Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Trump is now requesting for the Military (Pentagon) to help pay for the infamous "Wall" at the Mexican border, which has already cost Congress approximately $1.6 billion dollars. In retaliation, after the Wall is completely finished, the Military are planning to use one of their own tanks and blow the whole damm thing down!
Sunday, March 25, 2018
A POOR MAN’S JOURNEY
There once in the kingdom of many, ruled a King, who was so poor due to his land being dry producing very little crop that he eventually grew scorned with greed and stole the Sun, Moon and Stars leaving the people of his kingdom with twenty years of doom and despair obscuring any chances of freedom and future happiness.
One day a pauper, wearing an old dirty robe and a hood shadowing his face, entered the King’s castle making a request for the Sun as it will allow the people in the kingdom to prevail and work again.
“What is in it for me?” asked the greedy King.
“As a gift from the people,” replied the pauper, “They will give you a portion of their harvest!”
After giving his request some thought, the greedy King reluctantly agreed and reached inside his chest of treasures and released the Sun ridding the people’s fears of doom from his kingdom.
The pauper then made a second request for the Moon as it will allow the people in the kingdom to have their rest at night.
“What is in it for me?” asked the greedy King.
“As a gift from the people,” replied the pauper, “They will give you one whole hour of worship before they retire!”
After giving his request some thought, the greedy King reluctantly agreed and reached inside his chest of treasures and released the Moon ridding the people’s fears of despair from his kingdom.
The pauper then made a third request for the Stars, but upon seeing that his treasure chest would soon to be bare, the greedy King became angry.
“For what absurd purpose do the people need the Stars?” he shouted.
“So they can dream!” replied the pauper.
“What is in it for me?” asked the greedy King.
There was a sudden moment of silence.
“Nothing!” firmly replied the pauper, “Absolutely.....nothing!”
The greedy King was astonished by the pauper’s answer, but he still gave his request some thought...very much so that a smile slowly emerged on the King’s face as he hastily reached inside his chest of treasures and released the Stars rescinding the dreams of the people in his kingdom back to the skies.
The pauper turned around and about to leave the castle when the King called him back.
“Please tell me!” begged the insightful King, “If I have nothing left....why do I feel so worthy and content with myself?”
The pauper returned back and unfolded the hood that covered his face revealing a long flock of hair and a beard with gentle eyes as dark as the night, but yet mysteriously magical and just as equally mesmerizing.
”As A Gift From Me!” he softly replied.
moral of the story;
Let’s Learn From Other People’s Ignorance
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
The self-driving cars still have a few kinks to work out before releasing it into our society again, but it'll happen sooner or later.
Trump is thinking on tacking the death penaly on certain drug trafficking offenses specifically dealing with opiates...hmm...interesting...maybe!
related topics: (Trump pushes death penalty for some drug dealers - CNNPolitics )
(Self-driving vehicle strikes and kills pedestrian in Arizona - ABC News)
Trump is thinking on tacking the death penaly on certain drug trafficking offenses specifically dealing with opiates...hmm...interesting...maybe!
related topics: (Trump pushes death penalty for some drug dealers - CNNPolitics )
(Self-driving vehicle strikes and kills pedestrian in Arizona - ABC News)
Monday, March 19, 2018
WHO CAN WE TRUST!
Man is there anybody out there we can really trust? How do we know if the Russians never left the Cold War, which supposedly ended in 1989 and secretly supporting the North Koreans and the Al-Queda financially and How do we know if the Israelis are not behind these Muslim extremist lone wolf attacks to enforce our country's $38-billion pledge to their country and How do we know Uber employees did not sabotage the company's self-driving vehicles to have more frequent car accidents in fear of losing their jobs. That's it... I'm moving to Finland!
THE NEW EVIL
I always remembered hearing for the past 5 decades that “For the love of money is the root of all evil” which is also a popular verse mentioned in the King James bible and we are all well aware of its concept as it still remains true today, but I firmly believe that due to human advancement of high technology the sinful lust for “the love of money” has found a new crime partner to which is commonly known and very much used by the average person as the internet and present day video games, which have further pushed all the major functions of a modernized crimewave ranging from child pornography, stealing credit card and bank information to meddling into presidential elections.
On March 18, two people were seriously injured in Austin, Texas in front of their home by a unknown package that was activated by bomb attached to a “tripwire.” FBI and ATF firmly believed that this incident was related to three other similiar bombings that occurred earlier this week in the same city that already killed three people including a 17 year-old female. Law officials indicated that some of the mechanical parts to these type of bombs can be easily purchased on-line in the internet. I don’t know about you...folks...but it sounds to me that we may have a copycat of the infamous Unabomber on our hands only this time he or she is wearing a cowboy hat!
On December 11, 2017, Taxi driver, Akayed Ullah, intentionally detonated a homemade pipe bomb in a New York subway that was formed with mixture of X-mas lights, sugar and match-heads that he learned how to create on the internet because he wanted revenge for his Muslim Palestinians at the Gaza Strip in the middle east, luckily, the only person, who was hurt was himself.
On Friday, a 57-year old Miami man was sentenced to 7 years in a state penitentiary for assaulting a 17-year old with a metal pole over a Pokemon virtual video game and today this morning a 9-year old Mississippi boy shot his older sister to death with a handgun over an argument of a video game controller.
So what is going on here? Don’t we have enough worries around us to be concern what’s happening in our own livingroom? Even though the internet has been as equally beneficial for us don’t you think it’s time it should also be closely monitored as a dangerous weapon? But how can we accomplished this ? Maybe the Trump Administration can answer that question, but...oh yeah I forgot...they are too busy getting rid of Whitehouse staff members or trying to tackle the country’s epidemic with opiates...huh...ok...what..ever...well good-luck with that Donald duck...I mean...Mr. President!
Sunday, March 18, 2018
THE NEW LAW OF THE LAND
On Tuesday, March 13, two farmworkers were involved in a car crash after trying to flee from federal immigration agents outside the city of Delano. The couple’s vehicle swerved onto a dirt shoulder, lost control and rolled over killing both passengers. According to local officials, this tragedy was the end result of mistaken identity of a Hispanic male, who was wanted for a federal warrant, but also ignited by the retaliation from ICE for the lack of statewide cooperation in regards to California’s policies that limit government officials and employers’ ability (AB-450) from helping the federal government and granting California the power to review the conditions of facilities where immigrants are being detained by the feds. (AB-103) thus labeling California as a sanctuary state.
The Trump Administration is suing the state of California for allowing local law officials to conduct two practices 1) SB-54 law (California Values Act) also known at the “sanctuary law”, where California Law Enforcement are refusing to cooperate with the federal government in relations to: a)That federal authorities are not being notified when a immigrant will be released from jail or prison b) Not giving other “non-public” personal information other than the immigrant’s immigration status. c) Not transferring immigrants directly into federal custody from the local jails without a warrant from the judge also known as the detention review law (although local officials are allowed to do so if the immigrant is connected to a crime)
In responses to the new California laws that were enacted in 2017 where jail facilities are also refusing to hold illegal immigrants for 48 hours for the federal officials to pick them up, ICE are escalating California raids in retaliation for the lack of cooperation.
Face it...Trump we, Californians, are not playing your game and believe me when I say we are not alone! WE ARE EVERYWHERE! It’s funny how the federal government is enforcing the Supremacy Law and Doctrine Of Preemption of the U.S Constitution (where federal may require the state to stop certain behaviors it believes interferes or in conflict with federal law) with the state of California, which has 3/4 Hispanic population rate, but yet a few lousy sanctions were inflicted to the state of Colorado for being one of the first states to legalize Marijuana, which is still not fully accepted by the federal government by: 1) Not allowing federal employees to use marijuana 2) A college student may lose financial aid and 3) A applicant may lose federal housing benefits...but that’s it! Could these weak examples of federal discipline from the Trump Administration be because the State of Colorado has been branded in the past as one of the most racist state in the nation, and once the largest Klu Klux Klan organizations in the U.S from 1920 to 1960? Hmmm what a coincidence!
Regardless, sue us if you want Trump, we’re still not budging...in fact do yourself a favor and deal with other more serious matters like the endless battle against drugs or the war with ISIS and their lone wolf followers or maybe try to do something with the illegal use of firearms on our school grounds and if that’s too much for you and your trusty administration to handle than at least invest into a descent legal counselor to oversee your son’s divorce because...homeboy...he’s going to need it...and stay the hell out of our state!
Saturday, March 17, 2018
REAL ESTATE INQUIRY:
It was a sunny afternoon when I encountered an old friend of mine, who asked me, “Hey Cruzer you’re into real estate...right?”
“Yes sir” I replied.
“Hey...I saw a commercial the other day about this company “Purplebricks”, he said, "Who claimed they can help a person save thousands of dollars when they sell their home...how true is that?”
I placed my hands on my hips, tilted my head back and laughed out loud like Popeye...which went something like this, “Ga..ga..ga..ga!” then I playfully pinched his right cheek and said, “You silly little man...let me tell you the in’s and out’s of real estate!”
First of all, I explained the facts about the company Purplebricks, which was originally based somewhere in the United Kingdom and Australia area. According to a consumer website similar to that of the BBB, A.Spokesman.Com, there had been 20 consumer complaints against the company out of 27 reviews indicating that the customer were under the false impression that they don’t have to pay a commission for their home and just a one time flat fee, but that is regardless if you sell your property or not and you still have to do the paperwork!
A article in the Financial Times website, dated February 2, 2018, indicated that a stockbroking company, Jefferies, became suspicious of Purplebricks’ claims of 88% home sales last year, and was later discovered that their sales was actually 51.6% ( a little more than half) and in 2016 the Advertising Standards Authority officially upheld consumer complaints that the company’s advertisement of not paying commission fees was misleading and there was no comparative data to support their statement of “getting the better price our local expert will take care of it.”
So you have to ask yourself, “Is it worth paying someone $3,200 to show you how to sell your own home regardless if you sell it or not?”
Now let me briefly explain what is involved in a home sale.
1. Must submit all disclosures regarding your home to the buyer...water heater, roof clearance, termite clearance, smoke detector, asbestos, mold, lead based paints hazards, natural hazard and seller's proceeds etc.
2. Must arrange a roof inspection.
3. Must arrange a termite inspection.
4. Must arrange a city inspection and home inspection.
5. Must advised the owner(s) when the bank-appointed appraiser is coming.
6. Must make sure everything (inspections and paperwork) are within the time of escrow.
7. Must notify buyer(s) the assessed value of home for tax purposes. (additional document)
8. Check comparable of the near-by radius for competitive pricing. CMA Market Analysis
9. Writing out a legal residential purchase agreement.
10. Making sure the buyer is serious of purchasing your home by initiating a deposit to escrow company. (If not seller’s financed)
11. If a sale, open escrow, title policy and the closing process.
12. Negotiate closing costs
If buying:
1. Check if all building permits are legally registered.
2. Check for any liens or back taxes on the residence.
3. Check on existing and proposed zoning changes, yard variances, conditional permits, covenants and flood zones.
4. Check with the bureau of assessments of any street, sewer or lighting bonds against the property.
5. If farmland with crops, buyer(s) should obtain a graph and crop report within the last five years that also shows progressive condition of the soil, registered and hidden easements etc.
6. Take care of financing arrangements (pre-qualifications etc.)
7. Find a practical loan company.
8. Check the neighborhood for sexual predators and recent crime reports.
9. Obtain official transcripts of territorial boundary lines.
And there still other responsibilities or obligations not listed...so my question remains...Are you still willing to pay $3,200 to someone to sell your house regardless if your property sells or not while you do all the handy-work? If you said “yes” then I got a bridge I want to sell you!
So why not let a professional handle all the ruckus besides it is totally free to use the services of a buying agent regardless whose sign it is in the front of the house and a sales agent are very negotiable...like...uhh...me! I even barter for my services if you are not interested to pay with currency. (That's the power of having a broker's license!)
So call me with any questions pertaining to real estate transactions land or home because I’m willing “to stand on my head to make you a deal!”...heh...ok...maybe not on my head...but I could dance a mean ass cumbia in my wheelchair...ole!
So call me with any questions pertaining to real estate transactions land or home because I’m willing “to stand on my head to make you a deal!”...heh...ok...maybe not on my head...but I could dance a mean ass cumbia in my wheelchair...ole!
Friday, March 16, 2018
GOOD-BYE TO BREEZY
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but my longtime companion and wheelchair, Breezy, was kidnapped this afternoon from my eye doctor’s office, while I was having an eye examination. A Police report has been filed and is currently under investigation with detectives from the department of Missing Handicap Accessories for anybody, who may have any information on Breezy’s whereabouts.
Funeral services for Breezy will be conducted next Saturday on the 24th of March at 10:00 a.m at Reedley Medical Supplies, 1205 11th Street, Reedley, CA. 93654. There will be a funeral procession following the services led by a line of wheelchairs and handicap walkers for anybody, who may want to participate.
Unfortunately, Breezy did not have any life insurance so the Breezy Foundation has been started in his honor and we are currently accepting donations of a $1.00 minimum, we also accept Visa, Discover Card, American Express, Child Support, Unemployment and Welfare Checks, Food Stamps or EBT cards, which should be made out to: Cruz Balderas, 480 W. Sierra Ave. Apt 112, Fresno, CA. 93704. (please don’t ask for a receipt)
Breezy has returned and is unharmed!
Breezy has returned and is unharmed!
Thursday, March 15, 2018
LET'S GO TO FINLAND!
It was reported today by the U.N Sustainable Development Solutions Network that the country of Finland, which has a population of 5.5 million people, is the happiest place on earth due to the consistency of being the most stable, safest and best governed country out-beating the nomadic country of Norway, who placed a very close second place. Finland is determined to have surpassed the other countries in accordance to national income, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom, trust and generosity.
The United States ranked lower this year from 14th place to 18th due to the increase of the obesity crisis, substance abuse and depression. (Canada placed 7th.) Aaww... the hell with it...I rather go next door to Mexico where the country sites are prettier, life is cheaper and I can afford to have a bottle of Dos Equis-XX along with a fat taco of chicharrones!
The United States ranked lower this year from 14th place to 18th due to the increase of the obesity crisis, substance abuse and depression. (Canada placed 7th.) Aaww... the hell with it...I rather go next door to Mexico where the country sites are prettier, life is cheaper and I can afford to have a bottle of Dos Equis-XX along with a fat taco of chicharrones!
GROWING PAINS: Dilemma In The Highschools PT.III
On March 13, 2018, A administration of justice teacher from Seaside highschool, Dennis Alexander, who is also a reserve Police officer of the Sand City Police Department for over a decade accidentally fired his handgun while attempting to show his students how to disarm someone. The accidental gunshot bounced off the ceiling and a bullet fragment ricochet and struck a 17 year old male causing a small injury to his neck...a Mexican dude para chingarle...go figure! It was reported that two other students also received minor injuries from the debris, but their wounds were not disclosed nor the make or model of the handgun that was accidentally fired.
Wow...and Trump wants to arm our teachers! Maybe it's not a big deal now because the student's injuries were superficial, but what would of happened if his wounds were fatal? Would we taken this matter more serious...well we should because I honestly believe school teachers have enough on their agenda to worry about the safety issues of their weapon...don't you? Or do we need another accident to happen?https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/14/us/california-teacher-fires-gun/index.html
Wow...and Trump wants to arm our teachers! Maybe it's not a big deal now because the student's injuries were superficial, but what would of happened if his wounds were fatal? Would we taken this matter more serious...well we should because I honestly believe school teachers have enough on their agenda to worry about the safety issues of their weapon...don't you? Or do we need another accident to happen?https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/14/us/california-teacher-fires-gun/index.html
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
STUDENT WALKOUT
THOUSANDS OF HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS WALKED OUT OF SCHOOL THIS MORNING TO PROTEST AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE ON SCHOOL GROUNDS AND ARE ASKING CONGRESS FOR A SOLUTION, BUT TO BE QUITE HONEST, I DON'T THINK CONGRESS EITHER KNOW HOW TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OR NOT WILLING TO GIVE ITS FULL ATTENTION UNTIL THE FOLLOWING ELECTION YEAR!
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
COOL FLICS OF THE MONTH
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri-Starring Francis McDormand-Dark comedy drama-Now available on Red Box.
Only The Brave-Starring Josh Brolin-True story of Arizona firefighters-Now available on Red Box.
The Shape Of Water-A story of a female janitor's relationship with a laboratory experiment. Now showing in theaters and soon available on Red Box. (if not already)
I, Tonta...I mean Tonya-Starring Margot Robbie-Dark comedy of the true story of ice skater, Tonya Harding-Now showing in theaters.
Oscar Winners of 2018:
Francis McDormand-Best Actress In A Leading Role.
Shape Of Water-Best Picture.
Margot Robbie-Best Actress In A Supporting Role.
Cruz Balderas Jr-Best Lowlife Of O.C.
Only The Brave-Starring Josh Brolin-True story of Arizona firefighters-Now available on Red Box.
The Shape Of Water-A story of a female janitor's relationship with a laboratory experiment. Now showing in theaters and soon available on Red Box. (if not already)
I, Tonta...I mean Tonya-Starring Margot Robbie-Dark comedy of the true story of ice skater, Tonya Harding-Now showing in theaters.
Oscar Winners of 2018:
Francis McDormand-Best Actress In A Leading Role.
Shape Of Water-Best Picture.
Margot Robbie-Best Actress In A Supporting Role.
Cruz Balderas Jr-Best Lowlife Of O.C.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
A LITTLE GIRL'S TRAGEDY
HIDING IN THE DARKNESS
Five year old Tiarra slips into her “Princesses
Elena” pajamas after soaking inside a bubble
bath for nearly an hour and she hears the
clinging of dishes coming from the kitchen as
her Mother prepares a evening snack before
bedtime.
“Ok baby...Fruit Loops or Cap’n Crunch.” said Tiarra’s Mother
“You know I like Cap’n Crunch...mommy!” said Tiarra
“No...you like anything that’s sweet is what it is...you little
brat.” laughed her Mother
brat.” laughed her Mother
They sit at the dinner table enjoying each other’s company as Tiarra eats her pink plastic bowl of cereal and her Mother drinks a hot cup of herbal tea that would help sooth her nerves and perhaps get a restful sleep tonight.
“Did you put your dirty clothes in the hamper...like I told you?” asked Tiarra’s Mother.
Tiarra nods her head, “Uh huh”
“Ok now remember put the bowl in the sink when you finish.” said Tiarra’s Mother.
“I know,” replied Tiarra “Uh..mommy..what are we going to do tomorrow?”
“I don’t know...why...what do you want to do tomorrow?” she asked.
“I want to go to the park.” said Tiarra
“Well maybe if it’s a nice day.” replied her Mother.
Suddenly there is a strong knock at the front door.
“Open up....Gloria!” said a man’s voice.
“Quick baby...get in here!” said Tiarra’s Mother as Tiarra scurries inside the pantry and her Mother quickly closes the cupboard behind her.
“And don’t make a sound.” warned Tiarra’s Mother
Tiarra opens a tiny crack between the two front door panels of the kitchen cupboard just small enough to see through one eye. She could smell the scent of spicy cinnamon as she squeezes further underneath the bottom shelf putting herself in total darkness...this was not the first time she had to do this!
There is another knock at the front door...this time it’s louder.
“Come on...open the damm door...Gloria!” said the angry man. “Stop acting stupid!”
Tiarra hears her Mother whispering on her cell phone, “I need an Officer here...my ex-boyfriend is at my front door...he’s drunk again and trying to get in!”
Police Dispatch: “Ok stay on the line..ma’am....we’re sending a Officer.”
Suddenly, Tiarra hears a loud smashing noise and sees a man standing in the middle of their living room.
“It’s Frank...my Mom’s friend!” thought Tiarra “He use to bring me toys.”
Frank appears to be very angry.
“Why didn’t you open the fucking door?” he snapped
“You better get out of here...Frank!” said Tiarra’s Mom, “The Police are coming!”
Tiarra could see Frank with a open beer can in his hand as he places it on the kitchen table.
“Where were you last night?” he asked “I kept calling you!”
“I already told you...Frank...it’s over.” said Tiarra’s Mother.
Tiarra suddenly sees Frank grab a hold of her Mother from the collar of her blouse.
“It over when I say it is...bitch!” he snarled and tightly wraps his hand around her neck, “I asked you where you were last night?”
“Stop it Frank!” she gasped “Leave me alone!”
Tiarra doesn’t see her Mother anymore, but hears a scuffling of feet then something hard hits the wall that divides the kitchen from the living room followed by the sound of broken glass. She could see Frank picking up his fist and striking something soft...again...again and again.
“Please...no more...Frank...I’m sorry!” begged Tiarra’s Mother, “I won’t do it again...I swear...please don’t hit me anymore!”
“You ungrateful whore!” growled Frank as he kept raising his fist several more times.
Tiarra suddenly does not hear her Mother and notices a different tone in Frank’s voice,
“Hey...hey...baby...wake up!” he said, “I didn’t mean it...come on baby...wake up...I didn’t mean it...please baby open your eyes!”
Tiarra could hear her Mother moaning as footsteps hurried inside her bedroom then there is the sound of opening and closing of doors.
“Tiarra...Tiarra...where are you sweetheart?” Frank uttered calmly.
Tiarra wants to come out of the pantry to check on her Mother, but she dare not move and stays very quiet.
“I’m scared!” she whispers softly, “I want my mommy!”
“Tiarra...Tiarra...where are you?” repeated Frank in desperation. “Your mama is looking for you!”
Suddenly the closing sound of a car door is heard outside followed by footsteps running through the kitchen and out the back door. She is about to crawl out of the cupboard when she hears more footsteps.
“He’s back!” she thought, “Please God...don’t let him find me!” As tears slowly begin to roll down her small rosy cheeks caused by the feeling of intense fear.
The sound of slamming doors are getting closer as Tiarra shuts her eyes...silently waiting and praying for the sun to soon rise...and take away the night.
The sound of slamming doors are getting closer as Tiarra shuts her eyes...silently waiting and praying for the sun to soon rise...and take away the night.
There is total silence when suddenly the doors to the pantry swing open. Tiarra almost faints when she sees a gun, but she bravely looks up and sees the glare of a shiny badge followed by a kind voice behind a friendly smile.
“Hey baby...it’s ok...you’re safe now.” assured the Police Officer as he stoops down on one knee and extends his strong arms toward her, “Come on mama...you’re safe with me now...I pinky promise.”
Tiarra instantly wraps her arms around the Officer’s neck as he carries her outside and she sees people gather on the street where old ladies are covering their mouth with their hands and a ambulance driving away from her house.
“I wonder if mommy is in there?” she thought.
Tiarra is asked several questions at the Police station by the friendly Officer.
“Now sweetheart...how do you know Frank?” he asked.
“He use to bring me toys.” she replied.
Late that evening, Tiarra, the friendly Police Officer and a very pretty lady stop in front of a large house covered by pink bricks with a long drive way and different color lights inside the flower garden.
They are greeted at the doorway by a happy white toy Manchester terrier with brown patches, who keeps standing on its hind legs and sniffing at their feet.
They are greeted at the doorway by a happy white toy Manchester terrier with brown patches, who keeps standing on its hind legs and sniffing at their feet.
“Now Tiarra...these are the Andersons!” said the pretty lady, “They will be taking good care of you until your mommy gets better and comes out of the hospital.”
Tiarra reluctantly lets go of the Police Officer’s hand and walks inside the residence.
The Police Officer stoops down on one knee and gently combs away a strand of Tiarra’s hair from her face with his fingers. “Don’t worry baby...I’ll be back tomorrow...ok...I pinky promise.”
Tiarra nods her head and wraps her arms around the Officer’s neck and hugs him tightly.
The Andersons serve Tiarra a bowl of Cap’n Crunch that she didn’t have the chance to finish earlier while wearing a brand new pair of “Princesses Elena” pajamas.
“Look Tom!” said Mrs. Anderson, “She ate all her cereal...you were hungry weren’t you sweetie?”
Tiarra nods her head, “Uh huh...mommy says I like sweets.”
Mrs. Anderson teaches Tiarra to recite a short prayer of baby Jesus before tucking her into bed.
“I’m going to leave the door slightly open and the hallway light on...ok...Tiarra.” said Mrs. Anderson. “Just call me if you need anything...ok...goodnight sweetie.”
“Goodnight” said Tiarra as she lays her head on a soft fluffy pillow, but when she closes her eyes ugly images of Frank keeps appearing in her mind.
“I want my mommy.” she whispers softly as tears slowly begin to roll down her small rosy cheeks caused by the feeling of being completely alone.
So she covers herself entirely with a comforter blanket leaving a tiny crack small enough to see through one eye as she looks around into the surrounding darkness of her glamorous new bedroom that is totally foreign to her....silently waiting and praying for the sun to soon rise ...and take away the night.
Friday, March 9, 2018
BREAKING NEWS FROM WASHINGTON D.C.
Newsflash: President Donald J. Trump was located this morning by his staff officials lying unconscious in the back yard of the Whitehouse wearing nothing but a smashed sombrero on his head and completely butt-naked. A trickle of blood was found on his right butt cheek and local investigators are speculating that he was either gang-banged by the Whitehouse Mexican gardeners or suffers from a severe case of hemorrhoids!
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
EMPTY NEST
Benjamin Corrales and his wife had worked the agricultural fields nearly all their lives in efforts to create a safe and suitable home for their nine children and perhaps someday be able to retire with a little nest egg at the end of the month to comfortably enjoy the golden years with their grandchildren. Yet today, 84-year old Benjamin rose up this morning at 6:00 a.m to prune the vineyards to help supplement his monthly social security retirement of $800, which in a 40-hour week is approximately $5 a hour...$5.50 less than today’s minimum wage! So where is the American dream that our country leaders since 1935 have so often promised us? Is it really 75% of your annual income. Financial experts indicated that in 2011 to receive the maximum monthly social security benefits of $2,366, a person would need an annual income of $106,800, where the averaged annual income per household was less that $35,000.
There are many of us, who solely compare our Social Security program as a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow so that we could perhaps be finally able to hang up our hats and give a out a loud sigh and say, “Whew...I’m finally done!” but that is not what is happening in our country just ask Benjamin, who tries to make ends meet for only himself and his wife as he limps from severe arthritis to the intensively cold aisles of freshly insecticide grape vineyards. Where’s his pot of gold that he worked so hard to find? And yet our government have conveniently extended the retired age for every generation to a much older age thinking that because of all these scientific breakthroughs we will live longer...oh yeah Uncle Sam...what about chronic diseases and sickness like Cancer, diabetes, leukemia, MRSA where there is no age requirement and let’s not forget the stubborn consistency of the season flu, which seems to become more deadlier each year specifically to our children!
So for what real purpose do we pay into the SS? To be paid below minimum wage when we can no longer work? Lucky for Benjamin, he can still physically move to do his job...but for how long? I called the social security office the other day and asked one of their representatives if there were any cost-of-living increases on retired checks and she said “Well depends on the economy.” What...Really... But you guys are pretty damm quick when it comes to overpayment and deduct from our monthly checks! What ever happened to fair equality?
We The People...remember?
Many citizens are fortunate enough to boost their retirement income by investing into individual retirement plans like 401 (k) or PERS for a higher return rate, but what of those individuals, who can barely afford to pay their electric bill each month? Maybe we should not invest into social security altogether and instead pay directly into these other funds with higher retirement rates because let’s face it folks...EVERBODY’S TIME IS VALUABLE...no matter what occupation!
As for those, who want to still participate in our nation’s social security program...please proceed with caution because that kettle of gold at the end of the rainbow that was supposed to fulfilled the retired security blanket for the American people is slowly getting empty!
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