Monday, February 27, 2017
MIXED EMOTIONS
I HAVE MIXED EMOTIONS ABOUT THIS. We are a country of emigrants. Even though we may have been born here, some where in the past century or two, most of us had ancestors that emigrated here from somewhere else. Now, the mood of the country is to close our borders. President Trump and his staunch supporters are clamoring for a wall to be built between the U.S. and Mexico. Keep the people out, they holler. There are arguments for both sides of the issue. And living as close to the border as I do, I can see both sides, I think. I know there are people who have came here, illegally, to escape violence or just the poor living conditions in their home country. Mainly Mexico or South America. They come here and find a job, work and contribute to the economy and raise their families here. And, except for the issue that they are here illegally, I have no problem with them being here. On the other side of the coin, there are many who come across who are here for criminal purposes. And a wall will not stop them. Slow them down, somewhat, but it won't stop them. As for those that are already here. I feel that to round them up an deport them, disrupting families and jobs is not a good thing. I feel that they need to be found, registered as here illegally, do they have a job, do they have a criminal record, are they collecting welfare. Then determine if they should be deported or not. If they are not causing problems, are working and contributing to the economy of whatever area they are living in, then put them on track to gain citizenship and assist them in gaining this. And be more vigilant on those coming in illegally. AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
Monday, February 20, 2017
ARE YOU PAID WHAT YOU ARE WORTH
EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK: Recently there was an news article in the state of Utah about the rate of pay for men vs. women. The statement made was that men need to be paid more so they can support their families and so that the women can remain at home where they probably prefer to be. This statement was made by a county GOP vice chairman or something like that. He received so much flak over this statement, that he had to resign from his position in the local Republican party. As well he should. So, reading this, I want to weigh in on my opinion on this equal pay debate. I have a jumble of thoughts, so may ramble a bit more than usual.
1. Workers at the fast food places, like McDonalds, are demanding higher wages. They want $15.00 an hour to flip burgers. When they get to that point, burgers will be so expensive, people will quit buying them. Places like McDonalds can literally price themselves out of business. While the workers may make that much money if they are working, they won't make any thing if they are laid off because the company can no longer to pay them. Flipping burgers is a good job for many, especially those who are working their way through school. Managers of such restaurants can and should be paid a living wage, as they have more responsibility, but if you want that much money to flip burgers, then work for that position.
2. I spent 40 years in the mining industry. The company I worked for had equal pay for equal work. When a person was hired at an entry labor position, they were paid for that position, regardless of their gender. When they moved on to higher paying positions, again they were paid according to the position rate of pay, regardless of gender. In the early 1990's the union's that were in place were disposed of and the company changed the way people were paid. People were put on a sliding scale, with each position being put on that scale and you were given a raise according to seniority in that position. Again, that applied to the position, not the gender of the person filling that position. So a man may be paid more to do a job than a woman, because he had been there longer, and the opposite applied also.
3. Going back to the above mentioned news article, apparently this man did not take in to account the many women who have to support their families for a variety of reasons. Due to divorce, widowhood, or a number of other reasons, women have to work to support their families. But regardless of the reason, if a woman is doing the job, she should be paid for the work.
1. Workers at the fast food places, like McDonalds, are demanding higher wages. They want $15.00 an hour to flip burgers. When they get to that point, burgers will be so expensive, people will quit buying them. Places like McDonalds can literally price themselves out of business. While the workers may make that much money if they are working, they won't make any thing if they are laid off because the company can no longer to pay them. Flipping burgers is a good job for many, especially those who are working their way through school. Managers of such restaurants can and should be paid a living wage, as they have more responsibility, but if you want that much money to flip burgers, then work for that position.
2. I spent 40 years in the mining industry. The company I worked for had equal pay for equal work. When a person was hired at an entry labor position, they were paid for that position, regardless of their gender. When they moved on to higher paying positions, again they were paid according to the position rate of pay, regardless of gender. In the early 1990's the union's that were in place were disposed of and the company changed the way people were paid. People were put on a sliding scale, with each position being put on that scale and you were given a raise according to seniority in that position. Again, that applied to the position, not the gender of the person filling that position. So a man may be paid more to do a job than a woman, because he had been there longer, and the opposite applied also.
3. Going back to the above mentioned news article, apparently this man did not take in to account the many women who have to support their families for a variety of reasons. Due to divorce, widowhood, or a number of other reasons, women have to work to support their families. But regardless of the reason, if a woman is doing the job, she should be paid for the work.
AND THAT IS THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
Monday, February 13, 2017
A few facts and observations
FACT: I have never seen an episode of Saturday Night Live and I'm OK with that.
Fact: I don't take selfies and don't understand the need to do so and then post them on social media, but I'm OK with that.
Fact: I don't care that Beyoncé and Amal are having twins. I don't understand the need to gush over that like some of the National media people are doing. If that is what they want to do, I am OK with that, but really, people have been having babies, even twins, for thousands of years.
Fact: George Bush started building a wall between the U.S. and Mexico and that continued somewhat under the Obama administration. Trump has vowed to build a wall. He will only continue the wall that has already been started.
Fact: Regardless of whether a wall is built or not, it will not work. Why; you may ask. Because those who are trying to come here legally don't need it and those who are coming here illegally will only go over it, around it, under it or through it. It may slow them down a little, but it won't stop them. So, we can save the money and use it for something else.
Fact: I am getting older and having trouble accepting that I can't do the things I used to do. I do them, but it takes longer and more help. I am learning to accept that, but I am not OK with that. Accepting yes, but not OK. Just the way it is.
Fact: AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
Thursday, February 9, 2017
I AM REALLY GONNA DO IT
I AM REALLY GONNA GET AWAY FROM POSTING ON POLITICS: But before I do, I have a couple of things to say at the start of this post.
1. Fact--I have mentioned before that Donald Trump was not my choice for a President. I did vote for him, but would not consider myself a staunch supporter. he has his problems, and many of them are self inflicted. I do not concern myself overly much about his business dealings, vs. his government dealings. I am concerned with the way he is brashly going about the business of conducting the office of President and I think he needs to quit being a tweety bird.
2. Fact--When Bill Richardson was governor of New Mexico, he got a law passed that issued valid drivers licenses to any and all. Even those who had entered the country by illegal means. Because of that, the Federal government has been after the State to rectify this mistake. Susanna Martinez has for the 6 years she has been governor tried to get the State legislature to overturn this law, but they have been reluctant to do so. The Obama administration kept telling the state they had to do something, and finally last year they said that New Mexico drivers licenses would no longer be considered as a valid ID for a lot of reasons. Because of this, they State government finally created a two tier license system. The top tier, which requires a citizen jumping through a lot of hoops to prove citizen ship, can have a drivers license that is valid and can be used as a valid ID for government purposes. If you don't want that, you can get a lower tier and can drive with it, but you can't use it as a valid ID. Now, a former Santa Fe mayor is accusing Governor Martinez of being a racist because she advocated for this. Really.
3. Fact---My wife and I walk two to three miles a day, most days. My wife can walk faster than I can. She never says any thing, just adjusts her pace to match mine and we go along together.
4. Fact---Every day there seems to be a new APP for something. I don't need or even want those APP'S. I. Just. Don't..... I will muddle along with what i have and hope I can live in the "modern" world in an older world type of style. I don't need all the electronic items coming out.
5. Fact---When I go through the candy aisle in Wal Mart, I sometimes feel that I want some thing to eat from that aisle. And I guy it and then I find out it is not as tasty as I thought it would be. I am getting to the point that candy just don't taste as good as it used to. So I just don't go through that aisle much any more. I don't need the candy any way. I used to love a Snickers bar. Now, I can't hardly eat a whole one with out feeling sick. Old Age I guess.
FACT----THAT IS THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
1. Fact--I have mentioned before that Donald Trump was not my choice for a President. I did vote for him, but would not consider myself a staunch supporter. he has his problems, and many of them are self inflicted. I do not concern myself overly much about his business dealings, vs. his government dealings. I am concerned with the way he is brashly going about the business of conducting the office of President and I think he needs to quit being a tweety bird.
2. Fact--When Bill Richardson was governor of New Mexico, he got a law passed that issued valid drivers licenses to any and all. Even those who had entered the country by illegal means. Because of that, the Federal government has been after the State to rectify this mistake. Susanna Martinez has for the 6 years she has been governor tried to get the State legislature to overturn this law, but they have been reluctant to do so. The Obama administration kept telling the state they had to do something, and finally last year they said that New Mexico drivers licenses would no longer be considered as a valid ID for a lot of reasons. Because of this, they State government finally created a two tier license system. The top tier, which requires a citizen jumping through a lot of hoops to prove citizen ship, can have a drivers license that is valid and can be used as a valid ID for government purposes. If you don't want that, you can get a lower tier and can drive with it, but you can't use it as a valid ID. Now, a former Santa Fe mayor is accusing Governor Martinez of being a racist because she advocated for this. Really.
3. Fact---My wife and I walk two to three miles a day, most days. My wife can walk faster than I can. She never says any thing, just adjusts her pace to match mine and we go along together.
4. Fact---Every day there seems to be a new APP for something. I don't need or even want those APP'S. I. Just. Don't..... I will muddle along with what i have and hope I can live in the "modern" world in an older world type of style. I don't need all the electronic items coming out.
5. Fact---When I go through the candy aisle in Wal Mart, I sometimes feel that I want some thing to eat from that aisle. And I guy it and then I find out it is not as tasty as I thought it would be. I am getting to the point that candy just don't taste as good as it used to. So I just don't go through that aisle much any more. I don't need the candy any way. I used to love a Snickers bar. Now, I can't hardly eat a whole one with out feeling sick. Old Age I guess.
FACT----THAT IS THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
Monday, February 6, 2017
SOME OBSERVATIONS
DID YOU WATCH THE SUPER BOWL? My wife and I did. Well, kinda. We watched a souper bowl, AKA a bowl of vegetable soup. That is what we had for lunch on Sunday afternoon, along with some hot buttered fresh made corn bread. As far as the super bowl, we learned who won this morning when we turned on the news. And we didn't care in any case. On that note, I have a couple or three or so observations I want to make.
1. Why is it Ok for the Obama's to remain in Washington while their youngest daughter finishes school, but it is not OK for Melania Trump to remain in NYC while her son finishes out the school year?
2. Why do people, AKA news anchors and Hollywood "Elites" feel it is OK to gush about a movie like 50 shades of gray and 50 shades darker, movies that degrade women in the worst way, but feel that they can trash a president for some things that he said?
3. There was a news item yesterday afternoon that said that since the TV channel that was showing the super bowl wasn't sure what Lady Gag Gag was going to do, there would be a 5 second delay of broadcasting her performance in order to prevent showing a possible "wardrobe" malfunction. Or some other thing that they felt they may need to bleep. Turns out the performance was kinda "tame" according to the news casts. Almost like they were disappointed. It is getting pretty bad, and a sad commentary on the entertainment industry, when a national event like the super bowl has to have a delay on the half time entertainment just in case the entertainer does something inappropriate.
4. There was a group of people participating in a protest march before or during the super bowl. A reporter interviewed one of the participants, a young girl/woman, early 20's perhaps, college age, and ask her what the march was about. She said it was a good time to march and protest against the new administration so they would know how America really feels. UH no, America showed ow they really feel last November. if you disagree with that, then work to make a change in 4 years, but do not suppose that you are the voice of America. You are not. You are the voice of your own opinion and perhaps the opinion of the group that you are marching with. That you have an opinion I understand, and respect. But don't think that you are the voice of what others feel.
5. Why was there such an outcry on social media about the taxpayers being on the Hook for security for a Trump family member to the tune of $100,000 when nothing was said about the many hundreds of thousands of dollars that was spent on security every time Mrs. Obama took her family and went on a vacation?
Was it OK for her to do and not OK for a Trump member to travel?
6. I saw a thing on social media that said if President Trump was to eliminate cancer, those who oppose him would accuse him if cheating the grim reaper of business. While this is perhaps a little extreme, it does seem that no matter what he does or says, he is opposed by those who are upset that he got elected.
7. Finally, why did the people cheer when President Clinton said we need to close the border and when President Obama said the same thing and thought it was a good idea, and then get so upset when President Trump actually did close the border. Did he do it correctly? probably not. Could he have done it differently? Definitely so. But, does something more need done than has been done in the past. Very definitely. Will we pay for the court decision to over turn his action. Yes we will. we can only hope the price isn't too high.
AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
1. Why is it Ok for the Obama's to remain in Washington while their youngest daughter finishes school, but it is not OK for Melania Trump to remain in NYC while her son finishes out the school year?
2. Why do people, AKA news anchors and Hollywood "Elites" feel it is OK to gush about a movie like 50 shades of gray and 50 shades darker, movies that degrade women in the worst way, but feel that they can trash a president for some things that he said?
3. There was a news item yesterday afternoon that said that since the TV channel that was showing the super bowl wasn't sure what Lady Gag Gag was going to do, there would be a 5 second delay of broadcasting her performance in order to prevent showing a possible "wardrobe" malfunction. Or some other thing that they felt they may need to bleep. Turns out the performance was kinda "tame" according to the news casts. Almost like they were disappointed. It is getting pretty bad, and a sad commentary on the entertainment industry, when a national event like the super bowl has to have a delay on the half time entertainment just in case the entertainer does something inappropriate.
4. There was a group of people participating in a protest march before or during the super bowl. A reporter interviewed one of the participants, a young girl/woman, early 20's perhaps, college age, and ask her what the march was about. She said it was a good time to march and protest against the new administration so they would know how America really feels. UH no, America showed ow they really feel last November. if you disagree with that, then work to make a change in 4 years, but do not suppose that you are the voice of America. You are not. You are the voice of your own opinion and perhaps the opinion of the group that you are marching with. That you have an opinion I understand, and respect. But don't think that you are the voice of what others feel.
5. Why was there such an outcry on social media about the taxpayers being on the Hook for security for a Trump family member to the tune of $100,000 when nothing was said about the many hundreds of thousands of dollars that was spent on security every time Mrs. Obama took her family and went on a vacation?
Was it OK for her to do and not OK for a Trump member to travel?
6. I saw a thing on social media that said if President Trump was to eliminate cancer, those who oppose him would accuse him if cheating the grim reaper of business. While this is perhaps a little extreme, it does seem that no matter what he does or says, he is opposed by those who are upset that he got elected.
7. Finally, why did the people cheer when President Clinton said we need to close the border and when President Obama said the same thing and thought it was a good idea, and then get so upset when President Trump actually did close the border. Did he do it correctly? probably not. Could he have done it differently? Definitely so. But, does something more need done than has been done in the past. Very definitely. Will we pay for the court decision to over turn his action. Yes we will. we can only hope the price isn't too high.
AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
Friday, February 3, 2017
REALLY? REALLY?
THIS IS ANOTHER CHAPTER OF A POST I HAVE DONE A TIME OR TWO IN THE PAST.
That is the idea that "Everyone" feels, or wants, what ever someone else does. So, a few thoughts on REALLY.
1. Carolyn Kennedy was on the Today Show this morning and was being "interviewed" by Matt Lauer. She has just returned from serving as ambassador to Japan for the last three years. So Matt ask her if she was considering running for political office. Why, Because "Everyone" wanted to know. UH no, Matt, not every one. There are a few, maybe a few hundred thousand, of us who could care less. Or was even aware she was still in Japan.
2. So when she said she wasn't sure what she wanted to do going forward, she said maybe be on TV. And Matt said, yes, on Morning TV cause Every one wants to be on TV. UH no Matt, not every one wants to be on TV, morning or otherwise. In fact there are many of us that don't even like to watch that much TV, much less be on TV.
3. There is a big hype going on about the Superbowl this weekend. Every One is waiting and wanting to know what Lady Gag Gag is going to do for the half time show. UH No, not every one is waiting to even watch the game, much less the disgusting display that will be lad gag gag.
4. There has been a facebook post going around that several "Stars" have suggested that all people in Hollywood associated with making movies or TV shows go on strike until President Trump resigns. A little digging and this was actually started before he was elected and carried on to the inauguration, and now that he is President. Well, there was a mile long series of comments to this on facebook and the bulk of them said, go ahead and strike. Who cares. Again, not "Everyone" looks up to them as the "Elite" that they think they are. So strike, Maybe if you do and you actually use up all your millions, you may have to get a real job, not job where you act like you have a job.
5. Rosa Brooks has proposed 4 items, or ways, to get rid of President Trump. This ranges from campaigning against him so he is not re elected in 4 years to a Military coup to take place as soon as possible. Really, Does she really think that a military in this country would work? Did she not listen to the people? Apparently not.
6. President Trump has done some things that has shocked the people of the world. It should not have. He said he would do these things and he was elected on that basis. I do not like some of the brash ways he is doing things. I also know that the media tends to report things in the worst light, as they all supported Hillary and are against Trump and so will look for any thing negative to report. And so they will find it and report it. I don't know the exact nature of the conversation between Trump and the Australian Prime Minister, and it may not have been a good thing on his part, but Really, John McCain calling to apologize for that. Really, John. You do not need to apologize for the United States. You just don't. Not every one really cares what your opinion is, even after all you went through in your military career, that was decades back and you now need to look forward.
7. Is Donald Trump going to be the best President we ever had? Not be a long shot. But he is doing some things that needed to be done and I think that we the people need to support him as best we can. Protesting and looting and burning is not going to solve any thing.
AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
That is the idea that "Everyone" feels, or wants, what ever someone else does. So, a few thoughts on REALLY.
1. Carolyn Kennedy was on the Today Show this morning and was being "interviewed" by Matt Lauer. She has just returned from serving as ambassador to Japan for the last three years. So Matt ask her if she was considering running for political office. Why, Because "Everyone" wanted to know. UH no, Matt, not every one. There are a few, maybe a few hundred thousand, of us who could care less. Or was even aware she was still in Japan.
2. So when she said she wasn't sure what she wanted to do going forward, she said maybe be on TV. And Matt said, yes, on Morning TV cause Every one wants to be on TV. UH no Matt, not every one wants to be on TV, morning or otherwise. In fact there are many of us that don't even like to watch that much TV, much less be on TV.
3. There is a big hype going on about the Superbowl this weekend. Every One is waiting and wanting to know what Lady Gag Gag is going to do for the half time show. UH No, not every one is waiting to even watch the game, much less the disgusting display that will be lad gag gag.
4. There has been a facebook post going around that several "Stars" have suggested that all people in Hollywood associated with making movies or TV shows go on strike until President Trump resigns. A little digging and this was actually started before he was elected and carried on to the inauguration, and now that he is President. Well, there was a mile long series of comments to this on facebook and the bulk of them said, go ahead and strike. Who cares. Again, not "Everyone" looks up to them as the "Elite" that they think they are. So strike, Maybe if you do and you actually use up all your millions, you may have to get a real job, not job where you act like you have a job.
5. Rosa Brooks has proposed 4 items, or ways, to get rid of President Trump. This ranges from campaigning against him so he is not re elected in 4 years to a Military coup to take place as soon as possible. Really, Does she really think that a military in this country would work? Did she not listen to the people? Apparently not.
6. President Trump has done some things that has shocked the people of the world. It should not have. He said he would do these things and he was elected on that basis. I do not like some of the brash ways he is doing things. I also know that the media tends to report things in the worst light, as they all supported Hillary and are against Trump and so will look for any thing negative to report. And so they will find it and report it. I don't know the exact nature of the conversation between Trump and the Australian Prime Minister, and it may not have been a good thing on his part, but Really, John McCain calling to apologize for that. Really, John. You do not need to apologize for the United States. You just don't. Not every one really cares what your opinion is, even after all you went through in your military career, that was decades back and you now need to look forward.
7. Is Donald Trump going to be the best President we ever had? Not be a long shot. But he is doing some things that needed to be done and I think that we the people need to support him as best we can. Protesting and looting and burning is not going to solve any thing.
AND THAT'S THE VIEW FROM THE DITCH BANK
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