivered 46 presentations in Tennessee since August on America's debt crisis. During a recent debate on the Senate floor, I introduced my bill, the Commitment to American Prosperity (CAP) Act, as an amendment. The CAP Act would cap all Federal spending, including defense and mandatory spending, as a percentage of our gross domestic product (GDP), a move that would instill fiscal discipline and smaller government while incentivizing lawmakers to pass pro-growth policies. While my amendment was not voted on for procedural reasons, please know that I will be introducing the CAP Act when the next Congress arrives in January.

 

I believe in American exceptionalism, and I believe we can solve this problem. If you would like to know more, I would encourage you to visit my website where you can view my presentation on debt and spending. You can find the video by going to the following web address and clicking on the icon reading "America's Debt Crisis:" http://corker.senate.gov.

 

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me as I serve you in the United States Senate.

 

 

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

Responding to your message

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office with your concerns and suggestions surrounding the death of Osama bin Laden. Your input is important to me and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts. 

 

I want to first commend the courageous efforts of the Navy SEAL team who carried out the military operations that resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden.  This group of patriots is owed a great debt of gratitude by our country. I can assure you these individuals have been and will continue to be honored in private so as to protect them from those who would seek retribution for their part in Osama bin Laden's death.

 

Osama bin Laden's death finally puts an end to an unspeakable reign of terror carried out by the man responsible for ordering the September 11, 2001 attacks and the deaths of thousands of Americans and innocent civilians around the world. I am tremendously proud of our military and intelligence services who successfully executed a dangerous operation that resulted in a major victory for the fight against terrorism. While the threats against the U.S. remain, bin Laden's death sends a powerful message to the world that we will not rest until justice is done.

 

With regard to your suggestions concerning the death of Osama bin Laden, as I am sure you are aware, the Administration and Congress are continually discussing the implications and potential next steps in terms of U.S. policy.  The insight you have provided in your letter will certainly help my staff and me more effectively consider these issues as we engage with officials from the Administration and I thank you for your input. 

 

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me throughout the course of my term. 

 

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

Responding to your message

Dear Mr. Jenkins,

 

Thank you for taking the time to contact my office regarding the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS) established in 1986. Your input is important to me, and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

 

First let me say that I believe we have a national responsibility to our service members, military retirees and veterans. These brave individuals are serving and have served honorably and the least we can do is ensure that they receive all of the benefits they have earned.

 

Unfortunately, inaccurate information regarding FERS has been circulating around media outlets misleading fellow Tennesseans and American citizens. Moreover, it's very important for me to relay to you that members of Congress do not receive their full pay as benefits. In addition, members of Congress must contribute to FERS and serve in public office for a minimum of five years to be eligible to receive benefits.

Additionally, the 1989 Ethics Act established an annual cost of living adjustment for Members of Congress. While I am fortunate in that I have been able to donate my congressional pay to charity, you should also know that Congress has voted to refuse any raise in pay in 2011.

 

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

 

Sincerely,

Bob Corker
United States Senator

Cain's Wife Has Nothing to Add

 

As if Herman Cain would act differently at the office than at home. Unbelievable. No man does that. Do they?

 

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"People don't know what they want until you show it to them."

 

---Steve Jobs

Good Ole Joe Dropped the Ball

Why does Mike McQueary upset anyone. He did the best thing he could. He told the most powerful man in College Station, All Joe Paterno had to do was to call the local police chief or the commander of the state police or the state attorney general. Old grandpa Joe dropped the ball much like the catholic priests dropped the ball much like the Restaurant association dropped the ball.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

Hobbits are Tolkien Minorities

JoPa's Temporary Substitute

I understand the replacement head coach worked for Jerry Sandusky. Everyone who believes this guy did not know about Jerry's hobby raise your hand. The entire coaching staff has to go and my guess will go over the winter.

 

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

The comment that ended Groucho Marx's TV show:

 

To a woman on his show with many children Groucho commented:" I love my cigar but I take it out of my mouth once in a while".

Incomes of CEOs and incomes of The Rest of Us

eMail sent to Rep Roe and Sen Corker and Alexander,

Greed, the lack of ethics and morality have made capitalism corrupt and destructive.Yesterday I saw a report that showed the average income of Fortune 500 CEOs is $11,400,000 and the average income of everyone else is $49,994. I remember a book in the 70s or 80s entitled King Makers. It told how boards of directors assigned high salary and benefits to the chairman and CEO who inturn supported nice benefits for the members of the board. 

Rich people do not create jobs. Neither Bill Gates nor Steve Jobs were rich when they started their companies. They created a product the public could use and the rest is history. Taxes or lack of same had nothing to do with their success. Republicans and the Tea Party need to understand the longer they defend their rich friends the more they hurt themselves. The people with an income of $49,994 are a larger voter base than those with incomes averaging $11,400,000. We know it is that second group that take care of you while you are in office and when you leave.

It is well past time Republicans look out for the rest of us.

I Know Nothing!!

 

Joe Paterno is following in the footsteps of CEOs around the world. They get the big bucks to run the show but when something happens, they do the Sergeant Schultz "I know nothing!"

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

The comment that ended Groucho Marx's TV show:

 

To a woman on his show with many children Groucho commented:" I love my cigar but I take it out of my mouth once in a while".

Government out of our Lives

Today the fine voters of the state of Mississippi decide for themselves when life begins i.e. personhood. This is the same state that voted to split the union so they could "own" other "persons." Besides being ludicrous why should a neighbor have a say in someone's daughter has a baby? We need to get the federal government out of our lives.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"If I had asked my customers what they wanted, they would have told me, 'A faster horse.'"

 

---Henry Ford

Keep It Short Stupid

Parents and Grandparents need to understand that stories concerning ones children or grandchildren are best if they are short and infrequent.

eMail sent to Rep Roe and Sen Corker and Alexander

There is no issue as urgent nor as important as jobs. We will rue the day we ever helped other countries live as well as we lived. We will now live as they had lived.

 

 

Jobs that pay minimum wage or poverty level wage will not correct the situation. Jobs that pay at least middle-class wages are required but without a manufacturing base those jobs can not be created.

 

 

I suggest you forget the Presidential election; the Republican Party has not put forth anyone who can defeat Obama. They have not put forth anyone who has a clue as to how to get the United States back on its feet.

 

 

The Republicans failed when the opportunity presented itself you did not elect new leadership in the House or in the Senate. You continue to show to the voters as well as the world you are bogged down in the old ways; old thinking and that you have no clue as to how to correct the current condition. Congress as a whole caused our problems and has no solutions.

 

 

The Congress must first reject their pensions, healthcare benefits, every privilege you enjoy not available to the voters. Until you do you will never regain the respect of the voters. You will continue to show to the world you take care of yourself first, your contributors second, and if convenient the voter last.

 

 

I encourage you to remind your fellow Representatives of the excerpts below of Ben Franklin's speech at the signing of the Constitution:

 

 

Mr. President

 

 

"I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them: For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise. It is therefore that the older I grow, the more apt I am to doubt my own judgment, and to pay more respect to the judgment of others. Most men indeed as well as most sects in Religion, think themselves in possession of all truth, and that wherever others differ from them it is so far error.

 

 

In these sentiments, Sir, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; … whether any other Convention we can obtain, may be able to make a better Constitution. For when you assemble a number of men to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men, all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? … Thus I consent, Sir, to this Constitution because I expect no better, and because I am not sure, that it is not the best. The opinions I have had of its errors, I sacrifice to the public good. I have never whispered a syllable of them abroad. Within these walls they were born, and here they shall die. If every one of us in returning to our Constituents were to report the objections he has had to it, and endeavor to gain partizans in support of them, we might prevent its being generally received, and thereby lose all the salutary effects & great advantages resulting naturally in our favor among foreign Nations as well as among ourselves, from our real or apparent unanimity. Much of the strength & efficiency of any Government in procuring and securing happiness to the people, depends, on opinion, on the general opinion of the goodness of the Government, as well as of the wisdom and integrity of its Governors. I hope therefore that for our own sakes as a part of the people, and for the sake of posterity, we shall act heartily and unanimously in recommending this Constitution … and turn our future thoughts & endeavors to the means of having it well administred.

 

On the whole, Sir, I can not help expressing a wish that every member of the Convention who may still have objections to it, would with me, on this occasion doubt a little of his own infallibility, and to make manifest our unanimity, put his name to this instrument."

 

Kim Kardashian Divorce

An NBA "star" I never heard of? Mrs Humphries married because she did not want to disappoint people? She married to make millions due to the ultra stupidity of the American public. Due to the NBA lockout the "star" needed a temporary job and he got a good one. The only people greedier than Mrs Humphries and stupider than the American Public are the media who create these celebrities.

 

Obama - Jobs Bill

When people think about jobs they think about those that pay middle-class wages. That will not be the case. The United States is competing with the world. Jobs created will be minimum wage jobs. The parents of a family of four can both work full-time at Wal-Mart and be at poverty level. Thus is the outlook for the United States. The situation requires forcing companies to bring the jobs to the country that gave them their start.

Michael Jackson Death Trial

The defense lawyer is correct that if it were anyone else there would be no trial. But Michael Jackson could afford to pay $150,000 to have his own inhouse drug dealer. Jackson got what he wanted. He is no longer awake.

Jobs are not the Question

The question is not about jobs. The question concerns jobs that pay middle class wage. The only jobs the United States is setup to create are minimum wage, poverty level jobs. Not good enough.

 

JetBlue

Americans are addicted to apologies. Usually that means Americans insist the person lie. If the Jet Blue CEO is truly sorry he can always do what some Japanese CEOs do or how about $5,000 per person including the crew and 10-years free flying wherever Jet Blue goes? That is an apology you can take to the bank.

Tea-Party is No Different

The Tea-Party is no different than the Republicans or Democrats. Shame on them.

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2011/10/30/conseratives-brought-nation-to-default-ask-for-govt-handouts.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=cheatsheet_morning&cid=newsletter%3Bemail%3Bcheatsheet_morning&utm_term=Cheat%20Sheet

weathertrends360.com

In the 1990s, Bill Kirk was a meteorologist as wells as a captain in the United States Air Force attempting to predict dates for flight training six months in advance. Fed up with traditional weather models he developed his own algorithm; a combination of Gaussian mathematical theories, climate cycles, and statistical weather patterns spanning back 115 years. The result: a new way of forecasting that is accurate up to a year in advance. His year-ahead weekly precipitation forecast is 76 percent accurate while the Weather Channel's accuracy on 1-to-10-day forecasts come in at 71%.  

Perfect Number for a Social Network

According to the Oxford anthropoligist Robin Dunbar, an individual cannot handle more than 150 friends. The human brain was not built to keep track of more people than that.

NBC Ratings Sliding

The audiences continue to shrink. Why do you suppose that is? Could it be the shows to do not portray the morals of the viewers? Could it be the scripts rely too much on foul or profane language to which the viewers choose not to expose their children or even themselves? Could it be high school humor was OK in high school but do you suppose the viewers have outgrown that stage of their lives? Look at NCIS no foul language; no immoral subjects: a bit over the top with the autopsies but the "private parts" are allowed to be private. When the product doesn't sell how about suggesting they CHANGE THE PRODUCT!!!!

 

Cain Is Right - Government Must Stay in its Place

The only part of one's religious belief one should bring to government are ethics, morals and honesty. I agree with Cain. I do not like abortion but it is not government's place to enforce the morals of a single group. The People have let government become too involved in our lives. Why should government decide who wants to commit one's life to whom regardless of gender? Why should government decide who may and who may not make or brew a product? As far as immigration is concerned my guess is the Native Americans wished they had protected their borders better than they did. Our ancestors barged in, murdered the local residents, confiscated their property and now want to keep people out.  And if you can believe it all while being a Christian nation.

Supporting the Violent Overthrow of Middle East Heads of State

When the United States supports the violent overthrow of heads of state in the Middle East we had better be ready for the inevitable response. If I was Obama I would be nervous. If I was the Secret Service I would be nervous. Remember what JFK said.

Economy More Important than Military

Hillary Clinton is right— "Today, our foreign and economic relations remain indivisible. Only now, our great challenge is not deterring any single military foe, but advancing our global leadership at a time when power is more often measured and exercised in economic terms."

The United States is the sole global military power, and yet our influence is waning; our economy is declining we see countries gaining influence less because of the size of their armies than because of the growth of their economies.

Everything comes down to the strength and vibrancy of the U.S. economy—the fate of American democracy and, yes, U.S. military punch itself.

As the sole global military power our military has been unable to defeat the military of smaller countries or of no countries at all. One can only wonder how our military would match up with the military of China or Iran. As dirty Harry said, "A man has got to know his limitations" and so do countries.  

Maybe It Is Time for Another Revolution

Amanda Knox is an example of a justice system that is failing. Italy is no better than the United States. When the government can put you into jail for four years and not have the evidence to convict and sustained on appeal it is time for another Revolution. The mayor of New York was correct in his comments about the riots in the Middle East starting in the United States.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Blogs:
http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/
http://alumcave.blogspot.com/

 

 

"If I had asked my customers what they wanted, they would have told me, 'A faster horse.'"

 

---Henry Ford

Hank Williams Jr - Hitler

I'm sure you have heard of Godwin's law.  "in any online discussion—regardless of topic or scope—someone inevitably criticizes some point made in the discussion by comparing it to beliefs held by Hitler and the Nazis." Apparently Godwin's law includes celebrities opening their mouth.

The media is at fault by asking celebrities to voice their opinions. The public does not care what celebrities think, they just want them to do their thing. The world would be a better place if celebrities at all other times kept their mouths shut.