In this day and age people are starting to wonder just how loud we have to scream until somebody will listen. Unemployment is the highest it has been in decades, and is especially bad here in the Detroit area, businesses are collapsing, crime is on the rise for the first time in ten years, and Americans are constantly worried about tomorrow.
The one thing that seems to remain constant in uncertain times is the ready surplus of assholes ready to spend the publics money for their own personal interests. Detroit will spend years recovering from the Kwame Kilpatrick scandal. These years look more like decades when polls are taken after his incarceration for spending nine million of the city's money to cover up a sex scandal, only to find out that all of these well educated people from Detroit would re-elect him if an election were held today. AIG is under fire for spending billions for bonuses to their top executives. Amazingly, when the government asks for this back, the execs say no, but if you tax it 90 percent we will claim three times that in lost income next year. It comes as no surprise that our elected officials (some of the biggest liars in the world), trusted the country's biggest insurance company (a business that is designed to fuck you out of money), with billions. The thought that insurance companies were allowed to spend this money as they wish is frightening.
America is sick of these bailouts. I am sick of banks and insurance agencies getting hundreds of billions while automakers have to fight tooth and nail to get help. Many people would say that nobody deserves these bailouts, and I couldn't agree with you more, but this is a question of fairness and equality.
History lesson:
AIG was founded on ideas that are very un-american, and all too familiar today. The company was started IN CHINA in 1919 by Cornelius Starr ( an American born citizen). All this time, he was cornering the global market and avoiding American taxes and trade laws. They were forced to relocate to New York in the mid 40's due to the wars occurring at the time. AIG started as a company screwing America and continues with their age old practices today.
The American auto industry has deep roots here in Detroit, and has changed the face of America. The ford company was founded in 1903 in a tiny factory on Mack avenue in Detroit. It was financed with $28,000 dollars from the Dodge brothers (who would later form their own company). Thousands of immigrants and American citizens flocked to Detroit to work for Ford, who at the time promised a dollar a day.(More than most people made in a week.) This company was founded by an American, in America, on American ideals.
General Motors was quick to follow but did not start as a manufacturer. In fact, they were a financial holder of the up and coming Buick in 1919. They would later buy the company and found many other brands that are familiar on the road today.
The point that I am getting to is why do banks and insurance companies get a free ride, but American companies founded in America have to beg? Think of how much money ford has made, and how much has gone to the government in taxes since 1903. Think of how many people GMC employed through the decades, and how many billions have been paid to the government in income taxes. Who really deserves the help?
It is time for the government to realize that there is a limit to our patience. They need to realize that we are in the beginning of a class war, and there is nothing more dangerous than a man who has lost everything. If we go back to basic principles, business rooted in ethical practices, we will make it out of this alive. Letting something die only gives room for another to live.
Remember: If you can't afford to feed the dog, shoot it.
if you're wondering where all the rambling, all the complaints, all the movies, all the fun went .. well, it went private. neighborhood only. so if you want in, let me know.
So I got laid off. That was pretty awesome. I just show up to work one day and I'm not longer on the schedule. My semi-retarded managers decided I didn't need any notice. Or to even tell me to my face, just not schedule me the next week. Oh well. Just another person getting laid off in Michigan, I'm not alone. The next day my cousins fiance got laid off, someone has it out for my family. Good thing I got a lot of free money from school this year, (yay for finally being independent!) and took out some extra loans. Though those don't come until the first week of Feb, and we're flat broke until then.
So we are heading to NC next week. I'm really excited to go, but not for the wedding. I talked to my nephew yesterday and I wanted to cry I miss him so much. I can't wait to see him. We also are going to stop and stay a night in Columbus and visit my Topash, one of my bests! I miss her like crazy and it's been forever. Hopefully the weather will cooperate with us, I can't take another mountain snow storm...
I started school this past week. My classes all seem pretty decent. Psychology is ridiculously boring and that day is sooo long. Psych from 2:30 til 5:30 and then World Religions from 6 til 9. Blah. But hopefully I'll do good this semester. And I found out today that they do have two summer semesters so MAYBE I can be done in August, if everything goes my way... but more likely it will be December. Which is okay since our lease is up in November it will be perfect timing to move far far away. And we'll have degrees so we can get real jobs hopefully and won't be so terrified to make a big move.
Next weekend adam and josh are coming, we're taking josh to the casino in windsor to celebrate his 19th birthday. i'm pretty damn excited, i miss my tyler brothers something crazy! We might go to the autoshow too, which I hope so because I have never been. Then a few days after that we leave for NC! so the next couple weeks are going to be pretty fun :) and then I have to come back and find my unemployed ass a job.
I finished reading the twilight series, 4 books, three weeks. not too bad. but i'm kind of sad because i have no new twilight book to look forward to. I guess I'll have to read my other books I got for Christmas. and wait a long ass time for new moon to come out.
okay i'm going to go finish making my poutine and watch the devile wears prada, cuz i have no school tomorrow! yay for MLK :)
so it's been a while. and now that i'm crippled and blind today, i supposed i have time for a little update.
I'm crippled because my lower back is deciding it wants to keep me in bed today, and i'm blind because I lost a contact and my new ones have still not arrived. so i have to wear my glasses which are from about 6 years ago, thus they are not the right prescription. Derek is working a double, as usual, and I cannot get anywhere today. Happy New Year.
so, since my last real post, we have moved to Troy.
-Our apartment is soooo much better than the last. we have a nice little work out room (that i swear one day i will actually use) a sauna (which honestly i don't know why i haven't used it...) and a convenience store full of all of lifes necessities (which i've used quite frequently of course haha) it is also a mile from my work, which is pretty convenient, i'm excited to be able to ride my bike to work come spring.
-Also, both of my brothers got engaged in November. "yay" Ron is getting married in January, and for many reasons I disapprove. And Brendan has decided to set his wedding date in California for September 24th of this year, less than a month after my cousins who's is in North Carolina. Which has caused some nice rifts in the family. But that's okay, nobody seems to consider my brothers family anymore anyway. It's not like they care. Oh yes, I should mention I found out about both engagements on facebook. my favorite ever. And they wonder why I don't want to be in the weddings... but enough about the divorcees to be.
-Christmas was nice, we got to spend time with both of our families, and I got to spend time with my dads and moms side for the first christmas ever. It was nice. I haven't spent a Christmas with my dads family since 9th grade, so it was long overdue. We spent Christmas eve there, then Christmas morning/afternoon with dereks family, then had dinner with my moms side of the family. It was kind of hectic, but it was fun. My mom came down that weekend and we had our Christmas late.
-I sign up for classes this week, and I will start school again the week after. I'm excited to get back into a routine and will hopefully do better now. I kind of finally feel ready to be back in school. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Becca and classes have never been the best of friends.
-Derek and I are trying to plan a trip in march for our four year anniversary and right now are thinking about NYC, Niagra Falls, or Toronto. We'd really like to go to Quebec City but that would be kind of a far drive for the winter months, but you never know. Hopefully we will be able to even afford a vacation. Since we have to take time off at the end of this month to go to NC for the "wedding" but I'm happy because I get to see my nephew. I miss him so much!
Okay, time for more motrin and the heating pad. Ugh, I'm getting old.
stolen from Cristina :)
Describe what goes on for you and your house and your family for Christmas:
My typical Christmas morning- I wake up usually early and go and look at all my presents under the tree, my mom still hides most of them until I go to bed on Christmas eve. Though this is my first year not at home, so I guess we'll wake up when we do, most likely late (this week has been exhausting!) open presents and make some breakfast.
The best thing about Christmas is everything, this year I get to spend it with both sides of my family, which i have never gotten to do and I'm so happy about it. I love buying presents for people, decorating! going out and looking at decorations, christmasy stuff, carriage rides, hot chocolate, shopping downtown. christmas music! everything is the best thing about christmas!
The worst thing is working at a mall right now... especially somerset. worst i've ever seen.
My Gift-giving philosophy- i buy presents for everyone, my family always has done that. and i have a big family. so i try and find little fun (and funny) things that remind me of my family. and i like to buy toys for my nephew that will annoy my brother haha.
Shopping destinations everywhere. i have done a lot at macy's, hello discount. best buy, target, walmart, barnes and noble, urban outfitters,,, etc.
Budget is set but usually not listened to. oops. :)
Receiving gifts is fun too, but i usually know all my presents, soooo sometimes it is not as exciting as it used to be.
Decorations are a tiny ass tree this year. but oh well, it's the first tree derek and i have had together so i love it. and some things i picked up at the dollar store. :) but i'm happy
The tree - like i said small for my taste but it's pretty.. and i have two dinosaur ornaments, so that makes me happy.
On Christmas Eve- I have to work, then we will have dinner with my dads side of the family at my aunts house, who i haven't spent a christmas with in ten years, so i'm very excited! :) then maybe go to dereks for a family for a little bit, or come home, either way i need some christmas movies, frosty the snowman, a christmas story, and all the old claymations one, i'm watching the grinch cartoon right now so i can scratch that one off.
The menu- not sure... eating at too many different houses this year. but i better have ham somewhere. gotta have ham.
The vibe- excited, exhausted, kind of stressed. since we still don't have out christmas day planned out and tomorrow is christmas eve. sigh.
The wow factor- i suppose if derek and i make it through the next two crazy days between families.
On the day after Christmas- I will shop the sales! I need more Christmas decorations for the years to come so I will hit up the after Christmas sales that day... and then sleep. I have this whole weekend off, and I can't wait. My mom will be down on Saturday and we will have our Christmas that night with her :)
After a hard fought battle which mainly consisted of me trying to get in contact with the management at North Royal Oak Apartments, we were able to break our lease without any repercussions. The new place is awesome, they called it a penthouse level and everything about it is like a hotel except there is no housekeeping staff (which I have decided to lobby for). The building also has a store where you can buy the essentials that is open until 10:00 which has already become very useful. The whole place is silent, there are no crazy people running up and down the hallways, and most of all, no dickheads above us. The only downfall is having to use Detroit's bus system which is only one notch above fail, but it is well worth it when you consider everything that we are getting in return. The only thing that we are really missing are some neighbors that will play board games with us, which will never happen as everyone in the metro Detroit area is an alcoholic. Yes, everybody.
P.S. The Royal Oak Gamestop only has one normal person that works there. If the Seattle Gamestop has an extra assistant manager on hand please ship her to:
P.O. Box12345
Royal Oak, MI
48067.
Thank You.
OBBBBBBBBBBAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAA!
YES WE DID!
What a great day to be an American, The people have spoken. We have the first African American President, and the first President in my lifetime that I'm actually proud of. This man really does give me hope, and after the last 8 years he is exactly what this country needs. January 20th can't come soon enough!
So here are some photos of me and derek's election day adventures :)
Walking up to vote, my neighborhood <3's Obama!
Krispy Kremes!!!!!!
oh yes, we actually got TWO free donuts because the light was on too :) JACKPOT
free starbucks to go with our krispy kremes :)
...which was in Beaumont hospital haha.
So thank you America for proving to the world that the majority of us are not ignorant, (although it turns out a pretty good percentage of us still are) I'm looking forward to the next EIGHT years, that's right two terms baby.
and byeeeee paaaalin, get out of my lower 48!
Tomorrow will be a historic day people keep telling me, and I keep agreeing. Not because we might elect the first black president, or (God forbid) the first female vice-president. But because I, Rebecca McNamara, am voting for a democrat for president.
HISTORY WILL BE MADE!
That is if my RIGHT hand can actually fill in the box. We shall see.
So tonight, I will get no sleep. I get crazy around elections, obsessed if you will. And tomorrow I have to work and I will be antsy all day, since I can't watch the news all day.
Hopefully my next post will be titled VICTORY!
oh yes, and i get free krispy kremes tomorrow. and that is always a beautiful thing.
OBAMA!
Coming home has been a blessing and a curse at the same time. I love Northern Michigan this time of year, Fall is my favorite season by far. The air is so crisp, the trees are so pretty. I love waking up here and looking out my back door.
It's hard coming home because I really dislike Metro Detroit. It's gross, and there's nothing nice about it this time of year, or anytime of year. I have to leave in the morning and i'm dreading it. I wish I could stay here, but I can't we have a lease until next August. I want to scream when I think how far away that is. I'm saving as much as I possibly can right now so I can get the hell out of this state next year. Yes I know I just said how much I love it up here... but that doesn't mean I want to stay here forever. I would like a summer home here someday. That's it, and right now I would rather be living here than Detroit.
I'm trying really hard to stay positive and not let everything that has happened in the past couple months get me down. I wake up every morning and try and put that smile on. I go to work, which is actually a relief because I like my job, but I'm not making any money and that sucks a lot. I can't live off making $30 a day. So I need to find a second job, like now.
Today I sat in the marina, one of my favorite spots in TC. I sat and thought, which I haven't done in a long time. Probably a couple of years. I thought about everything, what I've done with my life and what I want to do. I have some big plans... and I'm not going to sit and wait for them. I'm extremely excited for what I have in store for myself in the coming two years... and that's what is going to keep me going and keep a smile on my face.
I also can't understand ignorance. I don't get it. This election has made me lose a lot of faith in people. I wish I could make people understand that you do not have to vote for McCain just because you are a republican. Be a maverick like him... go against your own party. Don't vote for a fucking half alive old man and a crazy fucking wannabe beauty queen who made women in alaska pay for their own rape kits. UGH. that's where I stop because I might bash my computer in if I keep talking about it.
So tomorrow I leave early in the am and take that 4 1/2 hour trip back down to Royal Oak. I'm going to start fresh down there, and try and find things I like so I don't go crazy. I'm going to start volunteering again, I might even start working at the YWCA in downtown Detroit working with battered and raped women because my friends sister runs the program and I think it's just fantastic. I'm going to make a difference, and I'm going to help people. I need to remember that my life is not that bad... I have a roof over my head, a car to drive, a job in this terrible economy, and while my family might suck lately I have some friends I wouldn't trade for the world. Even though they arent near me I keep them in my heart everywhere I go, and I think of them daily. I miss all of them more than anything.
...without the rain there would be no rainbow.
Show us why you love where you live.
Okay so I live in royal oak... but I don't love it. So I'm going to show where I live in between movings, where I'm from. Because I do love Traverse City.
Lake Michigan!
Downtown TC
Hanging out on the bay
Lake Michigan... what's not to love?
Sunsets!
