Should we all change our buying habits?

I have found myself wondering why people that have not had their financial situation changed would approach things differently. I understand if someone feared for their jobs, but if that is not the case--in the sense of no more fear of losing a job than normal as nothing is guaranteed--why would you approach spending, or what trips you take, or whatever you do with your discretionary income differently? It seems to be that if you are in the camp where your job is safe and you make the same as last year (if not more), you would behave the same. Do people in this boat simply give in to group-think? Since three families on the block have ben hit by hard times, we have to conserve. I think that is squirrel behavior :)

Note I understand if your life was based on how much credit you could acquire and living of off your cards but that credit is not as available now. If that is the case, then you are NOT in the group I describe. No matter if your family makes $30,000 or $300,000, if you are making the same as the last few years and do not fear losing that income, have you changed your buying behavior? Does something tell you that you should not buy as much this year or maybe you have decided to give up Target for Walmart (or dare I say, Nordstrom's for Sears).

Parity (the root of all evil)

Back when I worked at the Home Shopping Network, I was a systems programmer. In that environment, that meant that I worked on development that included maintaining the operating system of the Unisys mainframe, developing utility software, automating the end of day run, and various projects that were the technically difficult things. Often, this meant that I was charged with working on things at night. This could mean I was there for the start of the end of day run (11:00 PM) or when the operator sent a file to the credit card processor (2:00 AM). I cannot count the number of times I ended up working late. Mostly, I would go home then come back later and work until the wee hours of the morning. This normally meant that I would get home at 2 or 3 in the morning and get up at 9 or 10 and go back to work. The net effect was that I wandered into the office much later than the application developers that had to be there at 8:00 AM. I frequently heard complaints such as "Why can Tom come in late, but I have to be here early?" My managers were quite supportive and always would tell them that Tom works strange hours and if they worked the hours I did, then then could come in whatever time they wanted. Few took them up on the offer. I tell this story because it illustrates the demand for parity. This is rampant in corporations--if I get an extra day off (for working like a dog for weeks) there are those that think they should get an extra day. "If I have to stand in this airport line, then you do too". They miss the fact that I am standing in the Gold dividend miles line because I flew 50,000 miles last year. That means I was away from my family for many hours and sacrificed much for the small perk to get my boarding pass a little bit faster. As long as there is a desire for parity, there will be those that look upon others that have something they do not with contempt. Forget the fact that I have sacrificed more than they could know for what I have. The successful among us only make it look easy--it is really not. Until you have put in the effort that I have, you cannot fathom what I deserve to have.

I have been thinking about this issue lately because of the burgeoning class war in America. The gulf between those that have and those that do not is widening. Now, I completely agree there are those that game the system. They lie and cheat their way to some form of financial success. I am confident there is a special place in hell for those people and no amount of accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their savior will get them out of it. I would not waste any more words on those cheaters. I am talking about the contempt our society is showing for those among us that have gained some financial success. If I happen to make $200,000 this year (not that I'm saying I will), why should I be looked upon with contempt by those that do not have a chance in hell of making that kind of money. Just let me enjoy the fruits of my labor and be done with it. I should not have to read a paper where they use the term "six-figures" in a pejorative sense. Maybe I am being too sensitive. It seems that I get this sense that I am being made out to be an enemy of the state for making good money.

Now I am not one of those that thinks I pay too much in taxes (I think I don't pay enough). I am as liberal as they come (although I do believe in personal responsibility) I have no problem with not qualifying for tax rebates, or the various middle class tax credits. I make good money and those should be reserved for those making less. But, please do not cast aspersions on my career or what I make. I could make the statement that finances is only one small measures of success, but honestly, considering that I lost my job in 2003, had recently divorced (2002), lost my house in Salt Lake City and was flat broke. I can say that after not having anything, financial success is a big part of how we get to live. I turned it around with my abilities, knowledge, and reputation. I guess I would like those that don't make as much to think that those of us that do are somehow less deserving than them. We are a product of our choices. If your neighbor makes more and gets to travel to Europe for the summer, instead of putting them down to prop yourself up, make better choices.

Please Vote No on Florida's Admendment 2 (Marriage Protection Act). We're not all gay you know!

It is easy to get caught up in the rhetoric of "gay" marriage, same sex unions or whatever you want to call them. One thing to remember is there are lots of us out here that are in heterosexual, committed relationships where we just choose to not get married. I do not think it is the role of a government to define my relationship. Normally, I would not care how the government defined me, but there is an issue that will affect many people that work for public agencies--domestic partner benefits. Since we are a family, we are fortunately considered one by my girlfriend's employer when it comes to benefits. While we are not directly affected because she does not work for a public agency, I know how I would feel if due to a state law, this had to change. I know that when people think of these type of amendments they think there is an entire gay agenda but in reality, this affects everyone. I know you can say that if we choose to not get married (shame on us, living in sin and all that nonsense) that we should not be entitled to benefits, but why would the government be in that business of telling us how to live. Regardless of how you feel about gay marriage, this amendment is mean and punitive. Does the sponsor of this bill think gay people are going to magically disappear so he/she does not have to explain why those two men are holding hands? The truth is that this will impact many people including public servants, police and firefighters all over the state. I implore the voters of the state to reject this amendment.




.: Fairness For All Families | Press Room :.

New Company Blog

I recently started a consulting company specializing in consulting on software projects with clients. I am more focuses on the big ideas but also can help plan out the implementation. Heck, if necessary, I'm still a pretty good coder :) The blog is at bettersoftwaresolutions.blogspot.com. I will put more computer-related things over there and leave this blog to personal thoughts.

Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

OK, I did it. I read the transcript of the Philadelphia speech and interestingly enough recalled fondly how President Clinton used to make those speeches. I, the one that thought we as democrats needed to know nothing else about Senator Clinton than she would have President Clinton back in the White House! I just donated money to the Senator Obama campaign. I really wanted to see Senator Clinton win, but after 8 years of the current administration; it is time for hope rather than a policy wonk. Unfortunately, while Senator Clinton is married to the man from hope, her speeches do not provide the hope we need after 8 years in the wilderness. As a benefit, I am glad that no matter which candidate wins, President Clinton will still be in the White House in one way or the other. There is no one better to help restore the image of the United States and I hope everyone rallies behind the candidate. Perhaps, the Senator should look for a place to be in 8 years and help handle the heavy-lifting of policy that an Obama presidency would surely create.
Barack Obama | Change We Can Believe In | Home

Off to Italy!!!

Well, we're off to Italy. Beth and I decided to plan a trip to Italy and Paris this spring. Imagine it: Paris in the Springtime--I can't wait. We are calling this a scouting trip so we can see how it will go for the kids next summer in Italy :) Rome, Florence, Venice, and Paris--what a time! Rick Steves' Europe: Rome: Planning Your Time

Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network

This article (Inside DCSNet, the FBI's Nationwide Eavesdropping Network) reminds me of a simple implementation of the Russian SORM system. Typically, if one looks up SORM, you find information about the KGB/FSB's ability to monitor email traffic. Russia had made it a requirement that any phone switch connected to the public telephone network had to support the ability to retrieve audio (through a silent monitoring facility). The operator at the central station would request a particular subscriber line be monitored, the remote command would go to the switch, and the audio would be sent back via X.25. As this was several years ago, it stands to reason this would be a newer incarnation of this. Most carrier grade switches have the ability to silent monitor (In the Harris 20/20, this was just a destination in a Collect & Route to monitor the particular circuit with NO notification to the parties). The ability to pull the audio through a VoIP trunk back to a central office (SIP phone, etc) would be almost trivial nowadays. This is an understandable need of law enforcement as it does need to perform legal taps. As long as the warrants are legally obtained, this is fine. When a National Security Letter is used on a non-national security case because the case is at a dead-end, that is the rub.

Just in case anyone is wondering, SORM is not, nor was it ever meant to be, secret. The ability of the Harris 20/20 to do silent monitoring is in the documentation. Anyone that believes their conversations cannot be monitored is quite naive so "caller beware". I actually think this is a good thing as it gets rid of stupid criminals. People that use unsecured lines to conduct illegal activities belong in jail simply for being stupid--besides their crime. My belief is that the people that truly have something to hide are using simply-acquired technologies to secure their communications. Yes, systems like SORM and the the FBI' system (as well as the NSA's Echelon) will catch terrorists, but not the ones we really need to worry about. Now, I invite you to go back to your evening :)

Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth. by Mark Twain

Mark Twain said we should ...love like you've never been hurt..... I have thought about this and it is such a truism. It would be so easy to retreat and stay out of relationships because we have been hurt before. Relationships are a minefield. We run the risk of total humiliation and pain, but also of complete euphoria. Past loves are just that. Who among us would trade the feeling of getting to know someone new just because we may get hurt? There surely are many ways to get hurt in this dangerous game, but the rewards can be so great...just keep on plugging along.

FindLaw's Writ - Dorf: What are the "Inherent" Powers of the President? How the Bush Administration Has Mistaken Default Rules for Exclusive Rights

I am not one to lightly consider amending the US Constitution. I was reading a story where some Senators are urging a special prosecutor to investigate if the Attorney General perjured himself during his congressional testimony. Considering the outcome of the Libby trial, what would be the the downside for an administration official to lie to Congress. If Alberto Gonzales is convicted of perjury, the President would clearly pardon him. One could argue that even his law license was safe as if his state bar (I assume Texas) tried to disbar him, the fact that it would be for lying to Congress and that was pardoned, it is as if the offense didn't happen. To disbar him would be a form of double jeopardy that allowed a state bar to supersede the President's power to pardon a citizen.

Historically, a good check to the power of the pardon has been public perception. But with the current administration reserving its legacy as one of the most inept, this offers little deterrent.

In the end, Congress can impeach the Attorney General to remove him from office. As the president does not have the power to pardon someone that has been impeached, this only removes them from office.

Delightfully Different Dunedin

In case you were wondering, this
is where I ended up. I actually went to High School in Dunedin although I never lived in this house as my Mom bought it after I moved out. it is a nice place.

I was joking with David that in a week I have only heard 3 sirens from emergency vehicles. In Alexandria, it was at least 3 per day (on a light day). The pace of life is slower here. I look around and ask myself where all the people are!

Oh the places you'll go. That is what the Dr. Seuss book says. I had planned to go to Utah, but plans change. You see, I have this house in Florida (it was my Mom's). I have been paying for the mortgage so I decided why not go south! It is a nice place. I always did love the beach and the Florida lifestyle. The only problem is the work! No, not the professional work, but the house. My brother has been living here and there is so much stuff here. The place has kind of run down so I am starting on the job of repairing things. The place needs a new AC, new appliances, new flooring, some paint and I'm sure the roof will be up soon :) Well, it does give one something to do.

Losing Sucks!!!

This weekend I played in a regional pool tournament in Alexandria. The tourney was Saturday and Sunday and I played in 5 matches. I won most of my matches (4-1, 5-2, 5-0), but I lost the last one. The think is I needed to win 5 games, and I won the first three. The other guy needed 4 games and after I missed an easy shot on the 8 ball, he won his first of 4 straight. The winner of that match goes to Las Vegas to play in the national finals. Losing really sucks. I have so many second place trophys and awards. I sometimes wonder if there is something holding me back :)

Bob Seger and an Update

The rumor is that Bob Seger was on stage at the Verizon Center on Thursday night. I say rumor because I was sitting far enough away that I could never actually see him in focus :) I didn't realize we were so far up, but it was actually good. it was like hanging out with the cool kids at the back of the classroom. That being said, I say with all due respect, that I have never seen so many aging hippies in all my days. Seger really gives his all for his shows and it was fun, fun, fun!

I went with my friend Donna from school and coincidentally, Amy from school was also there. We met up at Clyde's before the show (and during the opening act). I even got to meet Mary Louise-Parker (inside joke).

Plans continue for Utah. I am on three month countdown for getting out of here and heading back to the land that I love. I am torn between living downtown and having a house in Sandy where I can spread out (and play the stereo as loud as I want). The views of the Wasatch mountains from Sandy cannot be beat!

Stay in touch!

Tom

Going Home!!!

Well everyone, I'm going home!. After discussing it with my employer, I have decided to move back to Salt Lake City in the April/May timeframe. Quality of life is a big reason and I just miss what I call home. In many ways, I have felt like I was exiled here in Washington and it is time. As luck would have it, I am still going to work for the GSA--just from Salt Lake City (with monthly trips back for a few days each). I'll post more on my blog (link at bottom) so stay tuned.

Of course, now that I have lived in a bigger city, I could never go back to the suburbs again like Sandy. I think I am going to find a nice loft in downtown Salt Lake. As long as I have public transportation and good places to walk, everything will be grand.

Tom

Please give as much as you can to the ACLU.

Warrantless mail search may be allowed - U.S. Security - MSNBC.com I felt like crying inside for the mockery that our Constitution is being made. Something has to be done! We have to find a way to protect the Constitution. You want to scream about being a patriot, then stand proudly as your rights and every other Americans are shredded. Does this man have no shame? Does he have no sense of decency? I hate to say it but the current administration is becoming tyrannical. I thought we gained our freedom from King George, but it appears not. I hope someone can save us from ourselves.

More French Stuff!

Well, tonight my favorite orthodontist and I are going to a party at the French Embassy. I would like to say it was on the invitation of the French ambassador, but Leila bought tickets for us both. They have lots of French things (one would think). I will have to see if my impressions of Paris will get me invited back :) I'm bringing my ST Dupont lighter (from France) so that has to count for something :) I'll write a follow-up tomorrow about the party.

School is over :) School is over :(

Well, it is done. I finished my last class at the University of Phoenix. Presuming I did as well as I think I did in my last class, my GPA for the last two years is 3.98 (I got a A- in one class). Of course, I am excited to have my life back again. No more writing papers, reading textbooks, or coordinating team efforts. My week has been centered around Thursday nights since January 2005. While I am elated, it is not without its share of melancholy. I have been with some members of my class since I started. I have been on teams and communicated more with my school mates than with my friends. As it turns out, my school mates became my friends. Too often in life we meet a group of people that things just seem to gel. Call it mutual respect, like mindedness, or anything else for that matter. No matter what it is called, I hope we manage to stay in touch. We have all been part of a group that when you split up, the contact becomes less frequent. Then maybe a Christmas card, then you wake up one morning and wonder what happened to them. As many have before me, I am determined to not let that happen. I hope we can get together for dinner once in a while. I know I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at school due, in large part, to the people in class. This has been a great experience. After 23 years, I finally have a bachelors degree. That has not really set in yet. Will my life be different? I don't know, but it is surely better for having known Amy Trout Hughes, Wayne Shrader, Marcos Alvarez and Donna Dawes. I wish you all the best of luck and for God's sake, put on your helmet.

School

Well, It has been a good while since I posted here. To all my adoring fans (all two of you), I say, the smoke is clearing. School is almost over. December 7th is my last class and then I have a few CLEP tests to take in January. Then, a break before serious law school preparation starts. I plan on writing much more and regularly) once school is over. I even have a new feature in the works where I argue a point with a blogger I met that frequently takes an opposite social and political view than I. Look for that feature starting in 2007.

Scoop!

You heard it here first folks. Way back on October 15, 2005, I predicted that Bill Frist would not run for President. I theory was because of the HCA ethics scandal. As the Senator just announced he is not running, I can only speculate on the causes (but I am guessing for family reasons--the universal excuse). Yet another GET by the blogosphere.

Talk like a Pirate Day

It's talk like a pirate day. Apparently, my pirate name is Iron Tom Rackem. Argh!!!