Day: March 30, 2009

A Teleprompter?

Much has been said about the president’s use of a teleprompter, most of it criticism, but really guys, is that a necessary story that needs so much attention?

I mean what about the rise in violence in Afghanistan, or the next round of Americans to be deployed to Afghanistan or the IMF saying that the economic situation could lead to many conflicts and possibly war or the KBR got a contract to unscrew their shower screw up in Iraq, on and on……

I believe I can find lots to write about and the teleprompter would not be anywhere on the list, until I see all the crap being reported.  Something has to be said.  You have got talking heads saying just how unnecessary it is, but they are working off a teleprompter.  I have watch some commentators on FOX and MSNBC, to mention only a few, that have turn this into something it is not…..a story and news.

Personally, I find this whole thing a bit unprofessional, petty and extremely pathetic.  And these people are the ones that bitch the loudest about bloggers…sorry, had to chuckle just a bit.

A Shocking Turn Of Events

I have had several posts about the electrocution of American soldiers in Iraq while taking a shower.
Last year, 94 troops stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan or other Central Command countries sought medical treatment for electric shock, according to Defense Department health data. KBR’s database lists 231 electric shock incidents in the more than 89,000 facilities the company runs in Iraq, according to military records.

The military is racing to inspect more than 90,000 U.S.-run facilities across Iraq to reduce a deadly threat troops face far off the battlefield: electrocution or shock while showering or using appliances.
The Defense Contract Management Agency has accepted KBR’s plans to corect the problems, according to the document the AP obtained. It said the agency will closely oversee KBR’s work.

Cool, KBR gets the contract to unscrew that which they have screwed up.  If they are responsible should not it be part of their standing contract to guarantee their work or replace it?  If not, why not?

I guess that the no bid contracts have their advantages after all.  They can get paid for screwing up something and then on the backside get paid to fix their screw up…not a bad gig if you can get it.  Now I know why everyone scrambles to get government contracts.

Is There An Alternative?

With the prospects for a landmark pro-union proposal looking increasingly shaky in Congress, senators in both parties are seeking other ways to reform labor laws, potentially reshaping what many expected to be a defining showdown of Barack Obama’s presidency.

The Employee Free Choice Act, also called “card check,” was dealt two blows last week. Whole Foods, Costco and Starbucks proposed a “third way” to reform labor laws that threatened to draw away conservative Democrats from card check.

Alternative ideas run the gamut. The retailers’ plan leaves out card check and mandatory arbitration but strengthens penalties, proposes fixed election dates to give employers less time to exert pressure and improves unions’ access to workers. Unions called it inadequate; business reaction was mixed.

No, there is no alternative.  Anything proposed so far is just nothing more than employers getting all the benefits….and the workers, as usual get the same as always….NOTHING!

Why are so many afraid of the “card check” thing?  The best one I have heard is that it will harm industry…….I think that management has done a better job of that then any union could have.

There is NO alternative!  Workers need to jump on this with both feet and start demanding that their voice be heard….since they coannot compete with the cash thrown at Congress….then talk to the streets.   Peace….Out!