Political office? Jeff, they’d eat me alive. I couldn’t play their game if I tried. At risk of revealing my pessimism, I do NOT believe there’s any such person as a “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.” He/She doesn’t exist! Politicians get involved to increase THEIR power and money, not to serve the public good. I often wonder how these professional liars and cheats live with themselves, especially in their final days – have they made their peace with the Lord? We have the best politicians corporate money can buy.

Recently, my brother and his wife (both employed by AVNET Electronics outside of Dallas, TX) lost their jobs after almost 20 years with the company. AVNET chose profits over people, moving its operations to Mexico. My brother and his wife had to train their Mexican replacements, adding insult to injury.

Not to spin (all the way) off topic, I still must say: I have no ill will toward wealthy people or corporate profits. And I certainly don’t profess to know about macro (or even micro) economics. Instead, I know people need a living wage. Question is, what is considered a living wage today?

If you don’t know, my day job is real estate in the Sarasota, FL, area. Daily, I sit down with people (many with kids) who are facing foreclosure. I use the word “foreclosure,” but foreclosure really is “losing the HOME.” That’s really what foreclosure is. Losing a home crushes the family, even though it shouldn’t.

Loss of job or hours at work begins the emotional and financial collapse. Less (or very little) money tightens the noose around people’s necks. Suddenly, the marriage suffers as one or both can’t handle the strain. Like a slow motion car wreck, I see families fall apart beginning with job loss. I see the pain in the children’s eyes.

Politicians and corporate greed (& illegal activities…we now know) CAUSED this economic collapse, causing FAMILY COLLAPSE throughout the country. This is what pisses me off beyond no end.

It appears to me there (is) and (has been a) calculated effort to strip wealth from this country…to REDUCE the little people’s standard of living even further as the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.

No, I’m not a socialist. But I do believe shareholders, corporate boards & politicians need a conscience.

In this country, we have very little manufacturing. Corporations ship jobs out of this country, leaving good people to start over. My brother chose not to feel sorry for himself; he found another similar job, only this job pays 40% less than his old job that paid him <$50,000. We are in a take it or leave it situation today.

While our politicians line their pockets with corporate payola, we little people fight for scraps and fend off swindlers. We little people have to help each other. Sorry for the rant. You mentioned 2 topics (SCAMMERS and politicians) that boil my blood.

Mike

Guys like Mark know most people play the “lottery” when it comes to losing weight, getting back in shape, making money, etc.

Thanks again, Mike, for taking a moment to share your thoughts. Sadly, I don’t think the fear of Judgment Day resonates with these greedy money grubbers.

Mike