WTF are you talking about?
You must be miserable, you actually think people want to hear your shit in response to every post on every topic in any thread
OK, your world sucks, I get it
:lolBIG:
TRS
in all seriousness, if you want to write mortgages, you might as well do such in the city that has 10's of thousands of properties selling for 500k+, eh?
and the city's diversity is what helps it to minimize downturns.
financial capital of the world
media capital of the world
theater capital of the world
diplomacy capital of the world
Imports, exports and just plan old ports. Manufacturing, tourism, services, entertainment and politics. You want it, the big Apple got it.
Why it even hosts the best men's college basketball conference tournament in the country, the Big East. Nothing like Saturday night at MSG in NYC. I miss it, haven't been there since 2004. Before then, we owned the joint. I better fucking be there in 2009.
in all seriousness, if you want to write mortgages, you might as well do such in the city that has 10's of thousands of properties selling for 500k+, eh?
and the city's diversity is what helps it to minimize downturns.
financial capital of the world
media capital of the world
theater capital of the world
diplomacy capital of the world
Imports, exports and just plan old ports. Manufacturing, tourism, services, entertainment and politics. You want it, the big Apple got it.
Why it even hosts the best men's college basketball conference tournament in the country, the Big East. Nothing like Saturday night at MSG in NYC. I miss it, haven't been there since 2004. Before then, we owned the joint. I better fucking be there in 2009.
Wow, you must get your news from the New York Times.
I dare say that union boss salary and benefits are on a par with the President's.
The unions made US automakers less productive. So when the Japanese companies came in like gangbusters in the 1970s and 1980s the American companies didn't move to adjust fast enough. Management has a share of blame, too - but when you pay your laborers not to work - and your competition doesn't have to - the numbers don't add up over the long run.
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top>
Below is an editorial written this morning concerning the current situation in
Washington with the Big Three Domestic Automakers. I couldn¢t have said it
better myself. This Ford dealer is from Pittsburg but defends all of the Big Three.
Please take the time to read. Forward to whomever it might make a difference.
Thanks,
Marianne
Editor:
As I watched the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming
and frustrating fact hits me right between the eyes. The fate of our nation's
economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are completely out of
touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person
in our nation. The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom
are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur.
No Mr. Shelby, you are the dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and
'90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold onto myths that
are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must
have overlooked that GM outsold Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S.
and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in the U.S. GM was
the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that
Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford makes the Fusion that were both rated over the
Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial quality? Did you
bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese
automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats
the Accord. And for '09 Ford introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the
best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the Corolla and
Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring
to 1980. The only Big Three bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus
interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've
noticed the attempts Toyota and Nissan have made spending billions to try to get
a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight years Ford's
F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this
market and when you see the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or
Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford alone has invested more than $22 billion in
research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel, clean
diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again
the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift
to American. Maybe it's the fact that his state of Alabama has given so much to
land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is more concerned
about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen.
Shelby's disdain for "government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early
'90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million incentive package to
Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While
the bridge loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's
$180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen. Shelby, not only are you out of
touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions
and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus
emergency vehicles to the recovery efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief
effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to
produce products as cost efficiently. While the governments of other auto
producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and
legacy debt, our Asian competitors employ cheap la bor. We are at an extreme
disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in 2010,
many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford
Motor Co. The company has streamlined by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since
2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product is
excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for
success. Ford product quality and corporate management have improved light years
since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally and the best auto
company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of
Wall Street has led to a $700 billion bailout of the industry that created the
problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions to lavish
resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion
foreclosure relief and the whole thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for
4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the country's largest
industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the
culprits of the problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the
victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched
and is not necessary. Fo rd currently has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the
effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business with. A
Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care
and retirements. Chances are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better
business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if GM or all three
go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and
some forgiven debt goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment,
this would be much worse than a loan with the intent of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big
Three, a $25 billion loan is definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy
of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you,
Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to misinform the American public and turn them
against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I must ask
you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care
and retirement benefits for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our
nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the future and create an
economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this
question not in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can
you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
Jim Jackson
Elkins
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>Washington with the Big Three Domestic Automakers. I couldn¢t have said it
better myself. This Ford dealer is from Pittsburg but defends all of the Big Three.
Please take the time to read. Forward to whomever it might make a difference.
Thanks,
Marianne
Editor:
As I watched the coverage of the fate of the U.S. auto industry, one alarming
and frustrating fact hits me right between the eyes. The fate of our nation's
economic survival is in the hands of some congressmen who are completely out of
touch and act without knowledge of an industry that affects almost every person
in our nation. The same lack of knowledge is shared with many journalists whom
are irresponsible when influencing the opinion of millions of viewers.
Sen. Richard Shelby of Alabama has doomed the industry, calling it a dinosaur.
No Mr. Shelby, you are the dinosaur, with ideas stuck in the '70s, '80s and
'90s. You and the uninformed journalist and senators that hold onto myths that
are not relevant in today's world.
When you say that the Big Three build vehicles nobody wants to buy, you must
have overlooked that GM outsold Toyota by about 1.2 million vehicles in the U.S.
and Ford outsold Honda by 850,000 and Nissan by 1.2 million in the U.S. GM was
the world's No. 1 automaker beating Toyota by 3,000 units.
When you claim inferior quality comes from the Big Three, did you realize that
Chevy makes the Malibu and Ford makes the Fusion that were both rated over the
Camry and Accord by J.D. Power independent survey on initial quality? Did you
bother to read the Consumer Report that rated Ford on par with good Japanese
automakers.
Did you realize Big Three's gas guzzlers include the 33 mpg Malibu that beats
the Accord. And for '09 Ford introduces the Hybrid Fusion whose 39 mpg is the
best midsize, beating the Camry Hybrid. Ford's Focus beats the Corolla and
Chevy's Cobalt beats the Civic.
When you ask how many times are we going to bail them out you must be referring
to 1980. The only Big Three bailout was Chrysler, who paid back $1 billion, plus
interest. GM and Ford have never received government aid.
When you criticize the Big Three for building so many pickups, surely you've
noticed the attempts Toyota and Nissan have made spending billions to try to get
a piece of that pie. Perhaps it bothers you that for 31 straight years Ford's
F-Series has been the best selling vehicle. Ford and GM have dominated this
market and when you see the new '09 F-150 you'll agree this won't change soon.
Did you realize that both GM and Ford offer more hybrid models than Nissan or
Honda. Between 2005 and 2007, Ford alone has invested more than $22 billion in
research and development of technologies such as Eco Boost, flex fuel, clean
diesel, hybrids, plug in hybrids and hydrogen cars.
It's 2008 and the quality of the vehicles coming out of Detroit are once again
the best in the world.
Perhaps Sen. Shelby isn't really that blind. Maybe he realizes the quality shift
to American. Maybe it's the fact that his state of Alabama has given so much to
land factories from Honda, Hyundai and Mercedes Benz that he is more concerned
about their continued growth than he is about the people of our country. Sen.
Shelby's disdain for "government subsidies" is very hypocritical. In the early
'90s he was the driving force behind a $253 million incentive package to
Mercedes. Plus, Alabama agreed to purchase 2,500 vehicles from Mercedes. While
the bridge loan the Big Three is requesting will be paid back, Alabama's
$180,000-plus per job was pure incentive. Sen. Shelby, not only are you out of
touch, you are a self-serving hypocrite, who is prepared to ruin our nation
because of lack of knowledge and lack of due diligence in making your opinions
and decisions.
After 9/11, the Detroit Three and Harley Davidson gave $40 million-plus
emergency vehicles to the recovery efforts. What was given to the 9/11 relief
effort by the Asian and European Auto Manufactures? $0 Nada. Zip!
We live in a world of free trade, world economy and we have not been able to
produce products as cost efficiently. While the governments of other auto
producing nations subsidize their automakers, our government may be ready to
force its demise. While our automakers have paid union wages, benefits and
legacy debt, our Asian competitors employ cheap la bor. We are at an extreme
disadvantage in production cost. Although many UAW concessions begin in 2010,
many lawmakers think it's not enough.
Some point the blame to corporate management. I would like to speak of Ford
Motor Co. The company has streamlined by reducing our workforce by 51,000 since
2005, closing 17 plants and cutting expenses. Product and future product is
excellent and the company is focused on one Ford. This is a company poised for
success. Ford product quality and corporate management have improved light years
since the nightmare of Jacques Nasser. Thank you Alan Mulally and the best auto
company management team in the business.
The financial collapse caused by the secondary mortgage fiasco and the greed of
Wall Street has led to a $700 billion bailout of the industry that created the
problem. AIG spent nearly $1 million on three company excursions to lavish
resorts and hunting destinations. Paulson is saying no to $250 billion
foreclosure relief and the whole thing is a mess. So when the Big Three ask for
4 percent of that of the $700 billion, $25 billion to save the country's largest
industry, there is obviously oppositions. But does it make sense to reward the
culprits of the problem with $700 billion unconditionally, and ignore the
victims?
As a Ford dealer, I feel our portion of the $25 billion will never be touched
and is not necessary. Fo rd currently has $29 billion of liquidity. However, the
effect of a bankruptcy by GM will hurt the suppliers we all do business with. A
Chapter 11 bankruptcy by any manufacture would cost retirees their health care
and retirements. Chances are GM would recover from Chapter 11 with a better
business plan with much less expense. So who foots the bill if GM or all three
go Chapter 11? All that extra health care, unemployment, loss of tax base and
some forgiven debt goes back to the taxpayer, us. With no chance of repayment,
this would be much worse than a loan with the intent of repayment.
So while it is debatable whether a loan or Chapter 11 is better for the Big
Three, a $25 billion loan is definitely better for the taxpayers and the economy
of our country.
So I'll end where I began on the quality of the products of Detroit. Before you,
Mr. or Ms. Journalist continue to misinform the American public and turn them
against one of the great industries that helped build this nation, I must ask
you one question. Before you, Mr. or Madam Congressman vote to end health care
and retirement benefits for 1 million retirees, eliminate 2.5 million of our
nation's jobs, lose the technology that will lead us in the future and create an
economic disaster including hundreds of billions of tax dollars lost, I ask this
question not in the rhetorical sense. I ask it in the sincere, literal way. Can
you tell me, have you driven a Ford lately?
Jim Jackson
Elkins
First, the 1000+ words above are not an "editorial", though I'm sure the email spammer who forwarded it to you believes it to be.
Rather, it's a Letter to the Editor. And it's one which will never see print because no newspaper in the country prints LTEs that top 300 words and few even give run if the writer can't distil their message into 200 words or less.
Using the LTE section of mainstream newspapers is an effective way to educate the public. But if one does not know how to create an LTE that will get print, they're pretty much wasting a lot of valuable energy and time.
Rather, it's a Letter to the Editor. And it's one which will never see print because no newspaper in the country prints LTEs that top 300 words and few even give run if the writer can't distil their message into 200 words or less.
Using the LTE section of mainstream newspapers is an effective way to educate the public. But if one does not know how to create an LTE that will get print, they're pretty much wasting a lot of valuable energy and time.
RR, I'm not an expert on very many things at all.
However, yes I am an expert in how to get OPEDs and LTEs printed in mainstream newspapers.
Our media activism training has helped place over 26,000 LTEs in the past 10 years with an equivalent advertising value of over 27 million dollars.
Anyone who follows my counsel on how to get an LTE printed will get their desired message (on drug policy, immigration or any other political or social topic) in print within 21 days maximum. Further, if you follow my counsel, you can get your letters printed in newspapers across the country.
Average readership of mainstream newspaper editorial pages is about 40% of the subscription base and it's the most likely group to be registered voters.
However, yes I am an expert in how to get OPEDs and LTEs printed in mainstream newspapers.
Our media activism training has helped place over 26,000 LTEs in the past 10 years with an equivalent advertising value of over 27 million dollars.
Anyone who follows my counsel on how to get an LTE printed will get their desired message (on drug policy, immigration or any other political or social topic) in print within 21 days maximum. Further, if you follow my counsel, you can get your letters printed in newspapers across the country.
Average readership of mainstream newspaper editorial pages is about 40% of the subscription base and it's the most likely group to be registered voters.
the tax and spend liberals that didn't save up enough for a rainy day have it coming
well i guess i should say the taxpayer does :lolBIG:
----------------------------------
Soda tax, tuition hikes: State budget cuts sting
New York slashes services and raises taxes and fees to close $13.7 billion deficit. Other states likely to enact similar measures.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- An 18% sales tax on non-diet soda. A 14% hike in public college tuition. The elimination of a tax rebate for homeowners.
These are but a few of the Spartan steps New York state Gov. David Paterson proposed Tuesday to close a projected record $13.7 billion deficit in the state's 2009-2010 budget. A broad swath of New Yorkers -- from school children to Medicaid recipients to transit riders -- will see cuts in their services. Meanwhile, drivers and parkgoers will pay higher fees.
"Change is never easy, but it is the only way we can put New York back on the road toward fiscal and economic recovery," Paterson said in a message to residents posted on the New York state Division of the Budget Web site. The budget "seeks shared sacrifice :missingte from all New Yorkers and includes reductions across virtually every area of government."
New Yorkers won't be alone in feeling the sting of budget cuts and tax increases in the coming year. States across the nation are struggling to cope with declining revenues at a time when demand for state services is increasing.
Some 26 states estimate they will have budget gaps in fiscal year 2010, which starts July 1 for the majority of states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The deficits amount to a combined $65 billion.
New York officials must deal with their problems earlier than most since the state's fiscal year starts on April 1. And while the Empire State is feeling the pain of Wall Street's turmoil more acutely than its peers, other states are confronting similar problems.
"New York is a harbinger of what many states will be facing in coming months," said Robert Ward, deputy director of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. There will be "unpleasant news on both the tax side and the spending side."
Governors and other state officials are looking to Washington to help close their gaps, though they aren't counting on it. They are pressuring President-elect Barack Obama to quickly pass a stimulus package, which could provide funding for infrastructure projects, Medicaid and food stamp programs, among other items.
New York's woes
New York is bracing for an estimated 6.6% drop in its general fund tax revenues for 2009-2010. It expects to lose 180,000 jobs and see the state unemployment rate climb above 7% in 2009, up from 5.7% in October.
Like its peers, New York is facing a triple tax whammy: personal income tax revenue is declining as people lose their jobs and bonuses; corporate income tax revenue is shriveling as business profits dry up, and sales tax revenue is falling as shoppers rein in their spending amid the weakening economy.
The state is also very sensitive to the fortunes of the financial services sector, which accounts for 20% of state tax revenue and isn't in the best of health at the moment.
This downturn -- which has opened a $1.7 billion shortfall in the current budget and a $13.7 billion deficit for the coming year -- is forcing state officials to take drastic measures.
The steps include:
- Reducing state aid to local school districts by 3.3%
- Shaving $11.6 million from senior services program
- Limiting the increase in Medicaid spending to 3.8%, down from 12%
- Laying off 521 state workers
- Closing prison camps, youth facilities and the Manhattan Addiction Treatment Center
- Eliminating the sales tax exemption on clothing under $110
- Imposing a sales tax on cable and satellite TV and radio
- Subjecting manicures, massages and haircuts to sales tax
tizdoom, who used the word "immune" again? NYC is resilient, it's in the history books already. Hence, you're better off living in a city that's more resilient, no matter what your predictions of the future may be. Get it?
Resilient: characterized or marked by resilience: as a: capable of withstanding shock without permanent deformation or rupture b: tending to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change
Immune: not susceptible or responsive (your intent)
Why on earth to you continue to misrepresent what I say with straw man arguments?
