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Billions In Cash Airlifted To Iraq Possibly Stolen

Surprise, Surprise. What is the right response to that. Lots of things come to mind like “well do tell”, “you gotta be kidding” or if you were Flo on that old show called Alice she would say “well kiss my grits”. They sent bundles of shrink wrapped cash in cargo plans to Iraq in March 2003. I sure don’t remember hearing about it then but now they are closing the books on it and for the first time saying the cash might have been stolen.

According to the report The Bush administration flooded the county with cash. (golle gee here again). Why would they do that? The report says one giant Hercules cargo plane could carry $2.4 billion in shrink wrapped blocks of $100 bills. They sent 20 plane loads of cash by May 2004 or a total of $12 billion. It was the largest airlift of cash ever. They were too busy to keep track of it and now they can’t account for $6.6 billion in cash. Federal auditors THINK it must have been stolen. US officials say they did not have the time or staff to keep strict controls. If it were Iraq’s money they should have a record of some sort. What a bunch of crooks. Each one will lie for the other, maybe it was not even sent. No one will ever know but with all the expertise and expensive auditors, consultants and advisors who woulda thunk. It would be funny if it were not so typical of how government does its job. And now they want to provide us with healthcare.

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Romney Lays The Smackdown On Obama

Last night was the first round of the debates for the presidential campaign.  I certainly was expecting a debate, however, it feel short.  It was

Dwight Holton US Attorney

I was recently reading about US Attorney Dwight Holton US Attorney in the Times about Marijuana.  First, let me say I don’t participate in the wacky tobacky.  It’s not my thing but all the best to the rest of you who do.  Rarely individuals get on my nerves but this Dwight Holton nobody is pushing my buttons.  His Hitler communist remarks in the article are a response to Oregon’s Medical Marijuana Act (1988).  An Act that was voted on by the majority of Oregon people for medical marijuana.  They went through the proper channels, got enough signatures, and won the majority vote to pass this Act.  You maybe against marijuana use and I respect that, however, when the majority of people are for anything and it becomes law – you become the minority and need to respect the decision of the people. 

Dwight Holton, however, came out swinging preaching the Federal Law which constantly hangs over all states heads who have passed a Medical Marijuana Act.   In the article he clearly threatens the people and the dispensaries.  In the letter directed to everyone “Sale of marijuana in Oregon for any purpose, including medical use, is illegal and will be prosecuted.”  Here is a point blank Hitler power trip remark he made also, “Oregon and federal law make it illegal to sell marijuana — period, end of story.” 

Here is a larger paragraph continuing this threatening verbiage:

“The sale of marijuana for any purpose — including as medicine — violates both Federal and Oregon law and will not be tolerated,” it added.  “People and businesses that conduct sales of marijuana face the risk of prosecution, civil enforcement action and seizure of assets . . .”

“Prosecuting individuals and organizations involved in the cultivation and distribution of controlled substances, including marijuana, are core priorities of the United States Department of Justice

US Attorney Dwight Holton needs to get off his high horse and work for the people.  If the majority of people vote for something his job is to fix the law so it represents the wishes of the people and that is it.  Maybe this Dwight Holton has a little man complex or just doesn’t know his role (I know I would love to slap him around).  One thing is for sure, his ego is very large, and he needs to be shown the door.  These are the type of scum people that need to go in our Government.

Illegal Immigrants

We hear a lot of talk how to gain citizenship in the United States. It is not complicated at all unless you choose to make it complicated. 1. You come into this country by obtaining a work permit, or visa or school scholarship etc.  That would be legal and welcome.2.  If you decide to stay you take steps to becoming a citizen. It has always been that way and it still is. You do not come into this country to live and reap all the benefits of legal citizens by climbing over a fence or swimming a river or riding like cattle in the back of a smugglers truck.

We also know it is the supposed to be the Federal Governments job to enforce immigration rules. But it is not doing its job, and is not letting the State keep the illegal immigrants out of the workplace, schools and hospitals and it is totally breaking the States budgets. Everyone knows all of the above but seems to pooh pooh it away.

Last night there was a big barbecue in the yard next door and I want to use it in such a way that I hope will make independent thinkers look at immigration differently. Some tenants fired up the barbecue and some invited friends came. Then a few uninvited friends stopped by. The last arrivals did not bring steaks and burgers or hot dogs but gathered for the party. Pretty soon some swearing and fighting started. One guy yelled, you so and so get away from the grill, you didn’t bring any food, you were not invited so “get the hell out”. Now that’s the way it should work with the illegal immigrants(without the swearing and fighting). So, lets say you are having the barbecue and this happens. You call the police and they say no this is private property and its your problem. What can you do? Lets say these uninvited people go in your house to use your bathroom, then help themselves to a room to spend the night in, use your soap, water and maybe take your prescription pills. All the time you have to just sit and watch your home being taken over, your food eaten all on your dime. They decide to just stay with you, and if they get sick you pay their doctors bills. That is exactly like California and Arizona, Texas and some other states. The illegal’s come in, the police cannot check to see if they have valid identification or ask them to leave. They are told they have to wait for the Federal Government to do their job. Well years go by, babies are born, the states go more broke, the prisons fill up but the Federal Government fights the states in court to stop them from enforcing immigration laws in their states. If it can happen to a state, it can soon happen to a private citizen if you think about it.

A legal citizen that was born here, lived here and worked here all his life has to show his drivers license to cash a check or vote or do most anything but not if you’re a Mexican. They call that profiling. I call it a real crock of deep doo doo. They want the vote to keep them in office, they forget they really were not elected to LEAD anyway they want to. They were elected to represent the wishes of the people.

Please take time to really study this recent survey and you will see the majority of Americans are not happy with the immigration laws not being enforced.

See the results of a recent poll

Ricks Strip Club Maybe Jiggling Again

Seattle’s Rick Strip Club will soon be on the auction block by the Justice Department. By doing so it will give it the opportunity to jiggle again. As you know, the Seattle strip club was seized in a racketeering allegation (prostitution) which shut down all the clubs owned by Frank Colacurcio Sr., Frank Jr. (his son); and their associates. After years of investigating and thousands and thousands of dollars (16K of tax money ) spent by a detective buying lap dances at the club they all were indicted and charged. No arrests were made during the lap dances they were buying. This activity lasted for years by the Seattle police department to build their case. Once the four clubs were seized the owners above forfeited 1.3 million dollars and all the clubs to the Justice Department in an attempt to lessen the charges and basically make it go away, however, that didn’t work out so well.  Since prostitution as involved, they charged them with racketeering, money laundering, mail fraud, conspiracy etc. Basically, anything they could charge them with when someone accepts payment via a credit card at the strip club. It’s a common method of payment at any strip club and continues to be a major form of payment at the local Deja Vu’s in the area. The Government also wants 25 million from the strip club partners.

The government was “finally confident they would convict these guys” now they said. After months and months in court, however, nothing really happened or was resolved except the millions of dollars in the “investigation” and attorney fees that were wasted. All the associates/partners settled for probation and walked out the door. Frank Jr gave up his interest in the strip club and pleaded for a one year term (he’ll serve a few months). Frank Sr. died before trial before a conviction could be completed (he was 93 years old). Due to his age, some have argue how much participation he really provided to the business. Due to the nanny behaviorship of Washington State, many of the associates have already moved to California and started over again.

Paridon Williams – 50 Ways To Help Another

It’s about 1:30am in Seattle as I share a beer with a friend at the newly updated Belltown Pub. As the last call announcement is broadcasted over the speakers, a very tall house-less man walks in. His beard is a little gray and needs a good shaving. Dressed in black with a shoulder bag over his shoulder that appears to have costs a few dollars. It appears to be another awkward moment where we are going to be hustled for a buck or two. Walking the Seattle streets I am sure you’ve experienced it. Some are more honest than others and just need a beer and/or others have a more elaborate story to get some change. Normally, you just continue walking and don’t engage ignoring the behavior to save yourself the time, story, and money.

Paridon Williams was a little different then most, however. He had a passion about this book. It was a book he created and continues to create which involves helping others out. After his pitch to us, I passed on the offer. I just didn’t get it. Mr. Williams continue to chat it up with my friend (who may have had a few drinks) and eventually I was talked into a 50/50 investment into the book from my friend. He pulled out a copy of the book from his shoulder bag and it was put together quite well. He said he goes to the library and gets it binded at Kinkos. The pages are not numbered, but I am estimating it has approx. 75 pages or so (front and back also). I am guessing it must cost about the same for what he is selling it for ($12.95).

Since I basically gave the book to my friend at the Pub, I figured I would flip through a few pages and check it out (before morning) since I won’t be seeing this book again. The book, however, was impressive – really impressive. The value is in its inspiration from a guy who is struggling and continues to push forward and help others. It is his “masterpiece” and a piece of work that overlooks his own needs and problems for the sake of others. The book is filed with letters he has received from people just like me. Most several days and weeks later. People who turned their backs to him initially but after reading and being inspired have changed their point of view. Some people have also submitted stories, poems, and letters to Peridon Williams inside the book. His book, 50 ways to help another, encourages submissions and that keeps the book updated with new versions. He also has advertising in the book from local Seattle businesses.

In short, it’s a good read from a good guy filled with a whole lot of love from a whole lot of people.

Seattle Sound Transit Will Spend $2.1 Million In Rail & Research

Wow, why would they spend anything on consultants? Ask  anyone who rides the bus and they would get an ear full for free. The operating committee voted to pay EMC Research up to $1.5 million to check riders attitudes, fuel prices, and find what it would take to get a person on the bus or rail. Sound Transit already has a shortfall of $3.9 billion in their 15 year extension plan.

For starters they need a good customer service office with help that at least know where a bus stop is. Some dufus hooded a bus stop by error in Georgetown and it took two weeks for Customer Service to quit saying the stop was open. They could have asked any driver who went by it every half hour. About the time a person figures out a good route they change it. For example the 174 bus used to go from Seattle to Federal Way,  and into the Airport. No transfers and it worked real good and the bus was standing room most of the time. Then they decided to have it go in the tunnel at Holgate so it screwed it up royally and was so unhandy to have to go down in a tunnel station to get the bus. About the time we got that figured out they stopped running it completely. You have to take a bus to the Tukwila Link station(even though you have absolutely no desire to go there) then take a rapid ride from there. I did all my heavy shopping in Federal Way but don’t even go anymore. Once you have to get off and on it’s to time consuming and inconvenient. I don’t know how to get to the airport on the bus anymore. They only think of speed not that riders might want to get off along the highway and shop or do errands.

If you have to scrape the ice off your windshield and drive to a transit station you might as well drive on to work. Bus fare is not a bargain anymore at all. Sound Transit does not have nearly as many riders as they thought they would, maybe its time to just quit building, and paying consultants and doing anything if they are losing money and take the time to LISTEN to riders, not some hot-shot consultant that wouldn’t ride a bus if it were free. Oh, well they can tack on $20.00 to our car tab and have some more to squander.

An Atheist Small Business Bit the Dust Last Weekend

Bart Centre was so sure he wouldn’t be called to heaven today so he started a business to feed the pets of the people who ended up in heaven. Since the Rapture didn’t happen his post-Rapture care for pets left behind probably is not to popular today. He called his business Eternal Earth-Bound Pets USA.

As of May 10 he said he had 250 clients and I would imagine since then would be the busy time.  The cost for his service was $135.00 for the first pet and $20.00 for each additional pet. A rescuer would come to your home within 24 hours and get your pet. It didn’t say but I would imagine you needed to leave your door unlocked because all your friends and neighbors would be in heaven. How about the store that sells the pet food he needs, wouldn’t they be in heaven too? What if at the last minute he was saved and we had to face him up there? I would be pretty ticked off if that happened.

Well I am sure he is entitled to a big bail out of some kind. Just say his business failed and don’t say what kind and I am sure the Federal Government would write him a check for a million or more so he could figure out a new business.

The fools that signed up with him are still better off than the ones who gave all their property and money away. His fees were non refundable and I doubt anyone could find him today anyway.

Taste of West Seattle Is Tonight

Tonight, May 19th, is the Taste Of West Seattle.  If you haven’t got out today and enjoyed the sun then this a great opportunity for you and your family.  The Taste Of West Seattle runs from 6-9pm and you can get tickets online or when you get there.  The event continues to grow every year and this is going to be another big one.  It features dozens of food vendors and plenty of entertainment.  All proce

Seattle Real Estate Market – Down Again

The Seattle real estate market is down again in April and many are starting to think it may never rebound. I believe the general public is feeling better about real estate (compared to a year ago or more) but at the end of the day it’s comes down to money. Many don’t feel secure in their jobs and even more don’t have enough money to invest in a home. When you’re nickled and dimed everyday with the taxes, fines, tolls, penalties, and other dreamed up concoctions it makes it very difficult for the average family. When you were a child, you most likely were taught that home ownership is the American dream. It’s the best thing you can do for yourself. A place where you can call your own instead of paying rent every month (that goes no where).

The real estate market sure has changed overtime. Of course the wages were less back then but you could get a home in the 5K – 20K range. Over the course of 30 years the property would grow in appreciation and eventually you could make a profit, retire on it, or just live comfortably. Unfortuately, the banks have put a stop to that. The average family purchasing a home will not even come close to see the home appreciation as it once was. A home that cost $250K will cost you over $400K over the life of loan. If you add in the additional 3K+ per year property taxes over the 30 years, that would mean you would have paid over 490K. Do you really think your $250K home will appreciate over $490K? The value of home ownership and the Seattle real estate marketing is retirement. You must be in it for the longterm.

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Has America Changed It's Standards

Has America Changed?

This is an interesting read. Written by Ken Huber – he does make some interesting points about American and what

Seattle Micro Housing

Seattle Micro-Housing

The Seattle Council is considering allowing micro-housing in the city. If you’re not in the loop of what micro-housing is

Seattle Housing Authority & Yesler Terrace Makeover

Last Tuesday, the Seattle Housing Authority Board of Commissioners approved the project of redevelopment and the makeover of the Yesler Terrace.  Why the city even owns property, land, real estate and have a Seattle Housing Authortiy Board of Commissioners is another topic but it appears to be another Board that makes decisions for the Seattle residents and is quick to blow money on projects without proper discussions.  The construction is expected to cost 300 million (so they say) and will take 10 to 20 years.

The last step is getting the City of Seattle Council Members to approve it and since money is no object in Seattle Washington I would expect it to easily pass with little to no discussions or debates by the Seattle Council Members.  They probably won’t even have a public meeting.

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