Outside The Box
For the past few years people have been watching and reading some of my rants. Rants might be too strong of a definition here, simply because, it’s not a rant if one offers solutions to the issue or problem with forward thinking...
, , , United States
Business category: Blog
Last Updated: 2012-03-23Primary business email: michaelsblog@mypeopledothat.com
Alternate email: michaelsblog@mypeopledothat.com
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April 11, 2011 - Safer Nuclear Reactor Design I recall a documentary around 1980 from the BBC detailing a new nuclear reactor design from Germany. The design was so unique that a melt down or China syndrome could not occur. Their design used small ceramic encapsulated plutonium pellets which were stacked to form a rod, instead of solid plutonium rods used in reactors today. The rods of today require a constant supply of water/heavy water to keep the plutonium cool, or a melt down will occur. Germany completed the design and invited the media from all countries to witness the unveiling. All cameras and reporters were ready to see the new design. It was explained that the design was safe and all coolant would be drained to prove a melt down would not occur. The reporters started packing and left in the middle of the technical explanation, except the BBC. The BBC, were the only one’s that stayed behind and documented the next 48 hours. Water coolant was still used in the German design, but the ceramic coating was a backup which controlled the intense heat buildup after draining. After draining temperatures of 4,000 degrees F (2204.4 C) would be reached and within 24 hours would start to cool by them selves with no coolant. Within 48 hours temperatures of 1,200 degrees F (648.8 C) would be reached. The test started as scheduled and was a textbook example proving it was a safer design. Our history of nuclear disasters could have been diverted if the simple design of the Germans were used. I wish the BBC would dig up the old footage and re-telecast the documentary, and maybe someone would listen this time… *** |
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April 11, 2011 – Simple Health Care Reform Ask any doctor what is their opinion on malpractice insurance and all will agree the cost is outrageous. You will be lucky getting their opinion on insurance companies in general controlling medical care. The more an insurance company gets involved in medical procedures the more you pay as a patient. A simpler approach might be to place a cap on malpractice suits. The dollar value that I’m about to suggest is a starting point for discussion, not that it should become law. For example, let’s say $200,000 on malpractice suits. Insurance companies could negotiate any suit up to this amount. A medical review board would be needed for suits over $200,000 and the actual medical procedure analyzed by doctors for enhancement if needed. The medical review board would make recommendations to the insurance company for any further legal action. In other words, doctors would be governing doctors. All of us dread the concept of having to be hospitalized and leaving with more diseases than when we entered. I for one remember hospitals in the distant past with an odor of chlorine bleach. It seemed everything, including the operating room had an odor of bleach and it seems we have put a price tag on cleaning solutions… *** |
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April 11, 2011 – Unemployment Figures I seriously hope that anyone reading the latest unemployment figures being released (8.8% - 13.5 million people) understand that these figures are only people receiving unemployment benefits. The percentage does not include the millions who have exhusted their benefits. Donald J. Trump recently stated on a talk show that the percentage is more like 21%. We watch daily as congress continues to debate what is best for the country, each with a different view point. I’m sure the lobyest are working even harder than they have ever worked before on these issues at great expense. The 1990’s was the beginning of the American work force decline, for those of you old enough to recall. Our technology, data centers, call centers, and manufracturing were being shipped over seas. These jobs came at an expese to the American people not only in jobs, but incentatives to the corporations as government kick backs and lower pay scales, increasing corporate profits. To find any solution, one would first have to look at what works. For example, Brazil only allows importing and exporting of parts. Shipping parts does not shut down corporations and in turn, have to be assembled in their country which equates to jobs, new warehousing, and financials. Slight inflation would be a small price to pay if everyone was working. Economist will tell you that in a global market prohibition tactics will not work, they are not efficient. Americans on the other hand will find innovative means to achieve. A simpler approach maybe just build a superior product, then everyone globally would want made in the USA. As history has proven sometimes radical but innovation in the last two hundred years has moved us forward… Updated September 5, 2011. I decided to look at the numbers from 2008 through 2011, and found the unemployment to be at 29.7%. See the ripple effect on the total population in the USA. http://mypeopledothat.com/static/Unemployment *** |
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April 12, 2011 - New Cars & Alternative Fuel Supply Buying a new car has always been a nightmare for me and I have been burned on a few models. The obvious step is to choose one that meets your or your family needs. Then will the vehicle be dependable after the warranty runs out. Then there is the big question about fuel economy. All of these have to be rationalized and researched by you and there are consumer WEB sites and magazines that can assist you on your quest. I’m from the old school and believe that new does not mean better. The simpler the vehicle is made the better experience you will have. Then there is the pitfall of creature comforts we like to have and the extra expense associated with them. One choice that is overlooked often is whether the vehicle will be front or rear wheel drive. You better plain on a rebuild on front wheel drive axels and U joints or servicing them around 90k miles. This is often overlooked and will leave you on the side of the road if ignored. Normally rear wheel drive vehicles (exposed axels with CT boots should be treated like front wheel drive) just need an oil change and is best done before the suggested mileage from the dealer. I strongly suggest using synthetic oil for the life of the vehicle. It cost a little more, but you will receive extra miles between oil changes and better protection for your motor. Servicing the engine coolant and transmission is often overlook and you should setup service before the suggest mileage. Then there is driving habits that you can adjust easily, like fast acieration and hard breaking. For example, if you see a red light ahead, just take your foot off the gas peddle and coast up to the light. It will use less gas and save your break pads. Alternative fuel supply: We have all been reading and watching the hydrogen, hybrid, and even the compressed air vehicles from India and France. I recall an article back around 1985 where chicken manure was used in England to power a car, and recently where a pig farmer used his manure to supply gas to his house, some farm equipment and his motorcycle. We are all walking and talking bio fuel machines and for some reason no one is thinking about it. We could be supplying our own bio fuel with some simple pluming to our houses to a holding tank. The contents pumped into a synthetic blatter surrounded by a carbon composite tank (this would be needed to control spillage during a vehicle accident). The methane would power a small gas/backup electric engine and supply compressed air to carbon composite tanks (needed to control compressed air explosion during a vehicle accident). A small propane tank could be used for a reserve when the bio fuel is empty. For those of you thinking I’m crazy, just wait it gets better. One would just return home, pump out the expired bio fuel to a three stage tank. The first stage would be year one of expired bio fuel matter. The second stage would be year two of expired fuel and the third stage (yep you guessed it) year three. The third stage is fertilizer which could be used for your lawn, your garden, and could even be sold to your neighbors or farmers… *** |
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April 13, 2011 - Refrigeration and Cooling In years past (1920’s) most people did not have electricity and relied on wood burning stoves and ice boxes. A small unit called ball ice (if I recall correctly) was sold to those that could afford them. Ball ice replaced the need for block ice, which had to be purchased weekly, if one was lucky. The simple design of ball ice was two round chambers connected by a single pipe. Inside the bottom unit was water and the other half was compressed ammonia gas. All a person had to do was place the water filled bottom unit on the heated stove for fifteen minutes. The water vapor would rise into the ammonia gas and freeze. The frozen unit then placed in the ice box and lasted over 24 hours. This older technology could still be used today for camping, automobile AC, and subsidized cooling anywhere a heat source exists… Refrigerators in our homes are generally ignored by most people, as something that requires a little maintenance. At least once a year (twice a year dependent on your environment) should be cleaned underneath. The cooling fan constantly pulls dust with the new supply of air. Don’t go banging around underneath if using a vacuum cleaner. The fastest way is to simply pull the unit away from the wall and remove the back bottom access panel. Then slide or pull the front grill off of the front bottom. Using your leaf blower simply push the dust out from the front then from the back. Then replace the panels. It’s a good idea not to have exposed food or to be cooking when you start this. You will be surprised at what comes out and some cleanup will be required. Our air conditioners/heaters also require maintenance (more than changing filters). You might have plastic oil plugs on the top and bottom of your blower fan and cooling fan motors (if your unit is over 10 years old). Inside your house will be a blower fan that circulates air. Outside your house will be a cooling fan on your air conditioner compressor. The plastic plugs are visible on the same side of the motor, if you have them and 3 drops of 30 weight oil twice yearly is all that is needed after removing the plugs. Newer style motors are sealed and do not have oil plugs. CAUTION here, if servicing the unit yourself. All power should be turned off or disconnected. Find the circuit breakers first for both units and turn them off. The thermostat should be turned off as a precaution and most air conditioner compressors have a disconnect panel mounted on the wall outside the house next to the unit. Failing to do so could cause severe injury, if the units turn on while servicing them! Next is something that seldom is done, even by professional service repairman. Remove the top grill or fan unit (watch out for wires!) dependant on model. Using a garden hose and reduced water pressure, spray from the inside of the compressor to the outside which will remove imbedded dirt. Then replace the top grill or fan unit (watch out for wires!) dependant on the model. All of this may seem scary to most people with good reason and a professional repairman should perform the task. Years of service from your units are possible. At least next time you will be better informed as to what is required and can be negotiated with the repairman. Things you should know: All central air conditioners have a pipe that allows condensed water from the condenser or blower fan unit to drain. The drain pipe is normally PVC white tubing near the blower fan with an open T connection. The T connection is used to monitor and clean the drain pipe (visible standing water means it time to clean it). Normally a cup of bleach pored into the open T connection will work for cleaning the drain twice yearly. Failing to keep the drain clear could cause water damage in your home. You need to be aware that bleach will neutralize any termite chemical protection near the drain outlet outside your home. Ice forming on the copper pipes outside the compressor normally indicates low Freon and should be recharge by a licensed professional. Resent lightning storms can short out the main capacitor on the compressor or blower fan which will cause the unit to fail (slow cooling fan or blower fan with a loud hum coming from either unit). The capacitor (normally $8.00 to $28.00) also acts like a fuse. Don’t be fooled by a repairman telling you that you need a total AC replacement…
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April 13, 2011 – Charles Darwin (1809-1882), Theory of Evolution This is a controversial topic for most people and in some cases political suicide. Debating between religious scalars and the scientific community will be forever a battle of wits. Putting aside the controversy for a moment, let’s just look at the theory for what it is, a theory. This is a theory of mankind evolving from amphibious creatures crawling to beaches, from a prehistoric time. It’s a theory, but what about sponges. These little colonies of simple animal cells have the DNA, 90% to 92% of humans. This is a mood point of the theory and is like discussing which came first the chicken or the egg, and is an ink fish involved (sorry, I like ink fish and find them fascinating and have digressed). More to the point, looking at Darwin’s time line (1809-1882), he did the best with what he had. DNA was unheard of during his life. Scientist, are just now beginning their quest and true understanding of DNA. All of this can be rationalized now, but the key to this theory is missing. The missing key, what was the catalyst to the metamorphoses? What was the time line? I’m changing the subject now for a reason. During the 1960’s, there was a flirtation with gamma radiation. Any school age person could buy magic beans bombarded with gamma radiation for around $1.00. These common beans were guaranteed to grow into something different than their common plants. Where is he going with this, your asking yourself? Currently the earth is ending a 350,000 year cycle where the magnetic North and South poles will reverse (the actual core of the Earth will change direction). The reversal should only last for 350 years, then switch back. This has been proven in core samples of ancient lava flows with carbon dating, showing a time line and the magnetic shift. Our magnetosphere will weaken during the 350 year cycle allowing gamma radiation to enter. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution starts to make since, if one adds 350,350 years to each evolutionary change… *** |
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April 14, 2011 - What Every Windows PC User Should Know (no access or down loads required) RAM - Internal memory. On Windows XP minimum requirement 1 gigabyte (GB). Windows Vista minimum 2 gigabyte (GB). Windows 7, 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) and 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit). Windows PC Locking Up: All steps on this page can be run in Safe Mode (some manufactures have altered the F8 Safe Mode function. Perform a Search on Safe Mode to verify yours). There is an inherent problem with third party software where the [X] button in the upper right hand screen is used (instead of using File, Close/Exit) or if your PC is forced to shut down. This problem has existed since DOS 2.0 and is easily fixed. In the old days one would just start the DOS prompt and enter, C: then CD \Windows\temp and on some systems just CD \TEMP. The problem could easily be viewed by entering DIR *.tmp and listing all tmp files that did not belong. Next just delete all tmp files as DEL *.tmp (any active file will not delete). The TEMP directory changed with the XP operating systems and above due to multi-user environments and became a very long file path. The new style file path is referenced by a link. At a DOS prompt enter C: then CD %TEMP% Next enter DIR *.TMP to delete the old files just enter DEL *.tmp (the tmp files are only used while an active program is running, and the number of tmp files will grow in time causing your Windows PC to stop or lockup, if you see many of the *.tmp files you should run the CHKDSK /F and Quick Registry Fix). CHKDSK /F:
Quick Registry Fix:
Msconfig:
System Tools:
Disk Defragmenter is useful to make fragmented files whole, which cuts down on access time when reading the file from disk. Fragmented files occur when your PC searches for space to write new files to disk, if no large space is available. To run just click on Start, Programs or All Programs, select Accessories, then System Tools, click on Disk Defragmenter, then run the program (this can run several hours if not run in a while). Dust in your PC: It's a good idea to purchase a can of compressed air at your local PC dealer. Dependent on your environment (every six months or once a year) shut down your PC and power off. Remove the access panel, spray from the inside power supply vent holes to the outside for a second or two. Spray from the outside power supply vent to the inside for a second or two. Now blow any excess dust from the inside of your PC out for a second or two. The excess dust that you just removed can cause over heating and in some cases could cause the PC to short out. Knowing the steps I just mentioned and having a good virus protection program will give you years of PC service with few interruptions. Your only problems will be changes in technology. *** |
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April 14, 2011 - Albert Einstein (1879-1955), The Universal Theory Revealed Albert Einstein is well known by many students and the scientific community. We all know his famous theory E=MC2 forever changing our history in the nuclear endeavors. There are many more of his theories that you should investigate. Very few people know about his final theory “The Universal Theory”. During his last few months realized the final theory was missing. He worked on his final theory until he died, not completing it or even able to start it because of the enormous complexities. We know that all living things are made up of cells. These cells also transmit information chemically and electrically. For example, mammals are positive charged beings and reptiles are negative charged creatures. I have always been fascinated with Dr. Brown’s discovery in South America and his obsession with the bush master snake. He could not understand in the beginning why the venom traveled so quickly through the human body. Later realized it was due to the positive to negative reaction. With a simple cattle prod electrified the snake bite and neutralized the spread of the venom. This only worked if performed within the first five minutes of the byte and he had a success rate of over 80%. The point in all this is all living things are similar, different but similar. The formatting on this WEB page might be a little off and should appear as one line.
This is not actually the way I wrote it the first time. The {HM entries should stack on top of each other like the following: HM < -G = NSTC
The formula seemed to be something from a science fiction movie. It can be read like this. Infinity equals energy +/- equals heavy matter, if heavy matter is less than negative gravity then you have normal space time continuum. If heavy matter is greater than negative gravity then E=MC2 (or the big bang) to infinity. We have not captured heavy matter and it is a theoretical concept like a sun going nova and sucking everything into it. What if heavy matter exists in all living things? What happens when we turn on a light bulb or when a battery dies? Could it be that everything electrical (plus to minus) has heavy mater generated? I realized a few days after writing this that something was missing for the reader. How does heavy matter react when released? Imagine that you are holding marbles in your hand. The marbles represent atoms. Below your hand is an empty glass. Now pour water into your hand and let the empty glass capture the water. Now hold the glass of water over your head and imagine everything in reverse. Scientist today can not explain why 19 grams of weight is lost when a person dies. The formula suggests that we are living in a time paradox. Many complex questions can be answered with this theory. Everything that was will be again and that heavy matter can only exist in a negative gravity environment. It definitely brings a new definition to déjà vu.
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April 17, 2011 – Dandelions and Crab Grass, Most Misunderstood Plants Dandelions (Taraxacum officinale), Crab Grass (Digitaria spp) by most people are considered a nuisance and some homeowners consider them an act of war. The dandelion plant is edible, many recipes can be found simply with a search engine and even how to grow them (avoid harvesting them where pesticides are used). The yellow flower can be gathered in a large bucket and makes a unique dandelion wine. The flower is also edible and can be added to salads. Young leaves of the plant can also be added to salads. The roots are also edible, but best of all can be gathered, cleaned and baked at 400 degrees F for one hour then ground. The baked ground up roots makes a potent chicory coffee. Crab grass is not impressive and edible as the dandelion, but does have some unique qualities worth mentioning. I for one never gave crab grass a second thought until my Bahamas trip on my 22 foot sailboat with my two teenage sons a few years ago. The unique experiences will be reserved for an article later. Being weather bound at West End (due to a Nor Easter) gave us a few days to meet the people, talk and explore. One of the people I met was the harbor master and commented on how green and lush the lawn was around the marina. I asked him what type of grass was it, and he said crab grass. I could not believe what I was hearing. Mentioned that most people considered it a nuisance, then asked him why. He told me most of the inland is only a couple of feet above sea level and all other grass will die when the ocean surges during storms. Crab grass only turns red for a few days until it rains, then returns green and lush… *** |
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April 19, 2011 – The Final Insult To Americans This year will mark the final insult to Americans. Record millions and possible billions will be received by the IRS in a form of double taxation. Millions of Americans have liquidated their CD’s and 401k’s just to get by. These Americans have saved all their lives in hopes of a better retirement. Just to find times are not better, unemployment benefits have run out, additional 10% penalties imposed on early withdraws, plus income tax imposed as taxable wages. Worst of all, these Americans are not even considered eligible for new jobs due to hiring practices and sorting procedures of large corporations and small businesses. These Americans are not even counted in the unemployment percentages, simply because they are not drawing unemployment benefits. The additional revenue will not be made public due to the embarrassing nature of the source. This is the final insult and the government is kicking people when they are down… *** |
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April 23, 2011 – ADD The Most Misunderstood Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder is perhaps hart breaking if diagnosed for you or a family member. Psychologists and other doctors will tell you that a person with ADD normally has above average intelligence. They must find different ways to memorize simple things like the multiplication table. It’s simply that a person with ADD has different wiring in their brain. An average person will see a single problem or issue at hand then solve the problem. Someone with ADD will see the problem or issue at hand and have an explosion of scenarios and possible outcomes. Sometimes sounds coming from outside can be a distraction. An average person might disregard a simple bird call. However someone with ADD will identify the bird, know its specie and know if it’s male or female. The point is that a person with ADD is always analyzing everything and looking at all outcomes. I even suspect Albert Einstein had ADD. All avenues will be explored if a person with ADD finds a passion and will excel above others. This disorder untreated at an early age will cause low grade scores and a phobia of taking test. They will also be tagged as an underachiever and drink lots of coffee as an adult. Social skills and relationships may also be a problem for someone with ADD. I’m not suggesting that a person with ADD be on medication all their lives. One year on medication on or before age ten will show the individual that they can focus. It will be a small challenge the next year, but that person will know it’s possible. This is from my personal experience. There may come a time when you are placed on a critical thinking team. Make sure at least one team member has ADD and the rewards will be outstanding… *** |
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April 25, 2011 – The American, Chestnut Tree, Fall Of Utopia This article came to me today, while spending time and meeting unique people on a large corporate campus (which will remain nameless) in the aviation industry. Most Americans have no idea of the change in our environment in 1928. Every third tree (American chestnut tree) in the forest died. Less than 2% survived. Nor do they know of the destruction and harvesting of the virgin pines that were over eight feet in diameter. Imports of the Japanese chestnut tree and other non-indigenous plants will forever change our environment. It was the importing of the Japanese chestnut tree that caused the destruction of the American chestnut tree. The Japanese chestnut tree (1890-1900) carried a disease that it was immune to, and when it pollinated became an airborne disease or pathogen that destroyed the American chestnut tree population. Very few Americans know that the wood from the American chestnut tree is very durable. It resists insects and rot, and if a fence post, barn, rail road tie, or log cabin was made from the American chestnut during the 1800’s would still be standing today. The only tree that comes in second is the black locus tree. Not as durable but does have attributes worth mentioning. Now that you know the history you will understand my obsession with the tree. Over thirty three years ago, I started experimenting. The experiment started with the basics. What was missing? In order to answer that question one would have to analysis what changed. As the first settlers came to the Americas, they brought the European concepts of slash and burn. The first settlers had one concept, single dwellings and single crop farming. The original people had a concept of total harmony and that, my friends was the missing factor. To understand what was missing, one must envision what else changed. The original people had a total eco system, where everything had a purpose. Within a single village, existed medicines (over 180 still used today) and an abundance of edible plants, nuts, and fruit, sustaining all the people! Things like the ogeechee lime tree, pawpaw trees, hickory nut trees, mountain oak trees, honey locus trees, and the American chestnut trees. Knowing that the pawpaw tree was rich in potassium was a beginning. Also knowing that the zinc deposits have long been depleted (all are known as immune enhancement compounds) enticed me to begin. I simply added one ground up zinc oxide tablet with one potassium tablet in a gallon of water, and watered the first generation of the American chestnut tree for one year. I’m now on the third generation of plants with no treatment. It is my desire to build a forest with all the above mentioned plants to show future generations of what a true utopia was like… *** |
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April 27, 2011 – Learning To Walk As a child we learn to walk, stumble then try again. As parents we also learn to walk as parents and often repeat things our parents said in disbelief. Look to history at any oppressed people and you will see power, then corruption, followed by greed, compassion for all the people as a whole, if lucky.
A doctor has to take the Hippocratic Oath, before becoming a doctor. The intent designed to remind one of the meaning of being or becoming a doctor. A politician does not have to take an oath against greed, personal fortune, or doing harm. There should be safeguards or reminders why they are in public office, simply a humble servant of the people. This is a concept that has been lost since Benjamin Franklin. We see daily where city Mayer’s will lay off city workers and departments, just to justify an increase in one’s salary. Corrupt politicians will accept gifts from lobbyist, to simply be swayed by big business. CEO’s receive millions from company profits, instead of reinvesting in the future of the business. It’s enough to make one simply ask, where will greed end.
In the next few years my fellow readers will be mankind’s greatest adventure in survival in our known history. We will see more earth quakes, volcano eruptions, larger tsunami’s and winters that could last several years. During the war of 1812, were more volcano eruptions in recorded history and a winter that lasted over a year. It was the long winter mixed with starvation that ended the war of 1812 and everyone simply went home. A warning of what was to come. It will be the survivors of these global events that will spark mankind’s future.
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May 9, 2011 – How To Be Thankful For What You Have The following WEB site, are stories my father told me as a boy. After reading, you should have insight and understanding your parents. They helped me to listen, watch and analysis everything… http://mypeopledothat.com/static/PawPaw *** |
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May 24, 2011 – The Brain Washing Period In years past I have been privileged to conduct lectures in local schools on Native Americans (the original people). Some lectures to over 1,500 students. When finished we all felt a since of belonging. Children from all tribes were removed from their parents and placed in Indian schools (as referred to by educators). Ask anyone who knows their heritage and Indian schools are not mentioned. Only one word is used, orphanages (1850-1950). It is also referred to by the original people as the brain washing period. What else would you call a place where you were not allowed to leave until age 18. You were severely punished if your native language was spoken. The original people showed respect by looking down at your feet which allowed your ears to do their job without distraction, unlike looking at someone today. All gestures from the original people were corrected. At age 18 you were given a choice of employment (normally servants) or you could be returned to your tribe. You were reminded that your parents stayed in mud huts and slept on the ground, and did not speak English. Over 98% choose the easy path for employment… *** |
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July 29, 2011 – A Letter To The President Mr. President: I find myself writing you again on a simple solution to the national debt. All government programs could be cut by 10%. This also includes payroll and military spending. A soldier’s salary is low enough and should not be touched. Politician’s salary should also be cut by 10%. My personal thought on corporate incentives, are that they should be abolished. Each year the 10% cut could be reevaluated based on performance. The American people as a whole has seen lost wages and cuts so why not the government and politicians. This simple solution would be accepted by all simply because it’s fair. Sincerely, Michael Poole *** |
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