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New Year Resolutions For Waco
Before I start the financial literacy journey it would be remiss to not mention goals I would like to see for our community. Like any new year, resolutions are important, especially on a community blog. I would like some input on what Waco should work on for 2009. Everything from business development, education, government, social needs, medical challenges, wages, crime, and any other issue that will enhance the quality of life for all citizens. My main charge to the community is: GET ENGAGED !
My list to get engaged with is as follows:
1. The Education Summit-This first summit was a first step in merging the business, civic, government, and education institutions with the general public. Allow the educators to become more engaged in directing a focus without disengaging the active approach developed by the business, governmental, and the non-profit community. Every institution plays a vital role in developing a model and educated workforce. Keep the momentum flowing.
2. Local Government- Being recognized as a border town and a violent city in central Texas should be an embarrassment to us all. Hold the local county and city governments accountable for proper stewardship of our tax dollars. The time is now to take back frivolous or special interest spending. Through the Public Information Act don’t be afraid to request anything from YOUR government! Become informed citizens. Future generations are depending on you! Use this community blog for discussion, that’s why it’s here!
3. Burst All Bubbles- Get involved with the “1,000 Friends of Waco” movement being created by the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce. Now is the time to become active for your community. Forget about past perceptions, racial divisiveness, and the inferiority complex. The only one who will change your community is you! This is your opportunity if you have any concern for the Waco community. Hope to see you there!
4. Support Local Businesses-Make a concentrated effort to patronize local businesses. Be a direct impact on the local economy! This includes restaurants, financial institutions, retail establishments, and service centers. Franchises tend to neglect customer service and take our patronage for granted. Let them know they exist because of YOU!
5. Continue to Vote-This presidential election was proof positive that change can be created by the voting process. Electing an American of African descent was never imagined even ten years ago! But the voters have spoken! Many were first time voters at that! Don’t lose the momentum of voting. Local elections are just as important! But you have to vote! Make the change at the ballot box!
I could go on for another five, but I’ll wait until another blog…….in the meantime, what did I miss?
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Waco Focus
After visiting with local readers I have decided to focus on what directly impacts our community. FINANCIAL LITERACY! The benefit of homeownership is an important topic, but also understanding foreclosure proceedings. I plan on launching some information about becoming aware of your rights and who to turn to should you find yourself ready to buy a home or at risk for losing your investment.
Also, I want to discuss the difference between credit unions, locally controlled banks and national banks, and their benefit to you as a consumer and business owner.
I also feel the need to discuss installment agreements, interest rates, credit reports, creditor analysis, and understanding how they play an important role in your wealth building path.
I will continue to discuss non-profits as well and what they should be doing based on their mission and role in the community.
The readers have spoken, I am listening! I feel these community blogs are an important avenue for communicating what the community wants and should know. I will be doing that!
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Protectionism Has Arrived
The Fed cutting interest rates to virtually zero percent and the president bailing out the automobile industry during the same week indicates we are in a protectionist mode until the next presidency. Foreign investment is being discouraged from U.S. Treasury bonds for euros and yens and by assisting yet another private industry our government is keeping outside foreign interests from purchasing our beleaguered auto industry. Believe me, foreign money was on the way. I would guess emerging markets China, India, or Dubai (remember the ports).
Now more than ever foreign investment in the U.S. is being discouraged. But now is the time to pump money into our infrastructure and start circulating cash domestically. Time to build wealth internally with stimulating small businesses on infrastructure planning, allow tax incentives for alternative energy, adopt and pass another consumer stimulus plan, and bring back outsourced jobs. Foreign trade is still necessary, but place more emphasis on South America or other undeveloped trade veins. Trade with emerging nations in OUR favor! No more unfair trade allowances. We have got to keep the new planned wealth in our country. OPEC slashing oil production to increase costs is proof positive we must rid ourselves from foreign dependency.
Getting back to the auto industry. It’s no secret the unions and the cafe plans have created negative operations. Concessions have to be made to get America back to work. Competition is too fierce and quality needs to improve unless we create outrageous tariffs on the foreign market. With the protectionist movement under way I could envision legislation framed to benefit the American industry. This may be the next step. If it happens, a protectionist state is further evidence of the socialist transformation within our free and open global markets. But is it bad? What can we do to keep our wealth from dissolving into the emerging markets or the energy producing nations?
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Community Blog: Incompetence and Ignorance Is No Excuse
Time to get back on the topic of non-profits and their purpose. Incompetence or ignorance is no excuse for the law. Being cognizant of statutory duties and protecting community funds should never be compromised for self interest benefit and personal gain. Non-profits are governed by state law, and are not created to function as a private enterprise. To allow such activity without question could place board members at risk should the community or state and federal agencies become involved. Heed this warning. It is up to the board to take the appropriate action. Employees are governed by the board, including the executive director. There is no “private” stock, only community funds derived from tax-exempt allowances. Actions that compromise public trust, the local by-laws, and established laws and policies rest with the board. Do you understand?
It is extremely important that directors and officers do not breach their fiduciary duties. These are specific legal duties which generally characterize the assurance that the interest of the organization is paramount. The three duties are duty of care, duty of loyalty, and duty of obedience. Duty of care requires the directors and officers act reasonably in the management of the organizations affairs. Duty of loyalty prohibits directors ad officers from using their positions in the organization to further their own personal interests. Duty of obedience requires directors and officers to run the organization in accordance with its charter and bylaws, and complies with applicable laws.
The first group that can bring suit for breaching these duties are fellow directors and officers who see compromises and breaches occurring. The second group are the actual members of the organization who constitute usually more than five percent or more of the voting power. A third group are state attorneys general, who are authorized by statue to enforce the directors’ and officers’ fiduciary responsibilities to the organization. A fourth group are those in a “special relationship” with the non-profit which is usually the product of a judicial decision finding such a relationship exists under very specific facts. And finally, the Internal Revenue Service can enforce neglect in fiduciary duties. The IRS Code states no part of net earnings of a tax-exempt organization is to inure to the benefit of any individual.
So now as directors of a non-profit organization you are fully informed of your duties. In a future blog I will define the fiduciary duties more accurately. Until then, questions or comments anyone?
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The Automotive Bailout Defined
Big government is in position to nationalize the automotive industry. It is becoming partisan politics as usual as the democrats protect the union supporters and the republicans try to reestablish their base. The fact remains the auto industry is in dire straits. Something must be done, now!
As an American, I do have compassion for the American worker. With assembly line production and an American invention at risk, I do feel a sense of loss of original American ingenuity. The sense of accomplishment and teamwork from seeing every automobile roll off an assembly line makes me proud to be an American. This is what makes America great.
When organized unions and government clash, there are no winners. Both are powerful forces and both do not like compromise. But private industry will never control its own destiny. Government will always posses the absolute power to enact and create laws that will prevail. Democracy and capitalism at work. It is when public officials abuse their position of governance and service to the people that our system of government becomes opposite of the principles that our forefathers created. Then the original concept of democracy becomes a style of government that only benefits the wealthy elitists. We are at that crossroad.
To allow the automotive industry to fail is unimaginable. But to bail it out with public taxpayer money is un-American. The problem is we are no longer the same America. When the public bailouts started, we lost out principles. Now we are in a tailspin. We must regain our purpose. We must let the automakers file for bankruptcy protection. After all, this is an American law used by both individuals and institutions. Yes, it will cost jobs and change an industry, but we must stop this un-American trend. We must come to the realization that sovereignty and the law of the land is established and must be followed. This will change our perception to accept the challenges that confront us as a nation if we are to remain sovereign and independent.
What do you think? How do we stop these industry bailouts?
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China’s Nuclear Option
China has amassed almost two trillion dollars of foreign-exchange currency reserve with about seventy percent US dominated paper. As the global recession deepens, what does our government do? PRINT MORE MONEY! Why? Because it’s backed by us, the American people. They are guaranteeing its worth by our ability to produce and trade technology, agriculture, manufactured goods, a quality capitalist education, and investments, just to name a few.
But our trade with China has cost us dearly. Their unfair trade practices, black market copyright infringement, and currency manipulation has had an impact on our jobs and trade deficit. The transfer of wealth over the purchase of foreign consumer products and the outsourcing of jobs to emerging nations has also weaken our economic strength. How vulnerable are we should China start to dump their dollar reserve in the open market? How much would they lose? Could they fully destroy our economy if they chose to sell off US treasuries to deliberately devalue the dollar?
Think about it. They are in serious negotiations with Russia about replacing the dollar peg with euros, yens, of pounds. They are lobbying the global industrialized nations to consider a universal global monetary unit. They refuse to revalue the renminbi (people’s currency) for open global trade. They have discussed selling their sovereign wealth fund US dollar assets in favor of the Japanese yen. Still not sure what I mean? Google “China’s nuclear currency option” and read for yourself. We are under attack right now as you read this and our government knows it. Another indicator that socialist change is coming.
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Inoculation of Immunity
The stages of socialism continue to manifest in our American society. Federal control is infiltrating all sectors of private industry defined as economic rescuers, regulatory hawks, international trade concessionaires, or bureaucratic benefactors. There is no benefit to the consumer, the working class, the taxpayer, the manufacturing sector, or the entrepreneur. The average American citizen appears doomed. What has our government done for us lately? Wait for the new administration, just like we are still waiting to resolve the immigration issue, the health care crisis, two military conflicts, and our economy. All the while, career politicians survive by our appeasement, our limited voice from a two party system, our confusion about the credit crisis in global markets, and our inability to understand how it truly is affecting Main Street. It is difficult to fathom when our great state is enjoying the best economy in the nation.
Congress is manifesting into a politburo. The collective wealth of Congress continues to grow while the average American loses. Government health care, retirement, earmarks, and bureaucratic perks are immune to our economy. Our bankrupt government would never be allowed to operate in our private markets. Their out of control spending is now a survival tactic for global economic dominance at the taxpayers’ expense. If we the taxpayer are truly in control, why have we allowed these continued bailout plans. The “bridge loan” definition is relative to bailout. To acknowledge one definition over another further insults our intelligence.
But why hasn’t Congress been investigated? They continue to inoculate themselves with immunity by keeping the pressure on the private industry, also knowing they can bankrupt any industry that doesn’t serve their ambitions. How can Congressional members sit on their thrones and subject private industry to questioning when THEY are the problem? How can anyone take Congress serious while they sell our national wealth to the highest foreign bidder? The detached conduit to Washington D.C. from the average American is painfully obvious. Do you not see the socialist path? What highlights over the last year restores faith in capitalism? I know of zero.
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Hispanics and Education
The recent Education Summit is a commendable act for Waco. Creating a community focus for the foundation of educational success has been discussed but never implemented. The community should be applauded for engaging with all available public and private resources and institutions in determining a long term approach for enhancing the benefits of education. Although the education problem is a national issue, solutions start at the community level.
What is deeply troubling is the continued drop out rate for Hispanics. This eternal problem seems unchanged although there have been scores and decades of discussion. What is the solution and can it ever be achieved? Hopefully my suggestions can ignite new ideas to the many educators and professionals who are truly committed in turning this tide.
Recognize cultural differences- Hispanics in America are confronted with an ongoing generational transformation challenge that other races do not experience. The constant influx of newcomers brings the traditional culture associated with Hispanics from their country of origin. The youth of these newcomers come as ESL candidates and are challenged by transforming traditional cultures into American culture. This generation either is overly influenced by traditional culture, becomes disenfranchised due to language, social, or educational barriers, or, transitions into the American experience. More often it is not until the third generation that Hispanics fully understand and become acclimated to the American experience. The Spanish language is also usually lost at the third generation, also losing a valued cultural trait but gaining American values and traditions. This ongoing evolution is not understood in public education. Recognizing this obstacle is only a first step in resolving the problem.
Determine strength in traits and attributes- Hispanics employ a strong work ethic. The generational emphasis in the benefits of education is commonly neglected due a lack of understanding in the opportunities offered in a capitalistic society. The public school system should recognize differences in aptitude testing and create a conducive avenue of technical or mechanical curriculum to continue productive development outside the normal confines of a higher education focus. As with any racial makeup, Hispanics have individuals prepared and disciplined for higher education, but also have a percentage who are not college material. These individuals usually posses other strengths in work traits and attributes that need to be extracted to remain a productive member of society and continue an upward pattern in recognizing other benefits and opportunities offered in the United States.
Collaborate with business institutions- The local economic impact will be determined by various institutions. Unfortunately, the penal institution is a very active and growing institution for Hispanics in the United States. Many who fall into becoming institutionalized by this system were left with little options. It is imperative that we establish a sound strategy with the business institutions into creating a productive and well balanced worker that can transition into the local workplace. Create a program designed for meeting today’s workplace needs and challenges. Once again, aptitude testing can create a guidance stick for determining strengths and weaknesses.
There are other suggestions that I will share in a future blog. This one is too long already. What else can the community implement to change our reputation as a border town and a violent city?
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Military Blog: When Is Enough Enough?
The terrorist attack in India this week was another act of war against the west. The terrorists came on a suicide mission preying on tourists with the primary emphasis on Brits and Americans. This act signifies jihad is alive and more importantly, exposes the terrorist cell’s ambition in becoming more organized for ground assaults on civilians. The “soft” targets were clearly mass populated defenseless enclaves of tourist, business, medical, and religious pockets. The terrorists were indiscriminate in their assault, killing women, children, elderly and a rabbi. Terror in its true definition.
These terror networks are very difficult to eliminate. The suicide killers are from varied countries with no connection to a central government. Their ideology directs their purpose, which makes the war on terror much more elusive. But all origins keep coming back to one region: the Poshtun region of the uncontrolled tribal areas in Pakistan. The area where Osama bin Laden is said to be hiding. This is where extremism is breeding hate, war, and jihad against all nations. Human life of other ideologies is their enemy. This is a fact of life.
The time has come for all nations to demand Pakistan eliminate this threat. The diplomacy of respecting sovereignty is being compromised into a confrontation with one of its’ neighbors if evidence indicates governmental agency involvement in the latest terrorist attack. This small region could be the cause of a third world war if diplomatic efforts are bypassed. Two nations with nuclear weapons at their disposal. With the global economic crisis, global regional tensions, and religious and ideological differences, the world is ripe for global conflict. Pakistan must eliminate this breeding ground now! What do you think? Does the latest terrorist attack give us justification to invade this region without U.N. or Pakistani approval to rid these extremist once and for all?
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We The People?
The government’s public-private investment ventures in our banking system is clearly the floating cause of the global credit contagion in domestic and foreign markets. The global traders of Wall Street had free rein to “sell off” our government and economy to established and emerging markets. Being backed by the full faith of our America government sold the global economic community to purchase what is now extremely “toxic” worthless commercial paper. And now there is no end in sight. What started as $700 billion has grown into $2 trillion, with the iconic American auto industry at stake. But forget about the manufacturing industries, our financial dominance over global markets continues to be a national priority. So what does our government do? Continues the transition into a socialist state by partnering further into the private markets, without realizing capitalism is now being seen as an American game played with American dollars. The debt created will not be paid in my lifetime, nor my children’s. This is runaway spending that we have no say about. Our expansionist republic philosophy has us now overextended and very vulnerable to become a socialist nation. As in Russia, there are many billionaires in the U.S., compliments of our government. While the personal wealth of the average American has been affected by the credit crisis the collective wealth of Congress and the executive cabinet has grown, compliments of our government. Still don’t think we are becoming socialist? And who’s bailing out Wall Street? Yes, us, the American people, or so they tell us. We have absolutely NO power to stop these actions. If so, how?
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Community Blog: Are You A Leader Or A Follower ?
Sorry for those who asked me to comment about the big three bailout, the education summit, and our country’s socialist movement. It’ll have to wait. I’m developing a captive audience about this important subject matter. Let me be clear. This is a generalized generic community blog of non-profits and how to spot and eliminate corruption after the Downtown Waco Inc. debacle. If this blog is misinterpreted or construed as your organization, THEN YOU DO HAVE A PROBLEM! Back on subject.
The overall makeup of a board of directors should be determined by the organization’s mission statement. Board members should be selected to advance the purpose of the organization. Look around. Are your fellow board members there for that reason? Are YOU there for that reason? What does everyone bring to the table for the organization? Is the board able to separate themselves from management? Can the board create policies for the organization and not deviate for known questionable practices of a special interest? They should. No conflicts of interest. This obvious allowance assassinates all public trust and the community is not blind. It is also on IRS Form 990, line item numbers 75 b, c, & d. Look at it. You are the responsible party. You set policies.
You must also determine the organization’s programs and services. What are they? Are they being achieved? What determines the measured results? How does it compare from previous results? Are they publicly available and advertised? Do the programs need to be changed? Can you offer insight? Do you even have a copy or know your purpose?
The final stage of setting policies is the strategic plan. How has the mission statement been impacted? What advances have been made from your mission statement? How is it measured? What is the strategic plan? Is there even one? At what part of the plan are you now involved in?
These responsibilities are just a few of what you should aware of. See something wrong, speak up! Remember, you are the governing party and you set policy for management, not the other way around. Are you a leader or a follower?
My next blog will cover the board’s responsibility in monitoring the organization’s operations. Comments anyone?
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Community Blog: Board of Directors, Are You Protected ?
The Downtown Waco Inc saga has made me focus on the financial literacy of non-profit organizations. Many non-profit boards recognize their responsibilities of financial oversight and organization duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. However, without a structured training program of understanding their legal duties and responsibilities, some boards become acutely unaware of their statutory liabilities, breach of duties, and third party claims that can arise from operating outside the Texas Non-profit Corporation Act.
For these reasons it is imperative that non-profits purchase Directors and Officers Liability Insurance. Does your organization have insurance? As a board of director do you have a copy? Or do not rely on management to “have it”. Remember, management works for you. With or without it, especially without it, you could be held personally liable for any breaches of duty. As a director, you could find your personal assets at stake in a claim. For this reason alone, directors and officers should exercise utmost care in avoiding conflicts of interest, financial mismanagement, improper business practices, and act in a manner that they reasonably believe is in the best interest of the organization. Any perceived breach of these duties can result in a suit. And who can bring suit? Anyone! Donors, employees, members, the general public, third parties, clients, governmental agencies.
Non profit organizations and board members have been left to pay for breaches of duty, harassment claims, and mismanagement. So it is imperative to understand your responsibility as a board member and act in the best interest of the organization. So my question is this…..Is it considered “best interest” of the organization if a director does not inquire about insurance and was not informed by management after a suit arose?
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Community Blog: With Mills Gone, Who’s Next?
With Downtown Waco Inc. defunct and the executive director of 18 years going to jail, I have to ask, “Who’s next?” Non-profit corporate governance DOES NOT belong to the executive director, or a group of inured special interest insiders, or large donors. It is governed by federal tax-exempt laws and state non-profit corporation laws. It is owned by the community. The same community that allows you to have your tax-exempt status and the ability to receive tax dollars. You answer to the community! NO secret society, NO non-disclosure of financial information, NO closed meetings, NO non-disclosure of any public information, NO inured benefit for insiders, NO destruction of public records, NO collusion! And NO ONE is above the law!
Board of Directors! You do not own the non-profit corporation! If you see some irregularities, you must act immediately! If it is illegal or intentional deceptive activity you must take action and report it to the proper authorities! Immediately begin proper steps to protect your integrity, after all, you are merely a volunteer serving your community for worthy causes. And ignorance is no excuse of the law! You have been given legal and binding fiduciary authority and community stewardship of protecting community funds! These community funds are given graciously for community advancement and special causes! To allow the manipulation of this system for personal gain is wrong. Should you not act immediately prepare to face the consequences for allowing such activities to take place. NO EXCEPTIONS! Know your legal role as a board of director for a non-profit corporation.
Executive Directors, you do not own the non-profit corporation. You were hired to advance the organization. You are compensated with a salary, not internal entitlements and liberties for personal inurement and benefit! Creating opportunity by neglecting or overriding internal controls will be discovered by disinterested parties. Establishing collusion with employees, directors, vendors, or other third parties will also be discovered and expect an unforgiving community once everyone starts “tattle-telling” on each other. And rationalizing your evil deeds will only justify your punishment. You can thank Margaret Mills for setting the precedence when the community finally says “enough” and the district judge is given another opportunity to “get it right”.
Community, change is here! The credit crisis and the economy dictate tax-exempt operations. Tax exempt dollars from private entities must be used for community advancement and purpose. Minutes should be readily available and the directors should be knowledgeable to answer all questions. Public tax dollars are not just “giveaways” and should be scrutinized more than ever by everyone. Governmental tax dollars from local governments should be audited and reviewed by everyone. The non-profit tax-exempt laws protect no individuals when public scrutiny is in order. EVERYTHING is open for public review. You just have to request it. The general public has every right to make requests, not just members, directors, or a select few. The more requests the better. Let’s change Waco for the better, and start holding non-profits accountable should the need arise. Are there any other organizations that need to be publicly scrutinized for legal compliance? What do you think?
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Another Bretton Woods?
The November 15th G20 group economic summit in Washington is actually being spearheaded by the EU and the UK with President Bush sheepishly following behind. The capitalist ideology is on the ropes. The upcoming summit is being compared to the Bretton Woods summit of 1944, when industrialized nations gathered to reconstruct Europe after World War II and to remake the world’s monetary order after the Great Depression. Only this time, it’s the United States that’s created the contagion of the world markets by allowing Wall Street to peddle worthless notes guaranteed by our free spending government. The summit is being called for global regulatory discussion and China’s foreign currency reserves and their currency manipulation. They have phrased their currency manipulation as building a “socialist market economy”. They have invested heavily in US Treasuries to the tune of about $1.8 trillion in currency reserves as well as other European government securities, but are not a full fledged market economy so therefore have only pegged their currency to the dollar. So what is the real value of their renminbi? Regardless, China must be open to the multilateral world monetary system and establish a global currency exchange value rate that reflects their countries’ economic fundamentals and relinquish Western currency reserves if the capitalist system is to revive and resurrect itself. Thank you Bill Clinton for aggressively establishing trade with a communist country that views Western capitalism as a necessary system for economic reform but will not follow the West’s view on renminbi reform . What are your thoughts? Will communism control capitalism should China decide to not act in the best interest of the world’s economy?
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The Selling Out of America
The squawk box propagandists continue their platform of fear on undecided voters by claiming the democratic presidential candidate is “Marxist” or has a “socialist” agenda. WAKE UP AMERICA! We are already beginning the transformation with our current administrative branches. The media has said nothing of the Federal Reserves commitment to finance up to $540 billion in purchases of short term commercial paper. This, aside from the already $700 billion bail out that is already being manipulated by the major banks, and the billions given to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, AIG, and Bear Stearns. Now the auto industry is asking for help. And there are also states already in line begging for a federal handout for their state budgets. Our ability to control the capital markets is what is dictating our current governmental structure. We are losing global dominance as evidence of a Sino-Russian Economic Summit as well as a two day Asia-Europe meeting this week, with discussions on changing the international monetary system from the U.S. dollar to possibly euros, pounds, yen, or yuan. Our infusions are becoming meaningless pieces of monopoly money and the world is taking note. Their criticism is we are only concerned with protecting our own world interests because of our hegemonic dollar. Once we lose monetary dominance we will transform to a global environment of progressive communist and socialist countries. We will then be influenced like never before for our economic existence. And our next president will have no worldly credibility to stop it. Time is ticking. We are under an economic attack and how our next president reacts will determine our future course. Who should we vote for and why?
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Community Blog: The Grin of Guilt
When was the last time a guilty criminal smiled in the courtroom after a plea? Just ask Margaret Mills. I guess white collar crime does pay. $500,000 worth of pay. I would smile too, knowing I just bilked downtown businesses and taxpayers out of investment dollars that were intended for redeveloping a vibrant downtown. Imagine how much $500,000 would have impacted our city. Oh, yeah, the grin. The grin also represents the epitome of a self righteous victory in the halls of justice. How many guilty criminals smile?
Maybe it’s time to start asking the hard questions and re-evaluate current tax-exempt non-profits and other city tax dollar benefactors for their activities and accomplishments. Downtown is already progressing nicely without Margaret Mills. By all indications, she was the albatross that prevented progress. But she sure befitted. What about North, South and East Waco? Who’s in charge and what is going on outside the Baylor bubble and the city projects? Anybody out there? What breakthroughs are we missing? Or are we just grinning?
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Community Blog: Admitting the Truth
Waco is the 7th most violent city in Texas. The billboards leading into the city of Waco are a grim reality of statistical data. Measured benchmarks. Nothing political or misleading. A statistical fact! Decades of neglect within the city limits are apparent. But who’s to blame?
Let’s start with the data. What constitutes violence? Is there an action plan to make violent crime a priority when dispatch is requested? Is there enough patrol to respond effectively? Are the areas of known violence adequately patrolled? Are the same patrolmen producing the same results? Whether it is morale, a limited force, pay structure, or complacency there is a problem that needs review.
What about the internal tiered levels of command? How are they measured? Is admin too top heavy? Is there a culture of complacency? Is training adequate? What about supervisory responsibilities? Is there a new concentrated strategy to combat this known statistic?
And investigations? Are there enough investigators? Do they have adequate training? Are they experienced enough? What are their results? Are the same investigators producing the same results?
And the police chief? Does he have the authority to adequately lead? Does he have the resources to create a difference? Is he willing to make changes? Obviously changes must be made.
Now to city management. Is city management “bottlenecking” issues of major concern? Is the city management culture conducive to philosophical differences although they are in the best interest to the city? Is city management too top heavy? Has city management become too complacent? Is city management unconcerned? How is city management measured? The statistic obviously is a concern to the police force, is it not to city management?
And finally, the city council. The political environment must be revisited. The city’s reputation and image rests on their shoulders as elected officials. Knowing that Waco is the state’s fifth poorest city and the seventh most violent city speaks volumes of governmental leadership. The billboard is a symbol that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. To not recognize this by a technicality or arrogance is not going to solve the crisis. Do something…..NOW! Unless you like the interstate perception that you just don’t care. Tourism and business dollars are depending on you. What do you think? Who’s to blame?
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Spoiled Americans
Is Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska really a bad idea? The partisan capital dissension is beyond repair. As Americans we discuss regularly how we would like to remove career politicians with common people who understand our common problems. We finally have a politician who does exactly that and now we claim his selection is unfit to be a leader. What do we really want? A career politician or a common person who develops into a politician with common attributes? Governor Sarah Palin is the closest we have come to having a “regular” person in the White House in a long time. Do we expect her to have international experience? Do we expect her to know the Washington D.C. environment? Do we expect her to be diplomatically articulate? Can you as an everyday “Joe” be plucked out of the outsider crowd and immediately be astute to Washington activity? The answer to all these questions is an emphatic NO!
We can’t have it both ways. We either accept the fact that we now depend on career politicians for world security or we have the opportunity to create real change with common people. Sarah Palin is that type of person. Whether she is the right person remains to be seen. But it is a start. What do you think? Is it time to look to novice or intermediate public officials or common individuals for certain high level positions instead of career politicians?
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Back to the Basics
When I decided to create a blog about financial literacy, I knew the mortgage industry was collapsing. What I didn’t know was the global impact of the collapse. After hearing about all the creativity in the mortgage industry I knew someone was going to be left holding the bag. I never once thought it would us, the taxpayer.
I want to refocus on my real intent for this blog. Financial Literacy. Now that this catastrophe has occurred, I know more than ever our citizens must be prepared for life’s challenges. Something as simple as a budget, debt to income ratio, payment terms, interest, and contracts and their conditions must be emphasized to the masses. The instant gratification of home buying must be reprogrammed to include the responsibilities associated with a major obligation of debt. But do not begin or finish with home buying. Start with educating the basic life skills of self worth, self respect, self responsibility, and self commencement. Public education must include these attributes in their curriculum. We must start somewhere, why not with our youth. Corporations must also become proactive in assisting and promoting financial literacy and money management to their employees. Now is the time for non-profits and private institutions to assist more than ever with this social challenge. What do you think?…..Where are the starting points and how do we keep this from happening again?
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Politcal Blog: Did Illegal Immigration Just Go Away?
After three debates of the presidential candidates only ONE question surfaced about illegal immigration. Did it just go away? Why sidestep this important issue during a time when Bill Ayers and Sarah Palin are being presented as the defining moments of our presidential character and judgment? Illegal immigration is a national issue that will shape the future presidential character, not some past judgments or quirky decisions. Political correctness is a self perception of media defined civility. I don’t care about political correctness, I care about my country and what my future president stands for. Illegal immigration should be addressed before the election.
This subject is a double edged sword. Simple minded idiots will define the problem as “legal” vs “illegal” as if the problem just surfaced, refusing to accept the fact that some illegals have assimilated to American values such as home ownership, business ownership, American born children, and yes, taxpayers. The shouts of ‘amnesty” may be a compromise, but what did Reagan do? After thirty more years of open borders, a compromise must be reached. What that is I’ll leave up to our elected officials.
But the one issue that must be recognized and confronted immediately is the international criminal organization. We must unite and become more vigilant in recognizing and demanding security from these ruthless elements of pure vice. This is a third world problem showing its’ ugly after effects in our country. Kidnappings, incursions, and murder are slowing spilling over from Mexico. This can not be tolerated. Our national security is at risk. So my question is…..what strategy can be created to keep the positive relations with our neighboring country while combating this scourge of civil instability to our country?
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What in the Sam Hill is going on with my gas?
O.K., what is going on with the price of gas now. We have recovered since hurricane Ike, there is a continued low demand in the U.S., and the price per barrel fell below $70. What excuse am I’m going to hear now? Why is it we can rescue Wall Street in two weeks but we can’t do anything for the Joe Plumbers of the U.S. and the rest of us when it comes to price reduction? The fact is our government really does not care about its’ citizens. There is no excuse for gas to be at its current price. Where are the hearings now? Where’s our representatives? There is no justifiable reason for this inaction. What do think?…….WHAT IN THE SAM HILL IS GOING ON? This is pure male bovine manure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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yes I want to know more my business, and thanks for your advise, it has helped.
... read the full comment by KG | Comment on New Year Resolutions For Waco Read New Year Resolutions For Waco
Hey Senor Hernandez,
When are you finally going to get organized as Hispanics? These so-called organizations are not doing anything. Why can’t you make a resolution to get the Hispanic community organized. I’m tired of seeing us going
... read the full comment by Vato Loco | Comment on New Year Resolutions For Waco Read New Year Resolutions For Waco
Mr. Hernandez,
Great Work. A Fitting challenge for the new year for anyone in any local area… The same issues are at stake in Greenville, SC.
Enjoyed the read…still looking for the Texas Roadhouse Chronicles :)
Jason
... read the full comment by Jason Patterson | Comment on New Year Resolutions For Waco Read New Year Resolutions For Waco
Great way to start the new “blog” year - it is good to take initiative and get involved, BUT…
(1) Education Summit - why is this lead by the city and the chamber? this should be lead by the education institutions - they are the
... read the full comment by Fan of 2009 | Comment on New Year Resolutions For Waco Read New Year Resolutions For Waco