Think About This Tonight

Al Queida, insurgents, or whatever our gov't labels those opposed to our heavy handed and killing ways are really just citizens of these countries concerned our about our control of their assets and fighting to drive us away. Look! They are elated with us leaving Baghdad and now they feel liberated. We were greeted like aggressors not liberators. Tell me different.

I'll wait.

Is Your Car a Clunker? Follow Me...

Follow the link and see if your car or truck qualifies for the clunker cash.

Michael Jackson Is Dead

His death is certainly mourned by his family and fans. I don't belong to either group and as any one's death is certainly mournful, Yeah? So what. Move on folks, just an egocentric child molester who happened to die from a heart attack. Film at eleven.

No Plan By Obama Path To Success

The President has been dealt four aces and everyone is playing like they have the best hand in the game. Only one problem, Barack has been dealt four aces.

No concrete plan, just a goal.
Many paid, but not employees of the medical industrial complex (MIC) oppose single payer.
Stop gap measures are trial ballooned.
POTUS broadly addresses reducing cost of health care.
Republicans say no to single payer.
Americans are polled and poll shows growing support for single payer.
(R)'s say no.
Socialism is mentioned many time on teevee.
(R)'s do their best to earn their pay by trying to scare the public.
Obama says that maybe single payer isn't the answer and suggests he'll consider all options.
Those on the left start to think that Barack has sold them out to insurance lobby.
Yada, yada, yada.
Growing concern by electorate fuels email and phone messages to congress in favor of single payer.
New poll shows Americans would vote for single payer, even if it means higher taxes.
(R)'s still running with the scare them ball.
Barack still has those four aces.
Lieberman shills for insurance lobby (nothing new).
Lindsay Graham is seen saying something about socialism on teevee (nothing new).
Mitt Romney says something stupid and meaningless.
GWB says that he would have changed health care system but forgot about it and then he was out of office.
John Stewart makes fools of everyone not in favor of single payer.
Labor Day deadline is fast approaching.
House passes bill for single payer.
Senate votes a week later and many pundits say votes are not there for single payer.

Barack lays down four aces.

Barack goes on national teevee and tells American public that they have an obligation to vote out of office anyone who votes nay on single payer (in so many words).
Barack accepts many interviews by many news organizations about his statements on throwing the bastards who shill for the insurance companies out of office.
Congressional phone lines are jammed and email servers blow up from inability to handle 300,000,000 emails in favor of single payer.
(R)'s finally realize he has been dealt four aces and whine, whine, whine and shrink further into a small campground in Alabama for the winter and hunker down and plan the reconstruction of their party.

Teamwork And Leadership

Henry Ford II's choice of Alan Mullaly as CEO in 2006 was unnoticed by all of us, and rightly so. Ford was a shrinking automobile manufacturer with one cash cow, the Ford F-Series pickup. During the nineties the Ford Explorer ruled the world of SUV's, the Ford Focus sold nominally well and the rest of the lineup sold in paltry amounts and all had a large presence in the rental and fleet market. Rebates were immense and quality was average.

Enter this guy and his directive to all who work for Ford that whatever car or truck they were going to introduce to the world must be engineered and styled to be best in class for fuel economy, safety ratings, safety features and quality.. In the process I believe he unleashed a pent up desire in the engineers and designers who had been present for years, to show what they could do, after being held captive by the structure of a company that for to long accepted mediocrity.

The vehicles Ford has come out with since have met all of the goals he dictated and what we now see are the vehicles produced by what I believe are the most motivated and backed by management team in the car business today.

The cars and trucks this team has introduced since Mallaly's hire are the Focus, Fusion, Flex, F-150, Fusion Hybrid, and the soon to come Taurus, Transit Connect and Fiesta. All are world class and display what any company can do when come they together to form a team with a coach that sets goals and provides the leadership.

Go drive a Ford and see for yourself.

Grace Has A New Tune

A star in the making and my allegiance to Vermont is built upon living there for 29 years and with only 656,000 residents it certainly feels more local and connected to each other than New York.

Yes I'm Shilling For Ford Motor Company

One thing that makes me qualified to comment on the auto industry is that over the last 25 years I have sold Chrysler, Chevrolet, Toyota and now Ford cars and trucks. I'm a very observant person by nature and have paid attention to each manufacturers actions whilst I sold their products. And all of them have been guilty of arrogance at some point in their past and of taking the American buyers loyalty for granted.

Things changed for the worse with the sale of Chrysler to Mercedes Benz of Germany and has gotten worse since their subsequent sale to an investment group, Cerebus. I believe that Fiat MIGHT be able to revive the company but let's discuss that in a year or two.

Chevrolet's inclusion in the corporate structure of General Motors has been on the slope to failure for years and I'm not sure that without a real leader running the company that they have the ability to make it.

No company can make it without the leadership that motivates, has the trust of all employees and has respect in the business community.

Ford's mistakes are just as equal to the other two over the years and has dragged then down in market share over the past. But, with the arrival of a new CEO, Allan Mullaly, this is someone who possesses the abilities I have mentioned and his record since becoming Ford's leader bears out my opinion.

It is an exciting time to be affiliated with them and I hope that the following video allows you to see what I see. The difference between any one of these companies is public perception and Ford get's it. This video is neither flashy nor concerned with shots of racing cars, yet lays out a plan for what I believe is a company that has the potential to grow into America's best hope for a successful auto manufacturer.

No Gov't Motors Here

ALL-NEW 2010 FORD F-150 SVT RAPTOR STARS IN NEW FEATURE DOCUMENTARY FILM

DEARBORN, Mich., June 3, 2009 – Ford's all-new 2010 Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will be making its Hollywood debut on June 23 when a new feature film about the ultimate production off-road performance truck hits the silver screen.

"Raptor – Born in Baja" – produced by Brentwood Communications (BCII) in conjunction with Ford Motor Company – will premiere at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood, Calif., before an audience of more than 500 automotive and off-road motorsports executives, entertainment industry heavyweights, celebrity guests and members of the press.

The documentary follows Ford designers, engineers and race program directors, along with Foutz Motorsports and other aftermarket organizations, as they construct, test and unveil the new F-150 SVT Raptor to the automotive world by entering it in the grueling 631-mile Baja 1000 race, one of the toughest point-to-point off-road races in the world.

"I had read in the automotive trades that Ford had told its dealers that the Raptor would be the 'first truck you could buy right off the lot and drive in Baja,' " said Bud Brutsman, BCII CEO and the film's executive producer. "I told Ford, 'Let's prove it.' "

Not only did Raptor finish the race, but it sped through the finish line in 25.5 hours, placing third in its class in what was originally supposed to be only a development drive.

"For 32 years now, Ford trucks have led the marketplace because of our long history of capability and durability," said Doug Scott, Ford Truck Marketing Manager. "With the F-150 SVT Raptor, we are delivering a true off-road performance truck with the proven 'Built Ford Tough' capability and durability that is at the core of every F-150."

The all-new Raptor was built to take on the most challenging desert adventures as well as the everyday commute. The vehicle produces true off-road performance thanks to its stock high-performance parts, standard FOX Racing Shox and standard Ford SVT-tuned BFGoodrich® all-terrain tires. It will be available in showrooms in July with a MSRP of $38,995.

Following the June 23 premiere of "Raptor – Born in Baja," a one-hour television version of the film will air on SPEED on Sunday, July 12, at 4 p.m. EST with several additional airings to be determined at a later date.

To view the trailer and clips from "Raptor – Born in Baja," visit www.youtube.com/RECONdesign.

For more information about the F-150 SVT Raptor, visit www.fordvehicles.com/f150raptor.

Klunker's For Cash Maybe My Bailout Moment

Yes clunkers bill has passed with the war funding bill that spends 106 billion going off to support our troops and billions will some good here. Haliburton still wins. Bring a real $1.00 car to a dealer (there are many) and receive $3500 or $4500 dollars towards the purchase of a vehicle that get better mileage. I am to tired to get into details, read here.

Concentrated Hate And Violence

What we are witnessing in our country is the result of those few people who buy into the hate and misinformation agenda promoted by not only politicians, but also certain media outlets that rely on these unthinkers for votes and money. As they become more isolated by their political and religious opinions and feel and think that someone is out to change their lives they will be like corn mash distilled into grain alcohol. Easily ignited into action against those perceived as being the problem, whatever it might be and they will react in irrational ways that you and I would never consider. Recent actions by these people are just the beginning.

The only solution is a ratcheting down of the poor loser attitude on the right on our television sets, newsprint and internet (like that's gonna happen). So expect it to get worse and more violent. It really saddens me that there are people who put their zeal for control and power ahead of the good of our country. What are your thought?

Murder Over Opinions!!!

Here we are, we now have Americans committing justifiable murder (snark) over a difference of opinions and how much worse will it get before someone gets involved (POTUS) and calls these people out for what they really are. We are on a slippery slope to arguing and murdering and torturing and God knows what else to impose opinions and values on each other. There is no end game to all of this and so they ( right wing terrorists-left wing believers) just cannot see nor understand how we are destroying our mutual living abilities. Me I'm lucky as I realize what's going on and can ratchet down my responses to their violence and irrational actions.

This What I'm Talking About

The cost of money is very important when you are in the car business. Rewarding failure is also important and so is a level play field. I applaud the governments actions to assist the auto industry and avoid further decimation of America's manufacturing base. Ford Motor Company will no doubt reap rewards in the future by being prepared for today's economic environment and has gained market share during the past 4 months. But should the failed companies be given a tactical advantage?

Tribute To Kate Smith

In my younger days we would be over at George and Bliss' boat landing on the south end of Lake Placid Lake and Kate would pull up in this very large Buick and would need her groceries carried from her car to her boat and pay us 25 cents per bag to put them in her boat. She was a kind and frugal lady who never seemed or let on as to what a star she really was. Down to earth all the way and humble to a fault. I remember I once saw her later one day all made up for an appearance on television and hardly recognized her yet she said hello as she passed by.


No other celebrity even came close when it came to selling war bonds during world war II. In a one hour stint on CBS radio network she sold $107 million worth of war bonds, which were issued by the U.S. Government to finance the war effort. Her total for a series of broadcasts was over six million. President Roosevelt introduced her to King George VI of England and stated "This is Kate Smith. Miss Smith is America.





" Kate Smith had become a national singing star from the onset of her broadcasting career in 1931. Her identification with patriotism and patriotic theme's began on the night of November 11, 1938, when on her regular radio program she sang "Go

"God Bless America". A song originally written by Irving Berlin for his 1918 musical "Yip, Yip, Yaphank". For a time Kate Smith had exclusive rights to perform "God Bless America" in public. When it became apparent that this song was not just another pop tune, Mr. Berlin and Kate Smith waived all royalties from performances of "God Bless America". There was a time when the song "God Bless America" supplanted the "Star Spangled Banner" as the most popular patriotic song in America. The royalties continue to be turned over to the Boy and Girl Scouts of America.



"Kate and the Babe," KATE SMITH, radio star, and BABE RUTH, baseball idol. The Babe will appear as guest of Miss Smith when she inaugurates her new weekly series of "Bandwagon" broadcasts to be heard over the WABC-COLUMBIA network every Thursday from 8:00 to 9:00 EDST, This program will Air on : Thursday Sept 17. The genial stars will be heard in a comedy sketch of domestic life.

Because of a long and close partnership Miss smith and Ted Collins were thought to be married. They were not, because of all the inquires that were made they sent a form letter to all the people that had written them. It read "Miss Smith is not married. Mr. Collins is and has one daughter and two grandchildren.

In 1949 the Daily Worker, which was the newspaper of the American Communist Party, wrote an article on Kate Smith and called her the red-baiter, Kate the distorter of Communist policy and the apologist for interventionists in Eastern Europe, It never had a noticeable effect on her.

In 1950 she branched into TV. with the Kate Smith Variety Hour. The show only lasted four years. It was dropped in June 1954 , the network received 400,000 letters of protest. Kate later that year returned as a guest on the Ed Sullivan show, which led to five more appearances. In 1960 she had her own variety show, It received high critical acclaim but low ratings. It was dropped after six months.

In 1962 her mother died, followed by the passing of Ted Collins two years later. Miss Smith went in to a period of depression that ended in July 1965, when she announced that she would return to TV in the fall. For the next decade she appeared on shows hosted by Ed Sullivan, Dean Martin, and Andy Williams, and many others.

During her long career, Kate Smith rented a number of apartments in New York, she also had a home in Arlington, VA. For forty years she kept a summer home on an island in Lake Placid. She lived modestly and was estimated to have amassed 35 million during her working life.

In 1960 over a period of four years she lost 90 pounds, bleached her hair and shed the dignified dark dress that she wore, she was uncomfortable that way.
When I was a kid Kate would give us a quarter a bag to carry her groceries from Shea's Market from her Buick to her boat in her slip in George and Bliss' landing on the southern end of Lake Placid lake. She had a beautiful camp {home} in the 1st straight about a mile up the lake. She was a gracious and very polite woman, often asking questions about our lives and always showed an interest in us.

see more pictures of her life here http://katesmith.org/katebio.html


In 1965 after attending Catholic services for 25 years, Miss Smith was baptized at the local church in Lake Placid, by the same priest that gave last rites to Ted Collins.

Kate Smith had been in poor health since 1976, on June 17, 1986 she died, she was 79 years old. She was buried in ST. Agnes Cemetery in Lake, Placid, N.Y. At the time of her death she was living in Raleigh, N.C. Death was attributed to a diabetic related illness. Kate Smith who's voice made "God Bless America" an unofficial national anthem was one of the most popular singers of the century.



Kate Smith 1937 CBS press release

Kate was the Godmother to the Great Grand-Daughter of Indian Chief "Two Young Men". This photo shows Kate saying goodbye to the papoose and her mother in Canada just completing her vacation. Kate will then be back performing on the WABC-Columbia radio network.

steveherbln Is A Coward and a Shill

The other day I posted about GM's Zero % financing that they are able to offer because of the money they are getting from you and me. Ford cannot afford to match this offer for obvious reasons and
Mr. steveherbln comments on my post by pointing out that to many Fords have had a problem with unprovoked combustion several years ago. Yet when I wanted to go to his blog and view "his" posts I discovered that I cannot access his blog by clicking on his name or moniker. Seems like a shill or paid commenter doing what he is either paid for or just a stooppiidd and immature idiot who just likes screaming fire in the crowded theatre instead of making a point based on the facts.

0% For 60 Months Is Unfair

This is what I'm dealing with on a daily basis because as the Ford Motor Company's planners saw the recession on the horizon and borrowed money when it was available from someone other than the government and no doubt is paying a higher interest rate on said money (billions) the loans for Generous Motors allows them to offer something that Ford cannot. Look, we'll survive as long as anyone in the downturn in auto sales but the advantage that GM has with all of "our" money creates an environment that Ford cannot duplicate. I understand that many people might be less confident in GM and Chrysler but beating Ford with a bat made of government money is not something I like.

We do offer 0%, but for 36 months, because Ford must live within a budget.

This is an email I received from someone who lives in the south, North Carolina and it displays the unthinking and if it's in print its must be true view of many southerners. No links to sources and just mindless drivel. This is what we as questioning authority type of people would question in a heartbeat, yet many would take as fact. How do you spell stooopppiiiddd?


Welfare Poem - oh boy you will love this
...
I cross ocean,
poor and broke,
Take bus,
see employment folk.






Nice man treat me
good in there,
Say I need to
see welfare.
Welfare say,
'You come no more,
We send cash
right to your door.'
Welfare checks,
they make you wealthy,
Medicaid it keep
you healthy!
By and by,
I get plenty money,
Thanks to you,
American dummy.
Write to friends
in motherland,
Tell them 'come
fast as you can.'
They come in turbans
and Ford trucks,
I buy big house
with welfare bucks
They come here,
we live together,
More welfare checks,
it gets better!
Fourteen families,
they moving in,
But neighbor's patience
wearing thin.
Finally, white guy
moves away,
Now I buy his house,
and then I say,
'Find more aliens
for house to rent.'
And in the yard
I put a tent.
Send for family
they just trash,
But they, too,
draw the welfare cash!
Everything is
very good,
And soon we
own the neighborhood.
We have hobby
it's called breeding,
Welfare pay
for baby feeding.
Kid's need dentist?
Wife's need pills?
We get free!
We got no bills!
American's crazy!
He pay all year,
To keep welfare
running here..
We think America
darn good place!
Too darn good for
the white man race.
If they no like us, they can
scram,
Got lots of room in Pakistan .
It is interesting that the federal government provides a single refugee with a monthly allowance of $1,890.00 and each can also get an additional $580.00 in social assistance for a total of $2,470.00.
This compares very well to a single pensioner who after contributing to the growth and development of America for 40 to 50 years can only receive a monthly maximum of $1,012.00 in old age pension and Guaranteed Income Supplement.
Maybe our pensioners should apply as refugees!
Let's send this to all Americans, so we can all be ticked off and maybe get the refugees cut back to $1,012.00 and the pensioners up to $2,470 00 and enjoy some of the money we were forced to submit to the Government over the last 40 or 50 years.
Please forward to every American to expose what our elected politicians have been doing over the past 11 years - to the over-taxed American.
SEND THIS TO EVERY AMERICAN TAXPAYER YOU KNOW

Wingnuttia!

pretty much says it all...

Republicans Are Dumbfounded By Barack Because?

Here's the plan. In less than 8 words explain what is perplexing and obviously frustrating Republicans so that it makes them less relevant in today's political and economic environment. This will be a lot of fun because by being brief we will be challenged by brevity.

End Times Are Coming

I'm thinking that in the end the Rethugs will be to small for a bathtub and someone is going to use the items pictured here to take whats left out to the trash barrel.