A Curmudgeon Speaks

Recession Talk

2009-02-21T10:24:00.004-06:00

There are definitely some people in this country that need to pay more attention to what's going on and less time running their mouths. I was always told that you should talk no more than one third of the time and listen at least two thirds. How can we spread that message?

As most of us are aware, our country is experiencing the worst economic period in most of our lifetimes but most people can't grasp the concept. Another Great Depression is on the horizon and all anybody can think about is how they can personally benefit from the stimulus package/s. They need to think more about the country and less about how themselves.

If you were in shitty financial shape before the onset of recession, why should I/We/They have any sympathy for you? If you thought it was a good idea to take out a mortgage on a $400,000 home when your combined household income is $48,000 annually along with two car payments and four kids to support, I'm not buying it. A few months living on a sidewalk might open your eyes.

I'm also not buying the line about 'unscrupulous' lending. Sure, the banks knew it was a bad idea to put those people into those mortgages but they didn't hold a gun to their heads and make them sign. They did it to themselves. I know there are some folks with limited education and sub par grammatical skills out there but surely most can add. If your take home pay is $2000/month, you have current obligations that take $1200 of that every month then you CAN NOT AFFORD an $1100/month house payment. It's simple math. Why should we help you?

Of course, I'm not advocating that we toss families with innocent children out into the street. I just wish there was a way to knock some sense into these people.

Wanna make a bet? I'll bet you that the same freaking people that are in trouble now, will go out and do the exact same thing when things get better. Why? They're idiots and there's no cure for that.

...it's the holidays. Be thankful.

2008-12-02T23:37:00.014-06:00

...I still think this in one of the greatest commercials ever made. If you don't, you're either not paying attention or you need to go back to where you came from... Don't let the door hit you in the ass.

I know you see these folks from time to time. It might be in the airport, shopping mall or just walking down the street. Don't be shy, let them know you appreciate what they do - regardless of your beliefs. I do and I think it goes a long way...

Letter to the Editor - Oak Park (IL) Newspaper

2008-12-01T23:01:00.008-06:00

Dear Mr. Editor -

First, let me state that I'm American and Caucasian. Let me further state that throughout my life, some of my best friends have been Black, Asian, Mexican, etc. I am not a racist by any stretch.

That being said, I have a question regarding your article on Kenny Holman's tragic death. Why was it necessary to state the he was a 'Black Man' in the headline of the story? Apparently, that didn't make it clear enough as the story immediately pointed out again (in the VERY first sentence) that Mr Holman was an 'African American'. Again, in the first thirteen words of this article (including the headline), it was pointed out twice. If the victim was Caucasian, would the headline have read "White Man Dies in Dumpster"? I doubt it.

This was not a hate crime, a senseless act of racism or some deliberate discriminatory act. It was an accident - nothing more. Why must your paper spin it as such?

I'd like to hear your comment on this subject.

Have a good day,

J. Clay Harris

(Click HERE to see the article.)

Soup

2008-12-01T21:07:00.005-06:00

Here's a question... For a long time I've wondered about the heating of soup - canned soup such as Campbell's Condensed Homestyle Chicken Noodle. Why must I spend ten minutes waiting for the soup to cool before eating? I mean, it's fully cooked and at room temperature when the can is opened. Then, of course, we proceed to heat it to a temperature where spontaneous combustion is certainly a possibility - requiring us to then wait for the soup to cool down again. Somehow, I think smart people could eliminate a step.

Gotta go, I think my soup has made it back to an edible heat range.

Wise up, People.

Obama's Kids to Private School

2008-11-21T17:49:00.007-06:00

You know, some people need to mind their own business or at least think before they speak. So the President Elect will send his kid's to private school rather than DC public schools, how do you blame him? DC's schools are among the worst in the nation and even the powers within the DC system admit that. Why sacrifice his children's education to make a point and avoid public scrutiny? I wouldn't. Sure, he should support public school reform and DC's schools should be improved so as to provide the best possible education but they just aren't there, yet - and they won't be for quite some time. Given the same circumstances, anybody that says they would do anything different is either selfish, ignorant or lieing - maybe all three.

Additionally, the 'drive by, do good, get-in-somebody-else's business' crowd needs to relax. So what if Obama's kids "jumped the line" to get into a private school ahead of others on the waiting list? This is the Leader of the Free World we're talking about! I think it's OK to give him (and his kids) a little slack. Besides, most of the people complaining don't live in DC, don't have school age kids or don't have the financial ability to send their kids to private school - in other words, it's none of their business.

Grab a clue - the world will be a better place.

Elevator Etiquette

2008-11-21T12:48:00.002-06:00

There was a time in my life when the common man's inability to use an elevator irritated me. Now, I think I'm more amused than bothered. Why is it people seem hell bent on boarding a crowded elevator the moment the doors open rather than waiting for those that have reached their destination to exit? I mean, theoretically, there's more room on the outside than on the inside, right? The doors really aren't wide enough for two-way traffic. Got it? Most importantly, the elevator isn't going anywhere until everyone that wants on has boarded. We all know that a simple wave of the hand between the doors will keep them open - we've all done it.

While you're at it, you only need to push the button once. Repeatedly hammering on it like a fifteen year old with his new PlayStation doesn't make it come any faster. It only makes you look goofy - and amuses me.

People (you know who you are) learn to use an elevator and help make this world a better place.