RANT: Member service advocates — > “go away”

Monday, July 27, 2026

*** begin quote ***

Contact us
Help with your plan
Member service advocates are ready to answer your questions and provide helpful information.
Call 1-866-460-8856 to connect with a member service advocate.
TTY users, call 711
8 a.m. – 8 p.m.localtime: Monday – Friday

*** end quote ***

And what happens when <synonym for excrement> happens outside of those times?

On Friday, I spent THREE HOURS on a joint call with TWO people from UHS (Brenda was fantastic) and at least three different people at BOA.  

If it wasn’t serious, (i.e., no medical insurance on 7/31), then it would have been a funny CATCH-22.  At least twice, the BOA person said “not my department, call 1-800-EAT-SHIT” which when called routed right back to her. Argh!

Of course, there was no “supervisors” or “managers” available during this entire THREE hour call.  (Hard to believe!)

Another interesting facet: my zip code 34787 is not recognized.  I’m told that I am “not in the United States”.  (The Governor of Florida might disagree!)

(NOTE: Many address selections on website put 34787 in OAKLAND; not WINTER GARDEN.  Which I wouldn’t mind, if they would at least recognize that their lookup table might be wrong or incomplete.  Of course, there is NEVER a way to contact a REAL human to get it fixed.)

So here I am on a Saturday night, in absolute frustration, with nothing to do but share with any readers, if I have any, my complete and utter disgust of technology, AI, and “Use Cases”.

“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” — attributed to Einstein

— 30 —


RANT: “Hanoi Jane” deserves her own special ‘ring” in Hell

Friday, July 3, 2026

https://x.com/Ikennect/status/2059026118036881822?s=20

<<FROM TWITTER>>
<< EDITOR ADDED DATE 2026-05-26>>

I am Ken
@Ikennect

*** begin quote ***
Barbara Walters writes:

Unfortunately, many have forgotten and still countless others have never known how Ms. Fonda betrayed not only the idea of our country, but specific men who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War.
The first part of this is from an F-4E pilot. The pilot’s name is Jerry Driscoll, a River Rat. In 1968, the former Commandant of the USAF Survival School was a POW in Ho LoPrison, the “Hanoi Hilton.”

Dragged from a stinking cesspit of a cell, cleaned, fed, and dressed in clean PJ’s, he was ordered to describe for a visiting American “peace activist” the “lenient and humane treatment” he’d received.

He spat at Ms. Fonda, was clubbed, and was dragged away. During the subsequent beating, he fell forward onto the camp commandant ‘s feet, which sent that officer berserk.
In 1978, the Air Force Colonel still suffered from double vision (which permanently ended his flying career) from the Commandant’s frenzied application of a wooden baton.

From 1963-65, Col. Larry Carrigan was in the 47FW/DO (F-4E’s). He spent 6 years in the “Hanoi Hilton”. . . The first three of which his family only knew he was “missing in action.” His wife lived on faith that he was still alive. His group, too, got the cleaned-up, fed and clothed routine in preparation for a “peace delegation” visit.

They, however, had time and devised a plan to get word to the world that they were alive and still survived.

Each man secreted a tiny piece of paper, with his Social Security Number on it, in the palm of his hand.

When paraded before Ms. Fonda and a cameraman, she walked the line, shaking each man’s hand and asking little encouraging snippets like: “Aren’t you sorry you bombed babies?” and “Are you grateful for the humane treatment from your benevolent captors?” Believing this HAD to be an act, they each palmed her their sliver of paper.

She took them all without missing a beat. . . At the end of the line and once the camera stopped rolling, to the shocked disbelief of the POWs, she turned to the officer in charge and handed him all the little pieces of paper…

Three men died from the subsequent beatings. Colonel Carrigan was almost number four but he survived, which is the only reason we know of her actions that day.

I was a civilian economic development adviser in Vietnam, and was captured by the North Vietnamese communists in South Vietnam in 1968, and held prisoner for over 5 years.

I spent 27 months in solitary confinement; one year in a cage in Cambodia; and one year in a ‘black box’ in Hanoi. My North Vietnamese captors deliberately poisoned and murdered a female missionary, a nurse in a leprosarium in Banme Thuot, South Vietnam, whom I buried in the jungle near the Cambodian border. At one time, I weighed only about 90 lbs. (My normal weight is 170 lbs.)

We were Jane Fonda’s “war criminals.”

When Jane Fonda was in Hanoi, I was asked by the camp communist political officer if I would be willing to meet with her. I said yes, for I wanted to tell her about the real treatment we POWs received. . . and how different it was from the treatment purported by the North Vietnamese, and parroted by her as “humane and lenient.”

Because of this, I spent three days on a rocky floor on my knees, with my arms outstretched with a large steel weight placed on my hands, and beaten with a bamboo cane.

I had the opportunity to meet with Jane Fonda soon after I was released. I asked her if she would be willing to debate me on TV. She never did answer me.

These first-hand experiences do not exemplify someone who should be honored as part of “100 Years of Great Women.” Lest we forget. . . “100 Years of Great Women” should never include a traitor whose hands are covered with the blood of so many patriots.

There are few things I have strong visceral reactions to, but Hanoi Jane’s participation in blatant treason, is one of them.

Please take the time to forward to as many people as you possibly can. It will eventually end up on her computer, and she needs to know that we will never forget

*** end quote ***

I’ve ranted about her before. This just reminds me of her treachery.  

Why she was never prosecuted?


RANT: Online appointment schedules a slot that they don’t have.

Sunday, June 14, 2026

Recently scheduled an oil change for my Chevy Truck.  

Had some problem with the password entry. 

(No, I don’t forget them.  I use a password manger and Apple Passwords also saves them!)

Password reset TWICE?

Argh!

So I’m suitable annoyed but I get it entered.  (Even had to put in the VIN.  I bought it there.  Their system should know it.  Probably Claude AI (I call it Claudia), CHATGPT, Google, every data broker , and hacker all know it. Argh!

SO it’s booked.

TWO DAYS later, I get a call from a nice lady at the dealer saying the online system schedule me for a time that they don’t have available. And we rescheduled it a week later.

So, their online system schedules an appointment  slot that they don’t have.

How dumb is that! Sigh! Yeah, AI and computers will rule the world. Not as long as Murphy’s Law is operable.

So how much of my TAE (ie., time, attention, effort, and dikw), my compute, as well as the dealer’s computing, and their receptionist’t TAE did this all cost?

I guess I should have done it the old fashioned way and just called in at the beginning.

So that’s what I’ll do from know on.

So the dealer’s computer “front door” is just a waste of their resources!

So much for AI wiping out humans’ jobs!

Sigh! Argh! Laugh!

— 30 —


RANT: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period — go away!

Sunday, June 7, 2026

https://cordcuttersnews.com/disney-ask-the-fcc-to-exempt-the-view-from-rules-that-news-organizations-must-follow/

Disney Asks The FCC To Exempt The View From Rules That News Organizations Must Follow
By Luke Bouma on May 24, 2026

*** begin quote ***

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a public comment period on a petition filed by Disney-owned ABC stations requesting that the daytime talk show The View be officially recognized as a “bona fide news interview program,” exempting it from federal equal opportunity requirements for political candidates.

In a petition dated May 7, 2026, KTRK-TV, an ABC-owned station in Houston, Texas, along with parent company American Broadcasting Companies, Inc. (ABC), asked the FCC to declare that The View qualifies for the statutory exemption under Section 315 of the Communications Act. The show, co-hosted by figures including Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro, has long operated under a 2002 FCC determination granting it this status.

Disney has filed a petition with the FCC asking the agency to declare that The View is exempt from the statutory equal opportunities requirements that would otherwise apply to broadcast shows.

The equal opportunities rule requires broadcast stations to provide comparable airtime to legally qualified candidates for public office if one candidate appears on their facilities. Exemptions exist for certain categories, including bona fide newscasts, news interviews, news documentaries, and on-the-spot coverage of news events. Proponents of the exemption argue it allows journalistic discretion in selecting guests based on newsworthiness rather than strict parity.

*** end quote ***

The Gooferment Federal Communications Commission should NOT be in the business of regulating speech.  Just as Carr’s comments about CBS had a chilling effect on Steven Colbert’s future, it should steer clear of politics.

You might be to ignore the FCC in the technical regulation of the broadcast spectrum, BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), I assert that the “invisible hand of the free market” would do it better, faster, and cheaper.

When it comes anywhere close to the First Amendment, then it should be shut down.

Let “We, The Sheeple” decide the economic fate of The View, news coverage, or anything else.

The “public ownership of the air ways” is slender excuse for socialism!

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: Trump’s face on $250 bill may be a “Bridge Too Far”?

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Scott Bessent says it’s ‘fitting’ to put Trump’s face on $250 bill: ‘Great celebratory note’

https://nypost.com/2026/05/31/us-news/scott-bessent-says-its-fitting-to-put-trumps-face-on-250-bill-great-celebratory-note/

Scott Bessent says it’s ‘fitting’ to put Trump’s face on $250 bill: ‘Great celebratory note’
By Ryan King
Published May 31, 2026, 2:58 p.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cheered on plans to imprint President Trump’s face on a $250 greenback, contending that his achievements make him worthy of such an honor.

Bessent argued that it was necessary for his department to craft a $250 bill with Trump’s face and signature on it so that the Treasury can be ready if pending legislation to that effect clears Congress.

“I think it’s fitting. President Trump is the president during our 250th anniversary,” Bessent told Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.”

*** end quote ***

I suspect that this will push the crazies in BOTH parties to be both overjoyed and outraged. Maybe some, both at the same time. This may finally convince some people that the 25th Amendment need to be re-engineered. Maybe an age cap of say 70 on elective Federal Gooferment office?

In Tom Woods Show episode #2764 with Doug Casey ❶, they make a strong case that: (1) politics attracts people who want to control other people; and (2) that DJT47 has all the characteristics of the worst criminal psychos.

While I am not sure about how bad or how good DJT47 is or is not, I am firmly in favor of an age cap for public office. And, maybe even a ban on familial linkages to prevent “ownership” of a Senate or House seat as well as families ties to Presidents.

Crazy (Cynical) Old Ferd

❶ Doug Casey: America Is Headed for Civil War | Tom Woods Show #2764
https://youtu.be/V70-DRncsTE?si=nm9R0tysfzThDei8

— 30 —


RANT: To “turn the page” and see the next outrage

Tuesday, April 7, 2026

FROM FACEBOOK

*** begin quote ***

FOX 13 News

Dozens of people who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol are suing the federal government, accusing responding officers of using excessive force.

The class-action lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida, alleges U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department “indiscriminately” fired chemical munitions, pepper spray and other projectiles into a crowd gathered on the Capitol’s west side.

*** end quote ***

Generated some heat.

I responded:

*** begin quote ***

Everyone can sue about anything. It’s a real shame that everyone is trying to “win the lottery”.

I guess we will find out if it has merit. The lady who was shot and killed by the Capitol Police officer has a case. But others?

Remember that this was all a mess and we never found out all the facts (i.e., who opened the doors; why was there no extra security; the fake bombs at the DNC and RNC). Never mind the various Conspiracy Theories about why there was a riot to stop the objections to contested ballots, Georgia voter fraud, midnight mail in ballot dumps in the mid-west, etc. etc. etc.

Like most abuses, “We, The Sheeple” have no choice but to “turn the page” and see the next outrage. The undeclared war with Iran, the uninvestigated Epstein débâcle, the various financial frauds in Minnesota / California / New Jersey, unpaid TSA agents, as well as the perennial favorite issues — national debt, the unfunded liabilities, the deficit that Congress ignores, and “birthright citizenship”.

No wonder that people just have to move along and just get along with life. But at some point in time, like Bill Mahr says: “We need more people speaking out. This country is not overrun with rebels and free thinkers. It’s overrun with sheep and conformists.”

“If voting made any difference they wouldn’t let us do it.” — Emma Goldman ― often incorrectly attributed to American humorist Mark Twain ― but very very true imho!

TL;DR summary: There are so many “outrages” that ordinary people don’t have the attention span, time, energy, or will to focus on them all.

*** end quote ***

“Either way, I don’t give a damn what you think you are entitled to.” Colonel Jessep in A Few Good Men played by Jack Nicholson

Just turn the page in the Book of History and move on to the next disaster.

Dona Nobis Pacem

— 30 —


RANT: Immigrant Households Take Government Welfare

Thursday, April 2, 2026

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/03/nearly-half-immigrant-households-take-government-welfare-census/

Nearly Half of Immigrant Households Take Government Welfare, Census Data Shows
by Ben Kew Mar. 22, 2026 7:45 am

*** begin quote ***

Nearly half of households headed by immigrants in the United States receive welfare, according to a detailed analysis of Census Bureau data by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS).

*** end quote ***

“Birthright Citizenship” generates welfare benefits.

Back before the USA got “woke”, no one got “welfare”.

Seems like we need to end being a “nation of welfare farmers”.  Some estimates are that this is the FOURTH GENERATION of this life style.

“I feel that it is terrible, that you see destruction all around you, and that you are moving toward disaster until and unless all of those welfare state conceptions have been reversed and rejected.— Rand

I’m not heartless.  People have made decisions based on the current environment.  So let’s reduce ALL welfare by 5% each year for 20 years.  That’s plenty of time for EVERYONE to adapt.

Sorry if you thought you won some “money for life” lottery scratch-off but Gooferment “promises” are all lies.  The politicians and bureaucrats are immoral, ineffective, and inefficient. As well as untrustworthy. Remember that when you vote next time.

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: Three US service members killed

Monday, March 2, 2026

https://nypost.com/2026/03/01/world-news/three-us-service-members-killed-5-seriously-wounded-in-operation-epic-fury/?lctg=6080ba40747925275a09dcd3

Three US service members killed, 5 seriously wounded in Operation Epic Fury
By Patrick Reilly
Published March 1, 2026, 10:12 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

It’s not clear where the service members were killed.

Iran has attacked US bases across the Middle East in response to the strikes that wiped out much of the Iranian leadership — including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

*** end quote ***

I’m waiting for details.

I hope someone will supply a really <synonym for the act of procreation in real time> good reason why three souls had to die.

And, it better not be because Israel needs “leadership change” in Iran.

I’ve yet to see a bad guy “replaced” with a better guy.

Better the devil you know than the one you don’t.

The Israel lobby seems to dictate to the USA.  That has to stop!

— 30 —


RANT: Venezuela’s Oil Fantasy?

Saturday, February 14, 2026

https://internationalman.com/articles/venezuelas-oil-fantasy-meets-physical-reality/

Venezuela’s Oil Fantasy Meets Physical Reality
by Chris MacIntosh

My friend Tracy Schuchart makes the point well:

“Canada exports 4.3M bpd to the US. Venezuela’s entire production is 23% of what Canada already ships.

The rebuild timeline is a decade minimum, likely longer. Rice University’s Monaldi says at least 10 years and $100+ billion in investment to get back to 4 million bpd. PDVSA itself says $58 billion just for pipelines that haven’t been updated in 50 years. That’s before you drill a single new well.

Here’s the part markets are missing: Trump doesn’t control the oil. The VP who hates the US is in charge. No stable pro-Western government means no foreign investment. Nobody’s pouring $100 billion into a country run by someone hostile to them. The whole supply increase story requires political stability that doesn’t exist.

Canadian infrastructure is already built and connected. Alberta to US Gulf Coast and Midwest refineries through established pipelines. Those refineries are configured for Canadian heavy crude after decades of optimization.

Even if Venezuela eventually gets production up in the 2030s, it’s the same heavy sour crude Canada produces. More heavy crude globally just validates continued investment in heavy crude refining infrastructure, which benefits Canada.”

# – # – # – # – #

So all this posturing about “Venezuela’s Oil” is decades away from benefitting JoeSixPacK.  So why are we even involved.  

DJT47 is distracted from the real problems of the USA — debt, deficits, fraud, and the deep state.

I remember when James Carville and Bill Clinton papered the White House offices with: “It’s the ECONOMY, stupid”.  And low and behold, with a Republican controlled House and Senate, the economy improved.

Maybe there’s a lesson for DJT47, politicians, and bureaucrats!

“ … … debt, deficits, fraud, and the deep state … … “

— 30 —


RANT: Costco Citibank credit card troubles

Friday, February 13, 2026

COSTCO CITIBANK

couldn’t logon;

couldn’t retrieve id;

couldn’t register;

1-855-378-6467 unhelpful;

Told I had a secret word; dammed if I knew it.

Told no such account —  reregister.

Couldn’t reregister.

Used mobile app. No problem. Wasted almost an hour.  Guess I do have an account there.

What a <synonym for the act of procreation in real time> mess.

Was going to document and submit to both “Customer Care” but figured why waste more of my limited time on this earth getting frustrated.

‘If a battle can’t be won, don’t fight it,’ cautioned Sun Tzu, the revered Chinese warrior from 544-496 BC ”The Art of War’

— 30 —


RANT: Do protestors have constitutional rights to reside in America?

Monday, January 26, 2026

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/01/federal-judge-left-shocked-when-doj-attorney-drops/

Federal Judge Left SHOCKED When DOJ Attorney Drops a Brutal Truth Bomb After Judge Goes on Tirade Against President Trump Regarding ‘Unconstitutional’ Deportations
by Cullen Linebarger Jan. 16, 2026 10:15 am

*** begin quote ***

A so-called federal judge was caught off guard when an administration attorney dropped a devastating truth bomb that put all of his whining over Trump to shame.

As Politico reported, a federal judge presiding over a lawsuit in Boston regarding the deportation of foreign, pro-Hamas activists went off on Trump and his cabinet on Thursday for orchestrating an “unconstitutional conspiracy” to pick off migrants.

The affected activists include Columbia University’s Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Madhawi, Tufts University Ph.D. student Rumeysa Ozturk, and Georgetown University academic Badar Khan Suri. These students have all issued hateful anti-American and ant-Semitic remarks, leaving other students uncomfortable.

Despite the activists having no constitutional right to reside in America, U.S. District Judge William Young, a Reagan appointee, decided to bash Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

*** end quote ***

I’d suggest “no”.  

They are “guests” in our country and as such have a responsibility to refrain from involvement in our “internal affairs”.  They could become citizens and then have a right to “seek redress of grievances”. BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), not as an invited guest permitted to be here.

As such, they should be deported IMMEDIATELY!

And, the Senate should IMMEDIATELY impeach U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young for his comments and allowing his personal opinions, which he certainly has a right to have, to insert themselves in court proceedings.  Time to bring judges in line as “impartial arbiters of law”; not emotional partisans.

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: NYJETS suddenly find a “rule book” when they might have to pay off

Thursday, December 25, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/12/25/us-news/jets-cancel-invite-to-super-fan-set-to-take-100k-field-goal-challenge-in-honor-of-dad/

Jets cancel invite to super fan set to take $100K field goal challenge in honor of her late father: ‘Could have made it’
By Alex Mitchell
Published Dec. 25, 2025, 7:00 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

(Ashley Castanio-Gervasi) felt ready to kick. But then the Jets pulled the ball away from her like Charlie Brown in a “Peanuts” cartoon, when they suddenly said that she was actually not eligible to kick in the final contest for the six-figure prize.

*** end quote ***

Sorry, but finding a “rule” at the 11th hour stinks.

I have no problem with them making whatever rule they want, but not deep into the competition.

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: Social Media Ban

Sunday, December 14, 2025

FROM 1440 https://join1440.com/

*** begin quote ***

Australia’s nationwide ban on social media use for children under 16 takes effect today, making it the first country to prohibit underage users from major platforms outright.

*** end quote ***

Sorry, but as LAUDABLE as the goal is  —  and tyranny ALWAYS starts from good intentions  —  it’s not the role of Gooferment to police the conduct of children.  

For example, the Gooferment COULD force ISPs to give parents tools to protect their children.  When the inet first started, the ISP were under that pressure but avoided / evaded it by claiming is was “infeasible” or “not cost effective”.  They could have created “MINOR ACCOUNTS” EASILY.  (I know I supported the pitch at Comcast when I was working there.)

The UK countries have a terrible record on “free speech” and this is just another example of Big Gooferment “thought police” taking more power.

Argh!

Gooferment at all levels is always seeking to extend its power over the “We, The Sheeple” with “… it’s for the children”.

— 30 —


RANT: I hate technology and when I am abused

Friday, December 12, 2025

*** begin quote ***

AT&T HR Access m55661-ap@mta01.att-mail.com

 

12:14 PM (16 minutes ago)

 
 
 
 
 
to me
 
 
 
 
 
 

12/12/2025
FERDINAND REINKE

When you leave the company, the Former Employee Site is a helpful place to access Payroll Stubs, Tax Information, Discounts and Benefits. You should have already received your username in an email with Subject, “Step 1 – Important: Former Employee Site Registration”

Please use the temporary password below along with the username to reset your password for the Former Employee Site before the password expiry date.

Click the following link or copy and paste it into an internet browser window to register:

https://hraccess.att.com/hraccess/#/resetpwd/formeremp

Temporary Password: <<deleted>>

Note: Your temporary password will expire on 12/26/2025 11PM CT

The system will prompt you to create a new password immediately.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Although you can register before you leave the Company, you will not be able to LOGIN and access the Former Employee Site until 1-2 days after your actual separation date from the Company.

**THIS IS AN AUTOMATED MESSAGE. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE**
 

*** end quote ***

*** begin quote ***

Error

Unable to process your request, contact your admin An error occurred while parsing EntityName. Line 3, position 58.300000

*** end quote ***

I can’t be the only one who thinks that technology sucks.

What do you do to “contact your admin” when you don’t have one?

<<LONG STRING OF PROFANITY>>

@AT&T @AT&T-HR

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: A beautiful story marred by facemasks

Friday, December 12, 2025

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/lunch-lady-builds-cart-for-disabled-student?utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4b9c55d78644b3a882a4d

Meal time was extra challenging for this disabled first grader, so a lunch lady made him a custom ‘cafeteria cart’
Dec 4, 2025 5:15 AM PT

*** begin quote ***

6th grader Julian stands behind a metal cart with an Oregon license plate spelling his name

Cafeteria workers and school food professionals are often among a school’s unsung heroes, putting in long hours to prepare nutritious lunches, and even working over the summer to make sure their students are well-fed.

*** end quote ***

It’s a wonderful story when ordinary folks make life easier for a disabled child.

BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), almost everyone is wearing facemasks when now we know that they are not only useless but actually harmful (i.e., bacterial pneumonia’ children need to see facial expressions).

What can one expect from the liberal socialist State of Oregon.

So sad.

Kudos and jeers all at the same time.

— 30 —


RANT: Liberal white women voters stats show they voted for Islamic politicians?

Tuesday, November 25, 2025

# – # – # – # – #

# – # – # – # – #

Maybe MEMEs are the best way to communicate with “We, The Sheeple”?

It’s hard to get them to focus.

We have concrete examples —  North and South Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, London, Paris, and … …

… … the best of all Poland and Hungary.

So sad that th USA experiment in self-governance lasted for 250 years only to fall to the corrupt “two UNI-party system” that the Dead Old White Guys tried to prevent.

I’m a fat old white guy injineer and I focus on solutions; not idle bitching.

Here’s my formula to claw out of this hole:

  • Repeal the Seventeenth Amendment (Direct election of Senators) and return it to the various State Legislatures.
  • Repeal the Sixteenth Amendment (Income tax) and fund the the Federal Gooferment with a population based assessment on the individual States.
  • Repeal all laws the Federal Gooferment has as they pertain to individual citizens.
  • Return the “immigration function” to the individual States.
  • Enact Buffet’s 3% solution on the House of Representatives (3% deficit makes all sitting member of the House ineligible for reelection).
  • Transition back to a gold back currency.  Transition to End The Fed!
  • Size limits on all “corporations” (No more too big to fail —  too big to fail is too big to exist).
  •  All corporate compensation that exceeds the President’s salary must be in the form of corporate bonds laddered over 25 years (No executive rape and pillage companies into insolvency).

I think that’s a good start to returning to the Dead Old White Guys’ vision of the Federal Republic.

— 30 —


RANT: Border Czar Tom Homan Delivers a Perfect Response

Sunday, November 23, 2025

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/watch-border-czar-tom-homan-delivers-perfect-response-2/

WATCH: Border Czar Tom Homan Delivers a Perfect Response After Catholic Bishops Blast Trump Admin for Carrying Out Mass Deportations of Illegal Aliens
by Cullen Linebarger Nov. 15, 2025 7:30 am

*** begin quote ***

As The New York Times reported, the United States’ Conference of Bishops sharply rebuked the Trump Administration over its mass deportation policy of illegals during the bishops’ annual conference in Baltimore.

In a statement, the bishops slammed the Trump Administration for creating “a climate of fear,” vilifying illegals, and not granting lawbreakers access to pastoral care.

*** end quote ***

Funny, I don’t remember them criticizing the Biden Administration for “cages”, or human trafficking.  Or, when Obama deported people.

Perhaps, because there was a financial incentive to the Catholic Church to “resettle” immigrants, their opinion was swayed?

Tom Homan reacts to Catholic Bishops on immigration: “I’m saying it not only as the Border Czar, I’ll say it as a Catholic, I think they need to spend time fixing the Catholic Church.”

Yup, spot on!

— 30 —


RANT:20K mile Colorado pickup truck would need rear brakes

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

https://www.maloufchevrolet.com/new-chevrolet-lease-finance-offers-edison-nj.htm

Find it hard to believe that a few year old 20K mile Colorado pickup truck would need rear brakes. Sounds like a manufacture’s defect or a bad design?

Certainly no reflection upon the dealership.

At least the coffee was “free”.

Argh! Argh! Sigh!

— 30 —


RANT: Now this is what DHS should be focused on!

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/us-news/operation-dirtbag-sees-over-150-illegal-migrant-sexual-predators-nabbed-in-florida/?utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news_alert&utm_content=20251112?&utm_source=sailthru&lctg=6080ba40747925275a09dcd3&utm_term=NYP%20-%20News%20Alerts

‘Operation Dirtbag’ sees over 150 illegal migrant sexual predators nabbed in Florida, Kristi Noem announces
By Emily Crane
Published Nov. 12, 2025, 8:26 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

 “The fact that they were sexual deviants and perverts, and now we’ve gotten them off of our streets, it’s remarkable. And we need to do more of it.”

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Seems like they have finally hit on what “We, The Sheeple” wants. It’s what I want.

We still have to solve some “illegal immigration” problems cause by the stupidity, malfeasance, and gross incompetence of previous administrations, politicians, and bureaucrats. Especially judges, who see the violent and dangerous felons routinely reappearing in front of them.

(1) Any “illegal immigrant”, who has been here for more that a decade living a good life without welfare or any criminal record, should get a parole and a pathway to citizenship.

(2) Any “illegal immigrant”, who was brought here as a child, and has no criminal record, should get parole and a pathway to citizenship.

(3) Any politicians or bureaucrats, who hinder the efforts of DHS, should be arrested, indicted, and get a fair trial. If guilty, as a condition of sentence, should be barred from political office or Gooferment employment.

(4) Any formal statement — oral or written — in any form (e.g., twitter) — by politicians or bureaucrats — should be considered under oath and subject to perjury prosecution.

That should clean up this mess quickly.

— 30 —


RANT: Socialist Insecurity — not a Secure Retirement Plan — is a Ponzi scheme

Monday, October 13, 2025

https://internationalman.com/articles/revealed-5-more-dangerous-myths-of-modern-finance-11-15-exposed/

Revealed: 5 More Dangerous Myths of Modern Finance (#11–15) Exposed
by Nick Giambruno

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Myth #13: Social Security Is a Secure Retirement Plan

Social Security is often sold as a “safety net,” a dependable program where you pay in during your working years and collect later in life. It sounds responsible, almost like a personal retirement account managed by the government.

In reality, it’s nothing of the sort.

The money you pay in today doesn’t go into some locked box with your name on it. It is spent immediately to cover current obligations—mostly to today’s retirees and other government programs.

Social Security isn’t voluntary, it isn’t market-based, and it doesn’t offer real security—especially not for younger generations who are coerced into funding a system that likely won’t support them in return.

That’s why the more accurate name is Socialist Insecurity.

 *** end quote ***

“Social Security Insurance”, (note the word insurance — even though it bears no resemblance to real world insurance), is a de jure Ponzi scheme paying current takers from current workers. What could go wrong with that (i.e., scope creep; aging population; longevity discoveries; political corruption; moral hazard). And, de facto, a wealth transfer from poor minority men to rich white women. All set up, by the D’s to create another permanent class of dependent voters (i.e., the third rail of politics). Also, it’s a “political axiom” that one someone gets a “benefit” it can never be taken away. Argh! What a load of “barbara streisand” aka <synonym for excrement>! Argh! Argh!

“For those looking for security, be forewarned that there’s nothing more insecure than a political promise.” – Harry Browne

I’ve read rants by some about if they had had their “voluntary” “Social Security Insurance” “contributions” and the return on “investment”. 

Specifically, “A person retiring at age 65 will only benefit more from Social Security relative to a private investment in the S&P 500 if he is a low earner and lives to be at least 96 years old. For those retiring at age 70, the only individuals that benefit more from Social Security are low earners who live to be at least 94 years old and average earners who live to be at least 108 years old.”

https://www.cato.org/commentary/social-security-vs-stock-returns-no-contest#

Wish I could find that Facebook post that compared ROI on voluntary” “Social Security Insurance” “contributions” versus DIY investing.  The difference was huge. 

The Gooferment politicians and bureaucrats are drones and parasites on “We, The Sheeple”!

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RANT: Why no one takes the Catholic Church seriously anymore

Friday, October 10, 2025

https://x.com/theblaze/status/1973455947860419061

Pope Leo blesses a block of ice at a Vatican, “climate change” event

# – # – # – # – #

And the Catholic Church collectively wonders why no one takes them seriously anymore. Misconduct, corruption, not “speaking truth to power”, and condoning politicians on abortion have ceded the moral high ground and driven people away for decades. Argh!

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RANT: Like click bait, it disclosed nothing.

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/sports/how-erin-dolan-bet-on-herself-with-new-espn-contract/

How Erin Dolan bet on herself with new ESPN contract — and the ‘double-edged sword’ that comes with it
By Jenna Lemoncelli
Published Sep. 24, 2025, 9:27 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***

Dolan, who joined ESPN in December of 2021, said she knew exactly what she wanted when it was time to negotiate her contract.

She did not share the exact details of the deal.

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TL;DR (Too long; don’t read)

I was interested in what she “negotiated” to “bet on herself”.  But like most click bait, it disclosed nothing.

Argh!

Wasted my valuable time.  Don’t waste yours.

Argh!

— 30 —


RANT: Here’s the interefernece I was referring to in my previous post

Friday, September 19, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/media/heres-the-real-reason-abc-suspended-jimmy-kimmel-live/?lctg=6080ba40747925275a09dcd3

Here’s the real reason ABC has suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’
By Charles Gasparino
Published Sep. 18, 2025, 10:31 a.m. ET

*** begin quote ***
Jimmy Kimmel’s comments on the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk weren’t just noxiously offensive and seemingly misleading — their timing was also incredibly bad: They threaten to derail Nexstar’s $6.2 billion takeover of rival broadcaster Tegna, telecom insiders tell On The Money.

The already controversial deal — which would combine two of the nation’s largest owners of local TV stations — poses significant antitrust questions and needs a close review by the Federal Communications Commission and its conservative firebrand chairman, Brendan Carr.

Kimmel’s comments made that approval even dicier. That’s why Nexstar publicly announced Thursday that its stations would no longer carry the show, telecom insiders tell On The Money. Ditto for ABC, which produces and distributes “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to broadcasters like Nexstar — and likewise has business before the FCC.

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Here’s the conflict of interests!

It was wrong when the D’s did it.  It’s still wronger when the R’s do it.

Argh!

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RANT: Clear cutting a small green island in 08901

Friday, August 1, 2025

Dear Mayor 

It’s a shame no one asked about the impact of clear cutting the “island” at Paulus Blvd and Route 18.  Today, the Public Works men show up and devastated the “island” of brush, trees, and anything green. So much for ecology and green spaces. Expect to see birds and deer displaced; maybe even more “accidents”. Spoke to the crew chief and hey said they had “orders from the mayor”. Argh!  

Supposedly, a fatal accident occurred there which was blamed on limited visibility. We never heard or read about it. An internet search did not revel any accident.  

Now let’s chat about the impact on my house.  

  • The traffic noise for 18, which was significantly muffled by the green space, is louder than ever.
  • Drivers coming up the ramp to “make the light” or “get ahead of the 18 traffic” don’t even have to pretend to stop at the stop sign. Talk about an accident waiting to happen.  
  • The value of my property has be hurt but I can’t quantify the amount.

Now what happens next:

  • Will the city put up a big ugly sound barrier?
  • Raise the berm to cut down on the noise?
  • Replant some hedges or trees?

If a neighbor did something like this, the various city agencies would ask for public comment. But the city does it with aout any “impact statements”.

My wife and I are very upset and we vote.

s/ Ferdinand J. Reinke

— 30 — 


RANT: Barbie debuts first doll with type 1 diabetes; I’m not a fan

Monday, July 28, 2025

https://www.optimistdaily.com/2025/07/barbie-debuts-first-doll-with-type-1-diabetes-boosting-visibility-and-inclusion/?utm_source=rss

Barbie debuts first doll with type 1 diabetes, boosting visibility and inclusion
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
This article was originally published on July 18, 2025

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Mattel introduced its first-ever Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in an effort to improve representation and produce dolls that truly mirror real life. Created in partnership with Breakthrough T1D, a nonprofit focused on type 1 diabetes research and advocacy, the new Barbie aims to normalize life with the condition and inspire empathy, understanding, and pride.

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​Argh! This makes me think of Evy and her brother Jack. Both Type 1’s. Is this “Barbie” going to have a shortened lifespan, infertility, ill-health, vision problems, and blood sugar swings that make life a wild painful ride?

It seems like it trivializes the problems they had all so that Mattel can make a few bucks.  I am not against making a few bucks.  And maybe it can make children feel differently about themselves.

BUT, (and there is always a BIG butt), I suspect that Mattel’s motives are not all altruistic. If they said their profits were going to fund a research prize for a cure, then I’d be positively impressed. Otherwise, Argh!  I suspect that any “donations” will come off their taxes and will go fund (what I call) “Red Cross style” bureaucrats① (i.e., high paid “leadership”) and a never ending (what I call) “March of Dimes” charity organizations② (i.e., an organization which when it cures its disease  — like polio  —  rebrands to a “disease” that can never be cured, ever. Hence the organization attains “immortality” of lucrative high-paying jobs).

# – # – # – # – # 

FOOTNOTES: 

① Salaries of “Leadership”  

$832,241: Gail McGovern, President and CEO ARC https://paddockpost.com/2024/03/24/executive-compensation-at-the-american-red-cross-2022/

Compared to: 

Reports suggest the General earns between $13,000 and $79,000 annually, depending on the country and organization structure. 

https://salaryideas.com/salvation-army-ceo-salary/

 

② “March of Dimes” rebrands to fight “birth defects”

What began in 1938 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, better known as March of Dimes. 

In 1958, the organization expanded its purpose to “broader medical causes” but retreated in 1965 to a narrower, birth-defects focus. In 1979, the group changed its name to March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, but the phrase “birth defects” was removed in 2006. 

https://www.fplglaw.com/insights/more-troubles-march-dimes/

 

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RANT: Hey, “kill the ump” isn’t even acceptable these days

Sunday, June 29, 2025

https://nypost.com/2025/06/25/sports/diamondbacks-ketel-marte-cries-on-field-after-fans-disturbing-comments/

Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte cries on field in heartbreaking scene after fan’s disturbing comments
By Mitch Fink 
Published June 25, 2025, 8:36 a.m. ET

​*** begin quote ***
“I hope MLB can do something with that guy. I don’t know who it was, but they’ve got to do something. We can’t continue to do that [expletive] here in MLB … he should be banned, for sure. Everybody knows Ketel lost his mom. She was the world to him.”
*** end quote ***

I’d hope that MLB would ban this bozo fan for a decade. Hey, “kill the ump” isn’t even acceptable these days. I think that the “bread and circuses” crowd has lost all public decency. Cheer, boo, whatever, but personal slurs are, or should be, severely punished.

Same with verbal and physical assaults at ANY sporting event should be prosecuted to the full extent of the local law. It’s a real “HATE” crime. (Even though as a little L libertarian, I don’t believe in “hate enhanced penalties”.)

I can’t imagine how I’d react if I was really focused on my job and performing it to the best of my ability and someone came up behind me and yelled slurs about my sainted past wife.  I’d probably try and deck the guy.

Argh!

—30—

UPDATE: 2025-Jun-30 

https://1057thehawk.com/ixp/385/p/branchburg-youth-baseball-umpire-assault/

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Read More: Major win for youth umpire punched by coach at NJ baseball game | https://1057thehawk.com/ixp/385/p/branchburg-youth-baseball-umpire-assault/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

In March 2023, he was sentenced to five years’ probation. He also had to complete five months of anger management counseling, NJ.com reported.

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FJR: No jail time? To light IMHO.

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