Author: Betsy L Angert

I am a being that believes . . . "thinking is the best way to travel!"

Bush and His Billionaires Caused It. Let Them Pay ©


All the talk of Catastrophe Funds seems silly to me; the reasoning is apt.  I think there are better sources for these subsidies than the government. In my mind, our efforts are misplaced.  

It is true; we as a nation and as a world have seen an increase in the number and intensity of cataclysmic storms. Tornados, droughts, hurricanes and other recent disasters have caused great calamity.  We are mired in misfortune. However, we are working to pay for what we caused.  We are closing the barn door behind us; our prides and joys are all long gone.  We now, belatedly, prepare for what was our own ignorance.  We elected George W. Bush, twice.
Well actually, in 2000, Former Chief Justice William Rehnquist appointed or anointed this sly desperado.  It was 36 days after his first Presidential run that George W. Bush was selected as our President.  

See what the true winner, by many counts, is now doing. Al Gore presents his concern.

Nevertheless, four years later, we as a people essentially elected this twit. What were we thinking, or more accurately, what were those that voted for him thinking?  Many admittedly envisioned GW as the great protector.  He sheltered us [US] from terrorists.  However, no radical fanatic did more damage than he.  Bush battered this nation and our Earth.  He did so under the guise of a compassionate conservative.  I myself prefer a caring individual, one that conserves.

However, supporters of this scoundrel did not.  They knew that this unethical Emperor had worked to destroy our environment.  Immediately after his initial inauguration, King George II changed our environmental standards.  He chose to lessen the ecologically sound restrictions that had been previously placed on the books.  The Blundering Bush allowed for more arsenic in water.

Then and now, Gas Guzzling GW refuses to admit that burning coal is a problem.  He encourages it.  Bush belies the belief that cars using Chevron with Techron have served to increase temperatures worldwide.  He says that he wants to reduce this nations addiction to fossil fuels.  Why, if it does not harm?  Perhaps, he, his family, and familiars are planning to invest in renewable energy.  It is possible, though I find the theory questionable.  Actions do speak louder than words.  

If we consider the emission regulations Bush supports, we know his true desires.  Sports Utility Vehicle owners receive tax breaks under Bush.  A Republican Congress and the King allow these “small trucks” to emit toxic gases.  Recent changes in the laws that govern these monstrosities do little to better our surroundings.

Baby George Bush believes or pretends to that natural causes are the reason we have had 19 of the 20 hottest years since 1980.  This man or monster takes no personal responsibility.  However, those of us that care and have watched the climate change wonder.

We Americans, those that never marked our ballots for this buffoon, note the irrefutable connections.  We acknowledge that this administration is not only friendly toward oil interests. They are these.  George W. Bush and his majestic dynasty made their money by investing in petroleum.  They still do, as do their friends.  

Moguls and magnates from these flourishing fuel-pumping conglomerates were America’s energy commission.  Scientists were banned.  These industrialists and entrepreneurs created what now is policy. They have generated storms of infinite proportion.  Global warming is their legacy; yet, they are unwilling to pay for it and we, the people, do not ask them to.  We again, chose to mistakenly let this administration be.

State governments are struggling to break even.  Insurance companies are refusing to issue policies for weather-related tragedies.  >People, ah the people.   Those that are directly affected by decisions of the Bush Band are barely surviving.  Still, we speak of Catastrophe Funds.  The public is relying on its own taxes to pay for the damage that nature and we did not create.

Why are we not asking those that caused this ruin to pay?   They have Billions.  The price of their pleasure increases as the common folks suffer.  Is this the “justice” George W. speaks of?  

If we are to authentically spread democracy, might we not begin at home?  Here in the USA, let us adopt laws that protect and provide for all equally.  Let us no longer supplement the suffering imposed by a self-serving administration.  If we were to pass and enforce regulations that ended global warming, if we demanded repayment for the damage caused by a corrupt Cabinet, imagine what a world this would be.

Sources of possible interest . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Immigration. Intertwining Self-Interests and Ignoring Interdependence ©

When discussing immigration it seems that what we in America know is what we ignore.  We know we want higher wages.  Americans strongly support increasing the income of native-born and naturalized workers.  Citizens of this country consider their wages and benefits vital.  Those of others in “foreign” lands are not our problem, or possibly, they are a cursory consideration.

Persons residing in the United States want to ensure their quality of life.  The general public wants “stuff.”  They are proud of their possessions and property.  They flaunt these on airwaves and movie screens throughout the world.  People in this nation want the others on this Earth to see how good they have it.  Americans say, “Look at me.  I am so happy and healthy because I have this, that, and the riches that you do not.”  People of the USA pose for the cameras and profess, “This is America, the land of the free, home of the brave, and the land of opportunity.”  Citizens of this country invite and entice people from afar to come to this great land.  Then when immigrants do, [the ugly] Americans says, “Now, go home!”

Americans are offended when those residing in this country without papers crave what citizens have or when they use our services and resources.  What happened to hospitality?  Hostility replaced it.

Americans once wanted the best, now the most will suffice.  Either way, my countrymen do not want to pay for what they purchase.  They prefer prices to be lower, while wanting wages higher. Thus, we have Wal-Mart and other fine outsourcers.  

The quality of goods and services decreases. Availability increases. Profits do too.  Americans are buying more junk.  They have to; nothing lasts.  Standards are low; craftsmanship is an idea of antiquity.  Then, of course, there is built-in obsolescence.  This is accepted, even expected.  Manufacturers must produce; production provides jobs and profits. For whom, when, where, and how will these affect us all?  Americans avoid these questions.

As a nation, we are willing to sacrifice excellence when purchasing commodities.  As long as the price is good, we can bathe ourselves in glitter.  “Streets paved in gold” is the notion that attracted our ancestors to this country.  Current “documented” residents also dream of gold.  Thus, they invest in America.

As shareholders, we appreciate the cycle of supply and demand.  Free enterprise is our strength.  We consider competition good, though we love our Big Box stores.  We spend in and support those “shops” that eliminated the prospects of success for Mom-and-Pop stores.  We want our companies to make a profit, and we do whatever it takes to ensure that they do.  Citizens of the United States shout, “Buy American,” and they do [and don’t!].  Individuals buy the stocks and bonds this nation sells.  Products? Well, that is the earlier story.  The price counts; we have our priorities!

Americans promote capitalism and the competitive spirit.  They hunger for success, however, only their own.  Thus, Americans create a scenario that they themselves find disturbing, immigration.  The citizenry here is a bundle of contradictions.

When we work to have better and higher wages, greater and grander benefits, we entice persons from poorer nations to come to ours.  We also create a deeper divide.  The disparate conditions that exist between ourselves and other nations cements what we disdain, flight.  Our closest neighbor suffers as we prosper, and we resent them.  How dare those from afar, those that have less, want more.  Americans can aspire for grandeur; however, that seems to be different . . . in their minds.

When those living “legally” in the USA parade their wares, gloat of achievements, and proudly express “this is the land of opportunity,” people believe.  Foreign dwellers think this is a place they can come to, to better their lives.  They believe it is possible to achieve the American Dream.  US citizens say we want those from distant lands to join us in our prosperity, however, selectively. They must fit our idea of ideal, our profile.

Native born and naturalized American citizens speak of “democracy” and “freedom.”  They advocate that they want this for all others.  People in the USA recall many of their ancestors came here seeking a religious sanctuary.  They know that even in 2006, there are those in other nations that yearn to practice their faith freely.  Why would these individual and families not wish to find refuge in a country such as this?  Why are we surprised when those that crave a safe haven show up on our shores?

More importantly, why do we Americans not see what we ourselves have created?

I ask America to teach others how to create what all humans desire.  I plead with those born in the USA.  You know that we are the strongest nation on the planet, act as it.  Be powerful enough to offer compassion, physical and emotional support.  Understand those that have less are as we, they want more. Recognize that we exist on this globe together and we must work collectively as one.  Be democratic, not autocratic; remember internal and external walls and wars are not a solution; they are symptoms of a situation that is not resolved.  Let us act on what is true; we as a nation are not isolated.  We are interdependent.  They need us and we need them.  May we please work together as one?

* Solid Growth for U.S. Payrolls, By Joel Havemann, Los Angeles Times. April 8, 2006

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Bush. It Depends How You Define The Word "Leak" ©


In July 2003, there was no investigation.  Republicans postured this was not an issue of national importance.  Journalist and bloggist David Corn of The Nation postulated it just might be.  This essayist compared the cries for an investigation of Clinton and the possible misuse of files to those not heard when the Bush administration was the charge.  In 2003, the public was assured this was not a significant occurrence.  However, its prominence grew.  Bloggers made sure of this.

There was talk; Valerie Plame did not fit the definition of a covert agent. After all, she was working in the States at the time her name was revealed.  Ah, the diversion.  Yet, many were not sidetracked.  They were focused.  Bush and his boys had baited the hook; yet, the blog-fish did not bite.  Traditional journalist wavered.  The media waters were choppy.

Bush barely bothered to enter the discussion.  Actually, he avoided it.  Initially, the President said that did not think much of the situation.  He was quite blasé.  However, that too changed.  By February 11, 2004, the President was adamant. He said, “I want to know the truth. “If there’s a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is.”  

Our nation’s leader assured us, he too wanted to know who released the name of Central Intelligence agent Valerie Plame to reporters.  He would take care of him, her, or them.  While speaking on the subject, Mr. Bush continued boldly with blood in his eyes, “If the person has violated law, that person will be taken care of.”  

Our fair President stated, “I welcome the investigation. I am absolutely confident the Justice Department will do a good job.  I want to know the truth.”  Supposedly unyielding as this Bush Boy is known to be, GW reiterated, “Leaks of classified information are bad things,” adding that he did not know of “anybody in my administration who leaked classified information.”  Our President was now hungry for justice.  This and truth are the American way.

Bush the senior knew the importance of Central Intelligence confidences.  After all, he had been the CIA Director years ago.  While President, George Herbert Walker Bush was among those that strongly supported the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982, his son, the Boy Blunder, chose to violate it, stealthily.  Up until now, Baby Bush did as neophytes do; he diverted the blame.

However, under sworn testimony, the facts were exposed.  Mr. Cheney’s chief of staff, I. Lewis Libby Jr. bore witness. The actual leak was not within the administration; it was the administration.  The information was released by our Commander-and-Chief.  

Today, this man-boy stood before the public and acted as though all was well, even legal.  Mr. Bush stated there was no leak, or were his words, `it depends how you define “leak.’  He merely made official and confidential material not be so.  As he said this morning, “I wanted people to see what some of those statements were based on. I wanted people to see the truth. I thought it made sense for people to see the truth. That’s why I declassified the document.”

If this is so, why did this miracle man not share what was years ago, when it first arose, and more importantly, how does one man get away with violating the law so frequently?  Why is Bush never prosecuted, put on trial, impeached, or even censured.  We had a Teflon<sup>TM</sup&gt President, a man that many labeled, “Slick Willy.” Why is Bush, the Boy-Beyond-the-Law?

You might enjoy these resources . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Americans Violate the Law and Call "Them" Illegal? ©


Recently, an article appeared in my world.  The title, “Center seeks justice for Katrina’s migrant workers.”  This informative essay was published in a periodical I regularly receive, The Southern Poverty Law Center news.  This piece stimulated much thought.  Citizens of this country want to eliminate illegal immigration.  They are boisterous and belligerent when discussing this topic.  The blame-game is rampant; “it is anyone but me that is responsible for this problem.”  However, this paper reveals it is not.

We talk of “illegal aliens”; however, I wonder.  Might we instead discuss “illegal Americans?”
In October 2005, after the Katrina storm, thousands of immigrant workers were hired.  They were asked to help with the emergency clean up.  For the most part, they were immigrants. These people, new to this country, sweated while they worked.  They removed debris; they worked long hours, and they were told that they would be rewarded/paid.  

The job was a challenge, the conditions unclean and often unhealthy.  Nevertheless, these migrants who were willing to actually do these tasks worked hard.  They were helping to heal the New Orleans region. Two formidable American companies had hired them, Belfor USA Group Incorporated and LVI Environmental Services of New Orleans, Incorporated.  Yet, they did not pay these immigrants fully for all of the work they had done.

Immigrant Justice Project (IJP) discovered this and on February 2, 2006, filed two class action lawsuits. However, J.J. Rosenbaum, Attorney, working with the Southern Poverty Law Canter’s Immigrant Justice Project cautioned, “Lawsuits alone won’t stop the widespread exploitation of workers that’s going on in New Orleans.” People must.

It seemed people were. The Department of Labor, on December 1, 2005, declared in a press release “five Spanish-speaking investigators had been dispatched to the Gulf region.”  They were dispatched to interview the workers and establish that they were being treated fairly.  By law, this agency is required to “protect workers involved in the reconstruction process;” however, they did not.

IJP lawyers interviewed many a migrant, and all repeated the same mantra; no one had spoken to them of their working conditions.  No surprise.  This saga is only one of many.

While there are numerous groups flocking to the states in mass, America is focusing on Mexican migration.  The native born are most disturbed by those that arrive from just south of the border.  The attention is wanted and not.  It is desirable when one is known as a “hard worker.” Employers want an industrious soul.  However, if you are acknowledged only for your work and not as a person, even that compliment feels as a slight.  When laborers go without pay, after toiling all day, they realize that the flattering remark is not. When supposed kindness is ultimately cruel, it is not welcome.

Nevertheless, this is the experience of many Mexicans.  They are all too familiar with what is, though they rarely discuss it.  The same is true for other settlers. Rumanians, Russians, Poles, Czechs, and Irish arriving here without papers, also have tales to tell. Sikhs, Phillipinos, Koreans, and Indians come to this country as well. America, while thought to be the land of opportunity, is all too often, the nation of abuse.  Exploitation is abundant. In virtually every region of this country, new immigrants, want to work.  However, they are mistreated; few escape harm.

In this exposé, I will work to provide perspective.  I will offer only a few snippets of information; the exposure I present will be minimal.  I write to invite exploration.  My wish is to advance awareness.  I am asking readers to be conscientious.  I appeal to your sense of humanity.  Please look more closely, what happens in our neighborhoods, yours, mine, and ours?  I encourage individuals to speak with strangers, to discover what is, and to ponder.  Only then do I advocate you act.

In February 2006 another spoke. Gary Younge, writing for the Guardian, offered, “Where someone’s pocket change can feed another’s family for a week.”  Mr. Younge states, “Migrant workers do the jobs that Americans will not do, but they are vulnerable to bigots and big business.”  

Writer Younge, so eloquently described what is not an elegant experience.  This author described in detail the daily ritual of many migrant workers.  Throughout the nation, early each morning, thousands of men and woman gather, and wait.  They hope to be chosen.  In New York, they stand in the cold.  In California, Louisiana, Florida, and other large metropolises, they congregate on city corners.

Day laborers with numerous skills, and some still learning, wait for work.  This practice  poses a threat to these immigrants.  While their work is vital to the American economy, being out in the open leaves them vulnerable.  For those who have entered the country illegally, there are greater burdens.   The xenophobic have easy access to these individuals.  The opportunists do as well.  Since these new settlers feel that they have no rights, they often do not speak of the unspeakable.  Thus, the wrath of those that do not wish these migrants well is always just around the bend.

Life in America is a challenge for these newcomers.  Through quotes, the journalist Gary Younge shares the their experience.

“On a bad week you can get nothing,” explains Victor Singh, who left his village near Amritsar, in India, five years ago and has not had a full-time job since. “Winter time is always slow. In the summer you can sometimes work four days a week.”

Standing outside her tarpaulin home in a makeshift town of tents in New Orleans’s City Park, Mercedes Sanchez cries as she recalls leaving her four daughters in Mexico. “You can have a lot of love for your children but it cannot fill their stomachs,” she says. “In Mexico, I made 200 pesos (£11) a week. I can make that in two hours here;” But only on those days when she can find work, which have been few recently.

Simon, who was not paid for several weeks’ work, is now reconsidering his decision to leave his three children behind in Mexico. “You make more money but you pay more for rent and everything else,” he says. “Sometimes I think it’s not worth the sacrifice of leaving your family. It’s not what you think it’s going to be.”

Gary Younge addresses more; he reflects upon the results of a recent report from the University of California.  According to this source, every morning, 117,600 laborers find employment while congregating on the street corners of America.  They huddle in mass and hope that a business owner or individual will drive by, see them, and connect.  They long to be hired.

Homeowners employ forty-nine percent of these men and women. That is to say, nearly half of those that support the current system are not businesspersons; they are individuals.  Law-abiding American citizens are seeking cheap labor to do what they themselves consider menials tasks.  “Illegals” are employed to do domestic work or gardening.

Day laborers regularly, and religiously search for full-time employment opportunities.  However, the “vast majority, 83 percent, relies on day-labor work as their sole source of income. Seventy percent search for work five or more days a week.”  They are a hardy bunch and can we truly deny this.  These émigrés risked life and limb just to come to America.  Many that do find jobs find more than one.  Why?

Daily workers are paid poorly. The median hourly wage is $10, and as we have learned, what is promised, is all to frequently, not given. These positions are not certain, stable, or secure.  Therefore, income is inconsistent.  In July and August 2004, the average monthly take-home pay was $700.

When we consider the higher costs for rent and food in neighborhoods where day laborers can be accommodated, we know that this amount is paltrier than it may seem initially.

Contractors hire just over 40% to do construction work or landscaping. Nationwide, almost two-thirds are Hispanic and approximately twenty-five percent are from Central America.

The University of California, Los Angeles report goes on to address employer abuse.

* Day laborers regularly suffer employer abuse. Almost half of all day laborers experienced at least one instance of wage theft in the two months prior to being surveyed. In addition, 44 percent were denied food/water or breaks while on the job.

  • Workplace injuries are common. One-in-five day laborers has suffered a work-related injury. More than half of those who were injured in the past year did not receive medical care. More than two-thirds of injured day laborers have lost time from work.
  • Merchants and police often unfairly target day laborers while they seek work. Almost one-fifth (19 percent) of all day laborers have been subjected to insults by merchants, and 15 percent have been refused services by local businesses. Day laborers also report being insulted (16 percent), arrested (9 percent) and cited (11 percent) by police while they search for employment.

Those that come to the States frequently find themselves in lines, looking for work. Life is not as they expected.  Émigrés do not find the streets of America paved in gold, nor do they experience opportunity is plentiful.  Immigrants quickly discover they are at risk.

The offenders are not only those the liberals love to slam, corporate employers.  They are all of US, the native-born and naturalized citizens.  Individuals living in the good old USA are frequently those that abuse.  The government is not squeaky clean; they are expected to serve and protect; yet, they too are willing to exploit this labor force.

In the news and on blogs we are flooded with stories that blame businesses for illegal immigration; corporations do not copiously scrutinize employee records.  Most, place the onus on the migrants.  If only they did not come to this country, life would be good.  People forget that their own parents, grand, or great traveled from afar.  The one group that “we” never find fault with is, us, we, the people of the United States.  We engage in actions that have created an imperfect union.

Yes, it is true bigger businesses are on the battering bandwagon.  They too, do as was done by government officials, large federally funded companies, and individual homeowners.  .  [Reminder almost fifty percent of those living in the States illegally are hired by homeowners!] Please review this New York Times article, Wal-Mart to Pay U.S. $11 Million In Lawsuit on Immigrant Workers, By Steven Greenhouse, March 19, 2005.

Wal-mart was required to pay $11 million fine after a federal Grand Jury investigation found them guilty of hiring those witout papers.  Of course, they did nothing wrong.  Yes, it is true, this mega-monopoly was illegally employing more than 100 undocumented employees to clean more than 700 of its national stores.  However, corporate executives knew nothing of the practice.  The bigwigs blame sub-contractors, just as the average citizen and small business owners place the onus on conglomerates.  Actually, each of these considers the immigrants themselves culpable.

Thus, I ask again, who is “illegal”, “aliens” or Americans.

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

On Point Wisconsin. Voters Say Leave Iraq Now ©


[Photograph By Andy Manis of Associated Press]
I was not born there; however, I am proud to declare, I was raised there.  I moved away decades ago; yet, my heart remains in Wisconsin.  I marched in my first protest rallies on the streets of Milwaukee.  My family followed in the path of a strong civil rights leader, Father Groppi.  I would be eighteen before the November general election was held; therefore, I was able to vote as a seventeen year old during Wisconsin primaries.  

My father was fortunate enough to work with a true humanitarian and advocate for the people, Wisconsinite, Senator Bill Proxmire.  “Liberal” Senator Russ Feingold now, represents this fine state.  Please let us all forget that Joseph McCarthy ever resided here.

The anti-Viet Nam War movement was strong in Wisconsin.  Ah, I remember it well.  Though many may argue the point, and it does seem to be cyclical, in my mind, Wisconsin is a progressive state.

On this past Tuesday, the citizens of this state, once again proved that they are forward-thinking.  I applaud the people of Wisconsin for their most recent vote.  In thirty-two communities, “Bring The Troops Home Now” referendums were on the April 4, 2006 ballot.  

In twenty-four of these expansive neighborhoods, the vote was yes, bring our boys and girls home immediately.  The numbers reflect a great concern, “A resounding 40,043 to 25,641 voted against the continued US occupation of Iraq.”  Calculating these numbers leads us to conclude, 61 percent of Wisconsin voters want no war.  Only 39 percent believe we should remain.  In my own former hometown, the village of Shorewood, seventy percent said pullout now.

In eight communities, the initiative was defeated; however, “in only two” of these locales did “the vote for immediate withdrawal fall below 45 percent.”

What is left to say?  [Right-] on Wisconsin!

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Immigrants To America, People With or Without Papers ©


Demonstrators gather in front of City Hall in Los Angeles, Saturday March 25, 2006, to protest federal immigration legistlation (AP Photo/Ann Johansson)

They are white and bright, Brown, and well read.  They are your neighbors, your servants, and working to better your life and their own.

Please review the statistics.  Pages 15 and 16 may be most interesting to you.
* Estimates of the Unauthorized Immigrant Population Residing in the United States: 1990 to 2000 Office of Policy and Planning U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service

I am choosing to share some statistics that may be less well-known . . .
Approximate Number of Undocumented Immigrants in the United States as of the 2000 Census. . .
Formerly Czechoslovakia 7, 000 – 83,000 Total Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Ireland 3,000 – 156,000 Total Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Italy 10,000 – 473,000 Total Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Netherlands 3,000 – 95,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Formerly Soviet Union 46,000 – 839,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Poland 47,000 – 467,000 – Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Other European Countries 21,000 – 1,104,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
China 115,000 – 1,519,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Japan 14,000 – 348,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States

Korea 55,000 – 864,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States

Philippines 85,000 – 1,369,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Other Asia 74,000 – 1,801,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Australia 1,000 – 61,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States
Canada 47,000 – 821,000 Foreign Born Residing in the United States

For many of these populations, the numbers vary from year to year. Often, immigrants without papers return home. [Please see the articles below on the Irish and the Russian.] Many migrants, we know, stay successfully underground; census counts do not capture their numbers. In addition, as we ponder these statistics, we must consider that this information is now six years old; numbers have likely increased. We must ask ourselves, “Do we know how many of these that are now, here legally, were not originally; however, after time, they worked to obtained citizenship?” In my experience, often, this is the case.

Decades ago, even centuries earlier, they were your great grandparents, grandparents, parents.  Now, possibly they are you.  The “majority” of people name you, or them, illegal; however, you know that you or they are only without documents.  Immigrants are as legitimate as the next human being.

In a world proud of the prosperity and profundity that a global village creates, it seems odd that there is so much discrimination and resentment.  Might we, as a larger community, realize that times have changed, technology has altered our reality?   Nationally, or internationally, we are all connected.

President Bush, the United States Congress, and Americans are struggling to come to terms with this truth.  You might wish to read . . . President Bush Talks Immigration at Naturalization Ceremony, Transcript Washingtonpost.com Monday, March 27, 2006; 10:57 AM. Might we have amnesty, a guest worker program, or close the borders?  Perhaps, we could consider possibilities that have yet to be discussed.

During the Ice Age, land joined us. We roamed freely; yet, not easily.  Then, the Baring Strait, the Pacific, and the Atlantic Oceans became our divides.  However, the ingenuity of humans untied us again.  Yet, we are not united.  We are not attached.  Our disconnection is more emotional than physical.  On the issue of immigration, rational, reasonable human beings are anything but.

Might we not better serve ourselves by realizing that, what divides us is our minds.  We, as modern beings, are frozen.  We cannot even accept what was true in the Ice Age; people migrate.

There are persons in America from most every country, all without papers that permit their presence in the United States.  Legal status does not equate to legitimacy.  

If we cannot accept the official status of certain human beings, could we please, at least honor them as humans?  Might we consider our own past, digging through the papers of our ancestors, and accept that there is a similarity.  People prefer to travel to a place where they might better their lives and those of their families.

For immigration information, here and abroad, please refer to . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Dr. Condoleezza Rice Declares "An Insatiable Appetite To Dominate." ©

Today, Sunday, March 25, 2006, host, Tim Russert of Meet the Press fame, interviewed Dr. Condoleezza Rice.  Secretary of State Rice proclaimed, “This was someone who had an insatiable appetite to dominate his region.”  I stopped and thought, “Is she speaking of Saddam Hussein or George W. Bush?”
I wondered.  I have listened to our compassionate President, as frequently as possible.  Each time I hear the same rhetoric.  He states, as he did so proudly on the night of his last inaugural speech, January 20, 2005, we need to aggressively spread democracy.

The President pledged that evening and continues to advocate the fight.  He states that it is necessary.  Mr. George W. Bush promotes his hawkish efforts to bring “freedom” and “justice” to all, whether they want it or not.  Often the nation and the world watches as Emperor Bush stands at any given podium, always without his clothes, or Saddam’s weapons of mass destruction and declaratively, emphatically states; “We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation . . .” Regime change is a favorite Bush Theme.

Please peruse . . .

In other words, Mr. Bush, or America will mandate elections in other lands.  He will do this in the name of “liberty.”  The oppressed will vote.  King George II will ensure that ballots are cast and appointments made.  The military will facilitate the process.  The Project for the New American Century [PNAC], comprised of the Bush cabinet, members of the Bush family, and closest friends, will “recommend” foreign policies.  These authorities on “freedom and justice” will tell people in foreign nations whom to vote for.  

* Please review definition of purpose that The Project for the New American Century offers.

The Project for the New American Century is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to a few fundamental propositions: that American leadership is good both for America and for the world; and that such leadership requires military strength, diplomatic energy and commitment to moral principle.

If citizens in these other countries choose a government that the Bush Monarchy and his Millionaires Boys and Girls Club do not “approve” of, then, our “fair” ruler will not recognize the results.  “W” will deem the circumstances unsatisfactory and propose that we, as a democratic nation, not trade with this new and sovereign government.  If angered further, Bush will consider aggressive actions.  He will command an attack, just as we did in Iran.

Thus, I ask.  Who has the insatiable appetite to dominate his or every other region?  Condoleezza, please tell me.  Who, dear Condoleezza is the threat?

Please explore references . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

The USA In Our Chevrolet Looks Bad. Ford Did Not Have A Better Idea ©

For years, we have heard General Motor’s executives complain of costs.  They say the cost of doing business in America is too high.  According to corporate administrators, American laborers insist that employers cover health care expenses.  Companies must honor pensions awarded in the past, and then there are those wages, oh, those wages.  The management has cried out; they cannot continue do business under these circumstances and still make a profit.  General Motor’s bosses plead for understanding and ask their workers to sacrifice their wages and benefits.  Even when the laborers comply, it is never enough.
Chief executives at General Motors, and in other American companies, ultimately take control.  They cut and cut; overhead must go.  Production and producers be damned, the bottom line lies with the shareholders.  To boost the numbers corporations have reduced the workforce.  They have decreased the dollars paid out for health care.  They have eliminated many sick days and are unwilling to provide benefits for families.  Now, they are “Offering [a] Buyout Deal to More Than 125,000 Workers.”  Though not all news reports mention this, if the employees accept the deal they must forego once expected health benefits.

The New York Times article, G.M. to Offer Buyout Deal to More Than 125,000 Workers, seems to paint a rosier scenario than some other media sources.  They quote Robert Betts, president of the U.A.W. local at the Delphi plant in Coopersville, Michichan, as saying “the offers were attractive.”  Mr. Betts claims, “If someone is going to give you $35,000 to take your pension, that’s good,” He continued. “I think a whole lot of people are going to hit the road over this.”

“Wonderful” said stockholders; shares of G.M. rose shortly after the news was released.  Is the action good; or is it only one more blunder in a longstanding series of shortsighted solutions?

Each time General Motors cut jobs; I wonder where will these people go?  How will more unemployed workers add to the economy?  Great, the company has less mouths-to-feed, and more money to pour into profits.  Yet, the powerbrokers seem to forget, now, with all the unemployed, who but the few affluent will have the money to purchase the products?

I have written on this topic before and published my perspective.  [See AS GM GOES. CUTS, THE INEFFECTIVE CURE ©]

I have begun many other essays on the topic, and have yet to complete them.  The reason being, writing on General Motors, GM President Rick Wagoner, information on corporations managed in a similar vein, and Chief Executives with comparable philosophical leanings is all consuming.  The follies of these frightening powers are overwhelming.  There is enough material to pen a dissertation, daily.

A “short” chronology of General Motors “Solutions” will appear at the close of this treatise.  Many references will be provided.

Big conglomerates, even small organizations, have focused on superficial solutions; they slice and dice.  They make excuses; they see expenses and concentrate on these.  Corporate America has lost sight of the best ways to create greater income.  It is not “innovation”, as they would like us to believe; it is not the quality of the design.  It is “people” that make or break a business.  How do we treat people, accommodate their needs, serve them, respect them, build for them, and how do we treat them.

Ford pretends to have a “better idea.”  They bank on it, and sing the phrase as a slogan.  Yet, they too struggle.  General Motors wants us to believe “As GM goes, so goes the country.”  Therefore, they want us to invest in GM and its products.  However, they do not invest in their own workers.  Go into any store, enter any organization, travel into any institution and approach the workers as a client or a consumer.  Observe how you are treated.

If you are treated well, very well, ask the employee how they feel about their job?  Do they feel as though they have power in the decision making process within this corporation? In most cases, the employee’s answer will be yes.  Workers that are respected, reciprocally show reverence to their clientele.

If you as a patron are treated with disdain, you might discover that the staff member feels as though they are only a number, dispensable, a person that merely punches a time clock and is largely ignored.

People mirror their environment.  If a laborer is treated with veneration, he or she will do their job with similar regard.  This is what General Motors and Ford need to know and act upon.

Enough already with the oft stated need for an innovative design!  Cars designed, produced, and maintained by laborers that are treated favorably are what we need.  These will sell, work well, and hold their value.  A solid and serviceable automobile is a commodity of worth.  A sleek design may sell initially; however, the customer will not come back, nor will they recommend the vehicle to friends or family, if owning it is an awful experience.  

I have discussed Kaizan and the art of sharing the power.  Toyota knows; Toyota grows.  When will its “big brother,” GM learn?  How many jobs will be cut, plants will close, and buyouts will there be?

In Global Debt Bubble. By Paul Gallagher. Executive Intelligence Review. March 18, 2005

Kaizen
In Japanese, the definition of Kaizen is “improvement” and particularly, “Continuous Improvement”– slow, incremental but constant.

For more information and depth . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Outsource US All, Begin With Bush ©

I received this press bulletin weeks ago and I was overjoyed.  The opening statement was “For Immediate Release.”  I meant to share it in the moment; however, my delight overwhelmed me.  I misplaced the pleasurable piece.  Nevertheless, the thought of it stayed with me.  I found my way to this announcement again.  Now, I am offering it with you in hopes that it might be genuine. 

You too may have acquired the same and dismissed it.  Possibly, you thought it to be only humor; however, I wonder.  Is it not accurate that all actions begin with a thought?  Might we not all think this to be true?  If we believe together, and if we all regard this as fact strongly enough, might it not come to pass?  Let us commune with the powers that be and hope that GW’s connection to God is no more influential than our own.

The document addressed the Outsourcing of our President, Bush Would Become A Statistic. 
After my initial read of this proclamation, I began waiting anxiously.  was supposed to be the day of action. However, nothing happened . . . sort of [See Article dated March 12, 2006, Feingold to call for rare presidential censure]

In this journalists’ copy, the media, the public, we, were told that the President of the United States was finally going to become one of us, an authentic US citizen.  He would experience life as we do, with no guarantees.  The concept of a “stable career” would be fleeting.  Plans were in place. The President’s job security was awash. 

Ultimately, King George II would lose his pension, health care, and perks.  The oft-mentioned “even playing field” that GW spoke of would be his reality, just as it is for the vast majority of Americans.  I was looking forward to the day; however, March 12, 2006 came and went. Perhaps, this was only a delay.

Truly, no time is needed to transition; we will be merely switching from one that knows nothing of Constitutional law, democracy, diplomacy, or the Geneva Convention to another.  Mr. Singh will serve us well, or at least as well as we have been served in the last five years.

President Bush would finally experience the “justice” he continually reflects upon.  He would be treated as we are.  That is fair.

George W. Bush would be visiting Iraq, a country he has long been obsessed with.  We are told the Iraqis are planning to welcome the former authoritarian.  Mr. Bush is expecting to receive a warm greeting.  He believes the Iraqis will welcome him with open arms and flowers, just as he thought the troops he commanded would be. Then he will be transferred to India where he will “work for a living”, a concept novel to this silver-spoon-fed-forked-tongue man.

In preparation, Mr. Bush made this excursion on March 3, 2006.  He flew to India, met with business leaders in that country and said, “For the sake of workers in both our countries, America will trade with confidence.”

This fiscally responsible autocrat, Baby Bush, is finally willing to cut expenses, the cost of a country doing business with Bushit.  This “compassionate conservative” will receive his reward when this truth comes to pass . . . George W. Bush “Outsourced to India.”

His legacy will be complete.  His desire to accommodate business interests only will be fulfilled.  It will be the best of corporate policies to outsource the costly profession of President of the “United” States.

The author of the following missive is unknown, I only wish it were me. I want to share what I believe is a brilliant writing.

Bush Outsourced to India

Congress today announced that the office of President of the United States of America would be outsourced to India as of March 12, 2006. The move is being made to save the President’s $400,000 yearly salary, and also, a record $521 billion in deficit expenditures and related overhead the office has incurred during the last 5 years.

“We believe this is a wise move financially. The cost savings should be significant,” stated Congressman Thomas Reynolds (R-WA Reynolds, with the aid of the Government Accounting Office, has studied outsourcing of American jobs extensively. “We cannot expect to remain competitive on the world stage with the current level of cash outlay,” Reynolds noted.

Mr. Bush was informed by email this morning of his termination. Preparations for the job move have been underway or sometime. Gurvinder Singh of Indus Teleservices, Mumbai, India, will be assuming the office of President as of January 12, 2007. Mr. Singh was born in the United States while his Indian parents were vacationing at Niagara Falls, thus making him eligible for the position. He will receive a salary of $320 (USD) a month but with no health coverage or other benefits.

It is believed that Mr. Singh will be able to handle his job responsibilities without a support staff. Due to the time difference between the US and India, he will be working primarily at night, when few offices of the US Government will be open. “Working nights will allow me to keep my day job at the America Express call center”, stated Mr. Singh in an exclusive interview. “I am excited about this position. I always hoped I would be President someday.”

A Congressional spokesperson noted that while Mr. Singh may not be fully aware of all the issues involved in the office of President, this should not be a problem, because Bush was not familiar with the issues either.

Mr. Singh will rely upon a script tree that will enable him to respond effectively to most topics of concern. Using these canned responses, he can address common concerns without having to understand the underlying issues at all. “We know these scripting tools work,” stated the spokesperson. “President Bush has used them successfully for years.” Mr. Singh may have problems with the Texas drawl, but lately Bush has abandoned the “down home” persona in his effort to appear intelligent and on top of the Katrina situation. [See Video of Bush being warned of Katrina]

Bush will receive health coverage, expenses, and salary until his final day of employment. Following a two week waiting period, he will be eligible for $240 a week unemployment for 13 weeks. Unfortunately, he will not be eligible for Medicaid, as his unemployment benefits will exceed the allowed limit.

Mr. Bush has been provided the outplacement services of Personspower, Inc. to help him write a resume and prepare for his upcoming job transition. According to Personspower, Mr. Bush may have difficulties in securing a new position due to limited practical work experience. A Greeter position at Box-Mart was suggested due to Bush’s extensive experience shaking hands and phony smile. Another possibility is Bush’s re-enlistment in the Texas Air National Guard. His prior records are conspicuously vague but should he choose this option, he would likely be stationed in Waco, Texas for a month, before being sent to Iraq, [for training] a country he has visited.

“I’ve been there, I know all about Iraq,” stated Mr. Bush, who gained invaluable knowledge of the country in a visit to the Baghdad Airport’s terminal and gift shop. Sources in Baghdad and Fallujah say Mr. Bush would receive a warm reception from local Iraqis. They have asked to be provided with details of his arrival so that they might arrange an appropriate welcome.”

[I added the following for it seems the author never took GW to India, as his title intended; therefore, I will.]

After experiencing Iraq, Mr. Bush will be placed in his new position in India.  In preparation, he visited this area a week before the expected formal outsourcing.  Once employed in India Mr. Bush will answer telephone calls from Americans.  His words, likely, will not be understood easily.  No need to worry.  Mr. Bush often speaks and people wonder, “What did he say?” He is used to this by now, or is he?

There are times when his audience questions his words loudly, they protest and burn effigies. This is what occurred in the President’s most recent trip to India.  What can he expect when the President finds himself outsourced there?

–  Censure, impeach, or outsource this President. Let us act, the sooner the better.  Think hard dear reader, focus, concentrate, visualize.  Let us bring back what we believe in, “power to the people.” 

Further sources for your pleasure . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think

Bush Presidential Priorities, Debt and Defense ©

Never was there a doubt. President George W. Bush said, “Bipartisan education reform will be the cornerstone of my Administration.”  Yet, it never was.  It is not that the Democrats did not wish to work with Mr. Bush to improve our schools and to set a standard of excellence for the nation’s children.  It is that Baby Bush had a truer mission, that of spreading Democracy throughout the world.  This goal has always distracted King George. 

This President has “war” on his mind.  For him, “conflict” is the definition of the democratic process.  He promotes it in his daily travels.  He may speak of erudition; however, he acts on combat.

George W. strives to be the one that unites nations; however, he divides them.  He destroys nations aboard and at home.  He battles, blames, and builds walls, not bridges. 

This President speaks of being a “compassionate conservative,” and just as his father, he envisions himself as “kinder and gentler;” however, the truth is he is leaving millions, billions, and trillions behind.  The rich are getting richer, the poor, poorer; and the children . . . they are left behind. 

* Please Read, Children Left Behind, Washington Post and The Children Left Behind The Institute for Women’s Policy Research

According to the Congressional Budget Office, “The government will spend $217 billion on interest on the debt this year. By contrast, federal spending for the Department of Education is $83 billion.”
These numbers are staggering, as are all the statistics as they relate to the bully, Baby Bush.

Prior to this Bush presidency, the federal budget experienced four years of surplus; these were during the Clinton reign that our budget was well balanced.  The recent extended period of “excess” was the longest since before the Great Depression. Then there is GW.  Under the authority of George Boy Bush, the debt level was increased four times! 

As of today, March 16, 2006, the debt ceiling has been raised.  At the behest of this President, our debt can legally be 70.3 percent of our gross domestic product.  This is the highest since the 1997 increase.

As high as the maximum amount now is, under Bush it could go higher. Last month Bush sent Congress a $2.77 trillion budget request for fiscal 2007 that calls for a deficit of $354 billion.  When considering this we must remember, much of what is spent on defense is not included in the budget.  Then there are disasters, natural and man-made.  These cannot be planned for; yet, they too need funds.  Thus, we finance these as they occur.

We plan and we do not. Bush budgets for defense, though never fully.  He requests more as needed and there are always needs.  Thus far, the unnecessary Iraq war is expected to cost $9 billion a month.  This price is thought to be a stable.  It is not.

Initially, to deploy the troops, Americans spent more.  Originally, we were spending $13 Billion per month.  In the last few days a novel operation has begun, an air attack.  This endeavor will also add to the cost of the war.  No matter, for fighting can always be funded.  Afterall, it is the Bush priority.

What of the children and their education?  Well.  Imagine how many children might be served with dollars such as these.  Think of the minds that might be fed and the bellies; then consider this.  According to the United States Census Bureau, 13 million American children go hungry each and everyday.  War spending can be $13 Billion per month; 13 million American children go hungry daily.  This is an interesting correlation.

Yes, it is well known, a starving body does not allow for the feeding of a famished mind.  Nevertheless. There are priorities, at least for this President.  His is not education, nor is it our children, though he says these are.  Numbers $peak! The cornerstone of the Bush 43 presidency is filling fields with headstones.

For your reference . . .

Betsy L. Angert Be-Think