http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/ en Copyright 2012 Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:50:08 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Have you ever been sitting around with a bunch of friends and the subject turns to music and someone says "Man, let me tell you about this concert I saw - it was incredible"? Then everyone starts chiming in with "Yeah - I saw the Stones, Led Zeppelin, Willie Nelson, etc." We are all sure that 'our' experience was the best and I am sure that it was. So now, LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT THE BEST CONCERT I ever saw. This concert was not at the coliseum or the civic center. It was in a friend's living room while I was sitting on the couch. I still get chills up my spine just thinking about this performance. I am very serious here. I have tried to use that performance as a standard every time I have ever played and have always fallen short--but that just means I get to try again and that's the fun part. OK - here is the story. My oldest known friend, Johnny Carr, had a Christmas party for all of his musician buddies around 1978-79 (kind of fuzzy about that - 'course anyone at that party is probably kind of fuzzy about that). Johnny played keyboards in every band in the known world and invited all of these musicians to his party. Everybody brought their instrument and we jammed a little bit but mostly just had a good time. There were tons of people at this party and we all knew each other through music and it was a great night. So it's now about 2:30 a.m. and I gotta drive 35 miles to get home, so it is time to go. Everyone was in the garage (that's where the jam took place) and the kitchen. I grabbed my guitar, and as we got ready to leave, Carolyn said she had to go to the bathroom. The one by the kitchen was occupied, so we headed to the back of the house to use the other facilities. Johnny had a big house, so we cut through the living room to get to the back of the house. When we got to the living room, we saw Frank Brittingham and his date. Frank was the musician we all wanted to be. Unbelievable guitar player, singer, songwriter. Anyway - while Carolyn was in the bathroom, I stood there awkwardly making conversation. I knew Frank, but not well, and felt like I was intruding on what was obviously a private moment. However, my guitar saved me. Frank asked to see what was in the case - sign of a good guitar player. I opened it and pulled out my 1969 Gibson b-25. By the way, over the years I have amassed way too many guitars but that Gibson is and always will be my favorite. I handed the guitar to Frank and will never forget what happened next. Frank took the guitar and just held it for a minute. Then without looking up, he started playing a James Taylor song (I am pretty sure it was "Sweet Baby James"). I was sitting across from him on another couch and became frozen in space. I couldn't move - didn't want to. There was a lightness to the room and to me. Carolyn came back from the bathroom and sat down next to me. She never said "Let's go". She just sat down. When he finished that song he immediately started another. After a while, I realized there were other people in the room. They had come into the living room and been absorbed by the music. They made no sound, each filling whatever space they could find. Within no time, the room was packed. As each song ended, another song began. Frank was in his element and we were in his element with him. There was no applause or comment. Just perfect music and perfect silence. I know it lasted for at least an hour. In my mind it has lasted for a lifetime. When I think back on that event, it is not the music I remember as much as the feeling that I had. It was as close to being the music as I have ever experienced. Every time I play the guitar (and that is daily) I try to conjure up that feeling. I have come close a couple of times, but that experience is the touchstone, the ultimate goal. There are few people like Frank Brittingham in the world. Artists who can instantly connect with others on an emotional level. Artists who can set the pattern without realizing their influence on others. My greatest concert was in Johnny Carr's living room, listening to Frank Brittingham pour out the truth. P.S. - I have looked at my Gibson b-25 many times since and yelled "OK - you did it for Frank, why won't you do it for me!" http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2010/11/the_best_most_wonderfullest_co.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2010/11/the_best_most_wonderfullest_co.html Tue, 30 Nov 2010 10:50:08 -0500 Finally - after 100 years of trying, the United States of America will have a nationally focused Health Care Agenda. We have witnessed history. The wealthiest country in the world has realized that the health of its citizens is a priority and should be addressed as such. However, this battle has its detractors and there will be collateral damage. Several members of the House and Senate will not be re-elected, simply because of this vote. The opposition to health care has tapped into the delusion that all our tax dollars do is to fund dead-beats who sit at home and drink. That is ridiculous. Our tax dollars pay for the roads we drive on, and for the schools we were educated in, and for the hospitals that we are treated in, and for the police and military that protect us from harm. You can not disagree with the facts. The United States is NOT the world leader in health. Sure - we have the best TECHNOLOGY and the best HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS, but if you look at the numbers - our infant mortality rates, our geriatric mortality rates, our obesity and heart issues - we do not have the healthiest citizens. I agree, some of that has to do with personal choices, but part of that personal choice is seeking health care, and if you can't afford it, you can't seek it. If you own a car, you are MANDATED to have insurance. Nobody fusses about that. The idea that there be public policy requiring insurance is nothing new. In fact, we are required to wear seat belts when we drive. Sounds pretty intrusive to me, but we do it. These are all requirements that make us all safer and give our society a better quality of life. But here is the deal. The problem is not that people can GET INSURANCE but chose not to. The problem is that people CAN NOT GET insurance either because they can't afford it or are denied coverage, neither of which is an acceptable reason for any American to lack health coverage. On Sunday night, the night which saw the passage of the Health Bill, I heard a Republican Congressman from Tennessee worry that her two grandchildren would be burdened with the debt of this bill (seems like the cost of this bill is the ONLY thing that the opposition could not tolerate). Is this grandmother not worried ABOUT THE HEALTH OF HER GRANDCHILDREN? Can she not imagine one of her relatives being diagnosed with cancer (which strikes 25% of our population) and then being denied coverage for the rest of his/her life because of a pre-existing condition? Is she so blinded by her position and good fortune in having the BEST health coverage available that she believes EVERYONE IS LIKE HER AND HAS THE SAME PRIVILEGES? That's the point, HEALTH CARE SHOULD NOT BE A PRIVILEGE - IT SHOULD BE A RIGHT OF CITIZENSHIP IN THIS COUNTRY! One last thing. I know abortion is a much debated issue. Great points on both sides of the argument. But as someone in the House of Representatives said, if we are truly worried about the UNBORN CHILD, maybe we should help its mother acquire PRE- and POST-NATAL health care to protect the life of that UNBORN CHILD. It also seems that we should be concerned about the health of that BORN CHILD once it is with us. I have always been PROUD to be an American. I am ESPECIALLY proud today. Some members of our congress have finally DONE what was RIGHT, knowing that their "yes" vote will cost them their jobs. President Obama will also suffer politically for his sponsorship of this bill. I can imagine that this will be a centerpiece for the opposition in 2012. It is truly inspiring that some politicians actually put the needs of the American people ahead of their own needs. There will be fall-out from their actions. As I said, several will not survive the next election. However, their commitment to the people of the United States will never be in question. Sunday, March 21, is a day for history. Every US President since Theodore Roosevelt has said that this country needs a national health plan. Today we have one. To all of those who fought and suffered and who will suffer for this achievement, I thank you. Peace - Mike Ritchie http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2010/03/us_health_care_finally_after_1.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2010/03/us_health_care_finally_after_1.html Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:14:29 -0500 Survival of the Fittest (SOF) is a phrase commonly used and thrown around even though most who use it have no idea of its meaning. The concept is usually credited to Darwin in his "Origin of Species", but in that work, Darwin credits Herbert Spencer (who knows who that guy is?). The concept in "Survival of the Species" suggests "the idea that species adapt and change by natural selection with the best suited mutations becoming dominant". OK - cool, no problem. So here is my problem. I am always amazed at individuals using the term "Survival of the Fittest" to describe their interactions with OTHER human beings. In nature, SOF means that if on organism has become faster, or meaner, or luckier, then it will survive more than its competition. But Humans are different than other organisms on this planet. Humans are classified as high-order beings because of cognitive ability to reason, and plan, and care (conscience?). To suggest that we will just sit by and watch a fellow human suffer, starve, die just because they are not the "Fittest" is ABSOLUTELY WRONG AND, IN FACT, INHUMANE. In nature, two animals compete for food. One wins the food by killing the other. Is that OK? Most of us would say "yes, Survival of the Fittest, dude". Now, two humans competing for food (happens everyday). Should Survival of the Fittest apply here? Is it OK for one of them to kill the other to get the food? Yes, I know that happens, but the question is, are you OK with it happening?. Because of our gift of cognition, we have the responsibility to decide to NOT ACT LIKE THAT. Survival of the Fittest does not apply to human interaction. Darwin and Spencer NEVER suggested that it did. In fact, they suggested that Survival of the Fittest was a genetic lottery and they based all of their theory on STATISTICS. The idea that anyone would apply Survival of the Fittest to human interaction is not only mean-spirited, but an admission that they have no clue as to what the theory of Survival of the Fittest suggests. My heart is broken every time I hear (and I have heard it enough to write this blog) someone say, "sorry they don't have anything to eat, or can't get a job, or have health issues - nothing I can do - that's just Survival of the Fittest". What that tells me is that they are using a phrase that has no real meaning to them to excuse the fact that they are selfish, uncaring individuals. We are human and the concept of Survival of the Fittest does not apply to the human race. It would be interesting to throw these "Survival of the Fittest" individuals in the woods and let them truly survive through this concept that they love to defend. Are they willing to admit that the snakes and bugs would win? How about a new theory - "Survival of All" Ok - so I am still on my health care rant! Peace. Mike Ritchie ]]> http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/08/survival_of_the_fittest_not_a.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/08/survival_of_the_fittest_not_a.html Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:48:23 -0500 Every American deserves healthcare. In fact, every human being in the world deserves health care, but right now let's focus on the United States. Health care is one of the most essentials components of a successful society. However, the rancor in the U.S. concerning this topic is unprecedented. The left is pushing for a single payer - government run health care system. The right is pushing for a "get health care if you can, and if you can't, sorry". These are two brutal extremes of a subject that must be addressed. The polar ends of this debate are counterproductive and do not begin to address the problem - MAKING SURE THAT ALL AMERICANS HAVE HEALTH CARE COVERAGE. I have yet to talk to anyone of any political persuasion that does not agree that we all should have some sort of health care plan. But that is where the agreement ends. The cost of Health Care is astronomical. Day surgery now costs about $15,000, and that is if there are no complications. Day Surgery!!! Now, I don't know very many people that can pay $15,000 in cash for anything. For many Americans, the answer to that financial riddle is to purchase insurance. I am so fortunate to work for the GOVERNMENT and therefore have a great medical plan. But what about individuals that work for small firms not offered affordable plans? According to the pundits (what is a pundit?), 45 Million Americans are uninsured. That is a travesty. They should have health care. But some scream, "Let them get there own health care, I got mine!!". That is true, 250 Million Americans HAVE figured out a way to get Health Care, through careers or jobs or whatever. So do the math - 15% of Americans are uninsured. Some say, "Hey, that's only 15%, no big deal". Let me make sure we are all on board about the size of 15%. There is no minority in this country that is that large. Africans Americans do not constitute 15% and Latin Americans do not constitute 15% and they are the largest minority populations in the United States. So don't tell me that 15% is not significant. OK - so 15% of Americans don't have insurance. The argument against Government reform of our Health Care is that individuals should somehow take care of that and that the GOVERNMENT should never get into peoples lives like that. Well guess what, WE are the government. Lest you forget, "We the People, in order to .....". Sound familiar. We are the Government and the Government is us. How did it become an Us vs. Them scenario? But back to the Government being involved in peoples lives. When you came to work today - how was the road? Did you have to come down a bumpy dirt road, no stoplights, wrecks everywhere? I would be not. The road you drove in on was in such good condition that you did not even think about it. Question - DID YOU MAKE THE ROAD - PUT UP THE STOP SIGNS, ETC. The answer is YOU didn't do a thing except give some of your money (taxes) to a Government (city, state, federal) and the road got built. Why aren't these people that are so opposed to the government getting involved in our health care fussing about all the government money that we spend on roads? Should WE be responsible for maintaining the roads? I guess that think I should just take care of the road in front of my house? Don't give me the "we are heading to socialism" rant. Most people that use that phrase have no clue what socialism is. To prove that, let them tell you the services and goods provided by the government. How about the police, firefighters, education, highway system (thank you President Eisenhower), military, etc. All of these are GOVERNMENT agencies, everyone. Do we not like that a Government is, through our oversight, providing these services. So don't tell me that our Government does not provide services. So what is more important - good roads for everyone or health care for everyone? You pay for roads right now through your tax dollars so that EVERYONE can have a good road. Are you not willing to pay, through your tax dollars, so that every American can have some level of healthcare? Now - does the Government need to take over the American Health Care System. I do not think so. But.....there is much the government can do, in conjunction with the medical and insurance profession to devise a plan that will provide everyone with adequate health care. The private health care industry is doing a good job for most of us. It is time to maker sure the 15% of Americans that do not enjoy the benefit of that industry are able to participate. No more screaming, no more yelling. That solves nothing - never has, never will. President Obama's administration has focused on Health Care - good for them. However, they are misreading some of the tea leaves. There only focus, as far as I can tell from news sources, is the 45 million uninsured Americans. I have yet to hear concern for the 250 million Americans that are insured. There has to be a common ground here and I believe there is. The government has shown through Medicare and Medicaid that they can provide medical coverage that is effective and efficient. There is plenty of room for a Private and Government plan. However, unless we quit screaming at one another, NOTHING, will change. This is a defining moment for Americans. We can hide in our homes and count our possessions or we can involve ourselves and work for a Health Care process that meets the needs of ALL Americans. I am completely confident, that as Americans, we will once again rise above our petty individualism and do what is right for everyone - ALL AMERICANS. ]]> http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/08/every_american_deserves_qualit.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/08/every_american_deserves_qualit.html Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:02:22 -0500 OK - its mid-summer - July 2009 - and it is finally getting hot and I am really looking forward to the upcoming semester. USCA classes start on August 20 and that is always the best day. It is like a wave of continuing students that are determined to get it done as well as a bunch of new faces that are ready to start. University is one of the greatest opportunities mankind has devised. I think that is why we still hang on to all the pomp and circumstance. This really is special. So always take advantage of it. I am not being hypocritical here. I certainly did not take advantage of everything I could have and will always be sorry for that. I can't go back and have a do over. The time and environment for my action is gone. But yours is right here - right now. USCA students - get involved. Academics are only part of this process. This is also the time for you to grow as an integrated citizen - someone who refuses to sit on the sidelines while others make all the decisions. Take action - volunteer - rake somebody's leaves - help them paint their house - go help out at the food kitchen or hospital. You can do that and still have more fun and free time than the law allows. The point of University is to help you become a whole person, not just a smart person. Focus on being a whole person - you won't believe how good that will make you feel. I hope everyone has a great 2009 Fall Semester. I am going to have one because I HAVE DECIDED to have a great semester. That is the first step. It can't be great unless YOU DECIDE that it will be great. Peace. Mike Ritchie http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/07/welcome_to_2009_fall_semester.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/07/welcome_to_2009_fall_semester.html Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:39:28 -0500 Up till now, my blogs have been about politics, and Thanksgiving, and Bailouts, blah blah. But this blog is special. It is about my brother - and about brotherhood in general. My brother is about the coolest thing on the planet. There is nothing that I would not do for him and there is nothing he would not do for me. A brother is special - you are genetically linked, you are environmentally linked, you grew up sharing a common foe (parents, school, bullies, etc.). There is a bond between brothers that can not be explained (as evidenced by my feeble attempt here). There is a security in brotherhood - a security that whispers - no matter what - "I got you dude"! So here is the word on my brother.... His presence always makes me feel better. No matter what kind of mood I am in before we get together, I am in a better mood WHEN we get together. If I am in a bad mood, he picks me up. If I am in a great mood, he makes me be in a greater mood. Never fails. Growing up, he was the touchstone. No mater how good or bad things got, he was ready to listen and share it. His one constant attitude has always been "we'll figure this out - no big deal". I have always wanted to be able to sing. And if I could sing like anybody, it would be like my brother (Van Morrison would be number 2). He does not realize how good he is, he doesn't hear the rich timber of his voice, or the nuance of emotion that is there. People with great talent always take if for granted, thinking that "anybody can do this". Well, guess what. THEY CAN'T. When my brother focuses, no one can touch him. Now, do I wish he would spend a little bit of time working on a guitar tone that does not sound like kittens drowning - SURE. But that is a small price to pay for having the greatest voice on the planet. Money - my brother would literally give you his last dime. He really would. Unbelievable. Never ask you for it back. That wasn't part of the deal. You need some money - if he's got it - you got it. Been like that forever and always will be. I love my brother - and he loves me. My three male children have taken on this model. My biggest wish for them was that would feel about their brothers the way I feel about mine. And I believe they do. Now....does my brother ever drive me crazy, infuriate me, make me lose my religion, etc., of course and ALL THE TIME. That's the fun part. If you have a brother you are lucky. But I am the luckiest, cause I got MY brother. Peace. Mike Ritchie http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/on_being_a_brother.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/on_being_a_brother.html Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:18:43 -0500 JUST 46 YEARS AGO And now on a personal note. My elementary, junior high and high school did not have separate drinking fountains or bathrooms BECAUSE THERE WAS NO NEED FOR THEM - THERE WERE NO AFRICAN-AMERICANS STUDENTS ALLOWED TO GO TO MY SHOOL. However, I do remember segregated bathrooms at gas stations. There was a segregated waiting room at my doctor's office. The Aiken Theatre (on Laurens) had a balcony for African-Americans (always thought it would be fun to sit up there but they wouldn't let me). What has all this got to do with the inauguration?? Forty-five years ago we passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which made discrimination based on race against the law. Forty-six years ago, I could tell a man he could not have a job, or a desk in school, or a seat at a restaurant SIMPLY BECAUSE HE WAS BLACK. Listen to what I am saying, Forty-Six years ago, the Aiken Theatre would have made President Obama sit in the balcony or use a separate bathroom. That is how far we have come in Forty-Six years. Now, it took a hundred years of hard work just to get to 1964, but Civil Rights as we know them have only existed as public policy in this country for Forty Six years. I amazed at the progress we have made and still more amazed at the miles we must travel to reach our goal. But I am proud of all of us. Look what we did. We peacefully elected a President. We peacefully said, AS A NATION, this is the man we want to lead us. We peacefully said "We don't care what color his skin is, we want him to be president". The last couple of months have filled me with pride, and optimism, and hope. Truth be told, I have always had these feeling about our country, but lately is has been tough. President Obama is not the endall. He is a man, with human limitations. All a leader can hope to do is convince his followers to follow him. I believe he will succeed in that. Things are not going to change tomorrow, or radically, or even in the direction that we may want. But remember this, YOU AND I CHANGE THINGS, NOT THE PRESIDENT OR THE CONGRESS. You and I will change our policy. You and I will allow torture or denounce torture. You and I will allow bailouts or end bailouts. You and I will find alternative energy sources or continue to burn fossil fuel. You and I will find a way to give affordable healthcare to all Americans or let many of our fellow citizens suffer through inadequate or no health care at all. It is up to us. I believe we have a President that will help and allow us to do what WE need to do. That is all I ask. Peace. Michael Ritchie ]]> http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/i_am_once_again_amazed_at_the.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/i_am_once_again_amazed_at_the.html Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:07:07 -0500 Ok - I hope everybody had a great Christmas Holiday and now here we go. Now, a reminder to WATCH the inauguration. THIS IS AN HISTORIC EVENT. Have you ever said to yourself "Man, I wonder what it must have been like when....". Well, 100 years from now people are going to be saying exactly that "Man, what was it like when the first African-American was sworn in as President of the United States?'. Point being, history will be made on January 20, 2009, and not just because that is my BIRTHDAY (presents are expected and will be appreciated). We are LIVING HISTORY. How cool it that...... And now. What are we going to do about the US Economy? YOU ALL KNOW, THERE IS NO QUICK FIX. This will take YEARS (2 to 4). We haven't seen the worst yet either. That probably won't happen till September 09. Bottom line, we can't buy what we were going to buy. We can't really do what we were going to do. We now have to do what we CAN do. We have all been spoiled. Easy credit (and by that I mean no questions asked) has made us lose sight of the fact that sometimes we just CAN'T do what we want to do right now. Credit is still available to those that have the financial criteria that would allow credit. There is really no credit crunch right now. It's just that only people that can afford credit are receiving it. They are finally using the credit criteria that they were supposed to be using. But enough about that. In addition to the people of this country tightening their belts, our GOVERNMENT - AND OUR LEADERS - NEED TO TIGHTEN THEIR BELTS. We can't afford a war right now. We can't afford to build bridges to nowhere right now. The waste of our government is obscene, to say the least. I don't know what happens to people when they go to Washington. I am sure that if you or I went there, we would wind up making the same irrational decisions. I truly believe that we can make a $50 decision, mainly because we UNDERSTAND what $50 is or represents. When people start making decisions about 50 Billion dollars, they don't have a clue what that is or represents. Most of us have no cognition of millions or billions and that means we can't even think about it, much less make a decision about it. SSSSooooooooo........You and I now have to be the ones to make a decision. We can not wait or count on the government (whatever that really is). WE are the government. The government does not have any money, it is OUR money. WE HAVE TO GET OURSELVES OUT OF THIS CAUSE WE GOT OURSELVES INTO THIS. But on a brighter note, we will prevail and things are still really good. The next time you get down in the dumps because you don't have money to go on vacation so you have to stay home in your air conditioned house watching your 42 inch HD TV, just think of the people in Bolivia that only get to see a doctor every two years or whenever some aid group decides to send someone. WE STILL HAVE IT MADE AND WE NEED TO STAND UP AND TAKE CHARGE OF OUR OWN DESTINY!!1 HAPPY NEW YEAR Peace - Mike Ritchie http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/happy_new_year.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2009/01/happy_new_year.html Fri, 09 Jan 2009 13:18:36 -0500 LET US GIVE THANKS!! I know it sounds cheesy - but Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and thanks. There are so many reasons to give thanks, not only as Americans, but also as world citizens. There are always challenges and areas that are in dire need of help and assistance. However, there are also many bright points of absolute wonder. The human spirit continues to amaze me. I give thanks to all of the kindness that is spread throughout the world. I give thanks for the encouragement and help that I and a billion others receive everyday. I especially give thanks for the love and caring that exemplifies the human condition. Yes, I don't argue that there is suffering in the world and a large part of that suffering is man made. But I will not and can not discount the many acts of love, kindness, and caring that I witness everyday. HAPPY THANKSGIVING - PEACE ]]> http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/11/let_us_give_thanks.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/11/let_us_give_thanks.html Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:25:28 -0500 What a great day Tuesday, November 4, was. Once again, millions of Americans went to the poles and voted on the most powerful position in the world. Nobody died, nobody got hurt, it was all done in a sane and peaceful manner. There are many places in the world that cannot say that. In fact, there are many places in the world where voting does not happen. The founders of our nation figured it out over 200 years ago. I wish I was that smart. If you voted, thank you. If you didn't, call me and I will help get you registered. http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/11/we_did_it_one_more_time.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/11/we_did_it_one_more_time.html Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:37:35 -0500 YOU HAVE TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER4 - NO EXCUSES!!! The whole point of freedom is that we are free to DECIDE what WE want. If you don't vote, you do not decide, and in effect, do not exercise your freedom. Countless Americans have died just so we can go to the polls in two weeks and peacefully vote. Think about it. We have elections every four years. Nobody dies, nobody gets hurt, cities don't burn down, etc. We started the modern day rendition of this process and we keep it going. I am damn proud of that fact. Sure stupid people do some stupid things, but in the big picture it works and i challenge anybody to disagree. We need to be vigilant and make sure the process remains open and viable, but the point is that it works and works pretty good. So vote. Just vote. I don't want to know who you voted for or any of that. I just want you to vote. It will be good for you, for me, and for our country. How 'bout those PACKERS!?!?! Peace - Ritchie http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/10/please_vote_on_november_4_plea.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/10/please_vote_on_november_4_plea.html Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:29:03 -0500 So who's going to win the election? McCain seems out of touch - Obama hangs out with crazy people. Those two sound kind of like me and you, don't they? I mean, who is not out of touch and who does not have crazy friends. Glad I am not running. The bottom line is, the next president is going to have to do some pretty tough stuff and a lot of people aren't going to like it. But hey, times are tough and we are all going to have to do our share and take our sacrifice. America is still a great place and the changes we are going to have to make are nothing compared to what the rest of the world has to deal with. By sacrifice, I mean we might have to buy a 1,700 sq. ft. house instead of the 2,500 sq. ft. one we REALLY wanted. We might have to stay home to go to college instead of going out of state. We might have to drive that 8 year old car instead of buying the new one we just HAD to have. The sacrifices we are being asked to make are not considered sacrifices in most of the world. We need to get a grip and do the right thing. ALL OF US!!!!! NO MORE WHINNING!!!! http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/10/we_need_to_quit_whinning.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/10/we_need_to_quit_whinning.html Wed, 15 Oct 2008 12:40:24 -0500 WHY DID YOU EVER THINK YOU COULD AFFORD THAT?!?!?!Enter the greeder consumer. Why in the world would someone making $60,000 a year (that's pretty good money - huh?) ever think they could afford a $350,000 house? The reason is that they were greedy and bought something they could not afford. Where is that person going to get $3,000 a month just to pay a house payment?? WHY WOULD YOU EVER LEND $350,000 TO SOMEONE MAKING $60,000 A YEAR?? Enter the greedy banker. Bankers created something called an ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) which means they change the interest rate and monthly payments from time to time (usually a two to three year time period). But to help you get started, WE WILL OFFER YOU A LOW BEGINNING INTEREST RATE - 'CAUSE WE WON'T YOUR PAYMENTS LOW SO YOU CAN GET INTO THIS HOUSE YOU WANT (but can't afford). So for the first two years, its tight, but you can make the payments. However, at the end of that two years, we are going to ADJUST your mortgage. If rates are down, you win, we will actually lower your rate (never happens). But if the RATES ARE UP - WE HAVE NO OPTION BUT TO RAISE YOUR RATES!!!!! Guess what, your monthly payments just went up $1,000. But the bank doesn't care because all they earn is the FEE they charged you to ruin your credit. The sell these loans within a couple of days (other institutions, like Fannie and Freddie buy these loans, give the bank their money, so the bank is off the hook. WHAT WERE THESE INVESTMENT BANKERS THINKING (BESIDES GREEDY THOUGHTS) Enter the greedy investment banker. The investment banker is looking for people or groups (like you pension plan) to sell investments to. Let's say you put $200 a month toward your pension. That money doesn't just sit there, you expect it to make more money, to be invested. Your pension fund has a manager, and she spends her day trying to figure out the best way to make your money grow. All of a sudden, she sees an investment bank that is offering a high percentage return if you will invest, say, $50,000. The money manager of your account keeps her job if she earns you a lot of money, so she is motivated to buy this investment from the investment bank. WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?!?!?! Your life savings was just "INVESTED" in a company because 1) they promised to pay you a great return and 2) you believed that their assets (the stuff they have) were so good that they were worth more than you had given the company. In other words, if we sold all the stuff this company had, we could make enough money to pay everybody back. GUESS WHAT??? The assets that these companies had (your house) all of sudden were not worth the money that they had given you to buy the house. People quit paying their loans, the investment house quit getting their monthly cash payment. The investment bank called the homeowner and said "we are going to reposess your house" and the home owner said "come get it". So now the Investment company has a bunch of assests (in this case houses) that they bought with YOUR MONEY (your pension) they can't sell cause they aren't worth spit. WE WERE ALL GREEDY AND THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME PAIN IN ALL OF THIS BEFORE WE GET BETTER. But we will get better. There are many good assets (stuff) still around with lots of value. We just have to get back to being honest and maybe not being so greedy. What do you think? Write something, I dare you. PEace. Mike Ritchie ]]> http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/09/what_are_we_going_to_do_about.html http://www.usca.edu/ritchie/blog/2008/09/what_are_we_going_to_do_about.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:10:49 -0500