tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15726248311177482172024-03-08T04:21:49.688-08:00Letters to Our LeadersTonia Becker VerShaw's letters to elected leaders and citizens of influence.Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-81071369074868591582011-07-28T05:48:00.000-07:002011-07-28T07:51:46.460-07:00Congressman Walsh - My Pleas to You<ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop locking yourself into nonsensical pledges</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop hot dogging and start listening to history, knowledgeable economists and your more experienced colleagues</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop spending your time and my tax dollars doing MSNBC and other cable news spots (you are job interviewing with Fox News on my time)</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop dwelling in ideology and start working for the people in your district and for the American people</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start getting it done</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start looking at your job with the objective of intelligent reform, while acknowledging reality</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start thinking for yourself</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start looking at facts and not the facts as you would like them to be</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Stop blindly spewing Heritage Foundation and other very strategic pieces of bile</span></li></ul><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This is your employer speaking Mr. Walsh....start caring about my needs and the needs of this country.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Wildwood, IL<br />District 8<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >E-mailed to Congressman Walsh 7/28/2011 via his website.</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-35087107143346300912010-03-24T18:07:00.000-07:002010-03-24T20:30:43.901-07:00Teacher Layoffs and School Funding....A National Emergency<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Sent to: President Obama, Congresswoman Melissa Bean (8th District Illinois), Senator Dick Durbin, Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown, Senator George Voinovich, Congressman Michael Turner</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />This afternoon I was deeply saddened to learn that my sister’s position as Kindergarten teacher at Mark Twain Elementary School, Miamisburg, OH was eliminated due to budget cuts.<br /><br />My sister has spent her career serving her community, her state and her nation—first as a Greene Country Children’s Services social worker for several years, then after going back to school to complete her Masters in Education she has spent the last two years serving as a Kindergarten teacher.<br /><br />I will openly confess to being a bit biased, but my sister is an excellent teacher. She is smart, creative, compassionate, energetic, loves children and is deeply motivated by the prospect of enriching the lives of her students. If only more of us could be so committed to our professions, perhaps our country and our world would be a better place.<br /><br />If it were just my sister losing her job, I would feel for her. But, the fact that thousands upon thousands of teachers across the nation—many of them talented teachers like my sister— will be terminated at the end of this school year is alarming. It is, in my opinion, a national emergency.<br /><br />I can think of few higher priorities than assuring a strong education system. As you know, our education system has suffered in recent decades. We are falling behind as a nation compared to other countries around the world. In addition, due to state and local funding challenges, I worry that we will lose a generation or disservice a generation—the kids currently in school.<br /><br />Many teacher positions and other public service jobs were saved last year via stimulus fund allocation. I urge you and Congress to consider allocating another portion of the stimulus funds to this purpose so that massive teacher layoffs may once again be avoided.<br /><br />Allocating stimulus funds, of course, is a temporary solution—an emergency measure similar to the manner we might fund relief efforts for other national emergencies. After the emergency symptoms are treated, I ask for you to consider ways that you and your administration might be able to provide leadership and counsel to each state in order that our educational systems will be strengthened for the long-term.<br /><br />Thank you for both you consideration and your service to our nation.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Grayslake, IL<br /></span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-8764413798475881112009-12-19T20:21:00.000-08:002009-12-19T20:28:19.022-08:00Health Care Legislation--Only an Initial Step<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Senator Dick Durbin, President Obama<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">I am pleased that it looks as though the pending health care legislation has very promising chances of passing.<br /><br />It is my most sincere hope...in fact it is my expectation that the legislation that seems likely to pass will be considered an initial step.<br /><br />The health care journey began on the premise that all Americans deserve access to quality health care. Access to health care is not only a moral issue, it is a practical issue—a society cannot thrive without a healthy populace. I still believe deeply in this premise.<br /><br />Although I see some positive aspects of the current legislation, it must be viewed as a first step. I do understand that governing requires compromise. Necessary compromises have been made and smaller compromises will still be required. However, we cannot pass this legislation, declare a victory and move on.<br /><br />The outcomes/results of the legislation—both successes and failures—will need to be evaluated. Future legislation will most certainly be required to improve various aspects.<br /><br />Of greatest concern to me is that there seems to be little included in the legislation to restrain rising costs. In fact, given that insurance companies will no longer be allowed to deny coverage based on preexisting conditions, the cost of health coverage may rise. This uncertainty will need to be monitored and future legislation required.<br /><br />The reality is, the only way I see to restrain rising costs is to reduce the tremendous inefficiencies and wasteful areas within our health care system. Given the fact that the system is not making improvements on its own, the government will need to step in. The process of bringing wastefulness in line will take enormous political fortitude and will require thoughtful support of the American people.<br /><br />Hopefully, the current legislation will pass and you will continue to fight for the full scope of the needs of the American people.<br /><br />Thank you for your service and I wish you and your family a very happy holiday season.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Grayslake, IL</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><br /></span></span></span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-90825283546974604422009-10-14T18:28:00.000-07:002009-10-14T18:37:01.760-07:00Much Thanks Senator Snowe<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Senator Snowe via e-mail.</span></span><br /><br />Dear Senator Snowe,<br /><br />I am writing to thank you for your support of the Senate Finance Committee’s health care reform bill.<br /><br />Your courageous decision to break from your party and to play a key role in continuing the critical work of health care reform is admirable and for this I am grateful.<br /><br />In recent years I have become increasingly concerned by the extremely divisive “party line” politics that has consumed Washington. The American people deserve more from our elected officials than the playing of high-stakes games in which self-interests, party-interests and special-interests come before the welfare of the people.<br /><br />Disagreement and debate as we work as a people to steer our nation is good and vital to the health of United States of America. However, earnest disagreement and debate is quite different than the manipulation, game playing and meek conduct that far too often pervades our system.<br /><br />Senator Snowe, you are a patriot and a servant to our nation.<br /><br />With Much Thanks and Gratitude,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Grayslake, IL</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-87706607465923734742009-07-30T20:53:00.000-07:002009-07-30T21:26:59.449-07:00Healthcare Ideas for Your Consideration.....Please Keep "Us" First<span style="font-size:130%;">For thoughts and ideas on the current healthcare debate, please access the full <a href="http://thoughtsonlll.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-am-more-than-tired.html">blog post. </a><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Sent to:</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Congresswoman Melissa Bean</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Senator Dick Durbin</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >President Barack Obama (via www.whitehouse.gov)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >Huffington Post</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />CNN<br /><br />When permitted, I sent entire blog post. When not permitted (too many characters) I sent a portion of the post, then referred to the URL.</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-71769420783033446942009-04-05T19:16:00.000-07:002009-04-05T20:00:57.561-07:00Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: We Must Actively Support a Two-State Solution<span style="font-style: italic;">E-mailed 4/5/09 via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">whitehouse</span>.gov</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton,<br /><br />I truly admire the work you are doing during these <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">extraordinarily</span> challenging times. Thank you.<br /><br />As a humanitarian and one who dreams of peace, I am greatly disturbed by the on going Israeli-Palestinian tensions.<br /><br />An Israeli-Palestinian peace settlement is not a luxury, but a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">necessity</span> for hope of peace in the Middle East. I see no other viable path than a two-state solution in which Israel withdraws to its 1967 borders, true recognition of Palestinian autonomy, shared governance of the holy sites within <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jerusalem</span>, and Arab/Muslim states recognition of Israel's right to exist within its legal borders.<br /><br />Israel has a right to exist in peace within its legal boundaries, as does Palestine. Palestinian extremists have committed horrible and indefensible acts. These acts are well publicized in our press and, I believe, well known to the American people.<br /><br />However, the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">atrocities</span> which have been committed by the Israelis against the Palestinians for now decades are not well known to Americans. Yes, the Israelis are our most loyal and closest allies in the Middle East. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Judeo</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Christian</span> religions and cultures which are in the majority in the United States, share a special <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">reverence</span> for Israel. Finally, there is still, with justification, a sentiment that the Jewish people suffered horribly during the Holocaust and deserve their ancient homeland.<br /><br />The Jewish people have suffered horrible, inhumane treatment at the hand of the Nazis as well by numerous other regimes throughout the centuries.<br /><br />However, this painful and tragic history does not justify similar treatment of the Palestinians. Can a people with deep and still all too fresh memories of walls being build around its communities, justify the building of walls? Can a people who were starved to death and slaughtered justify this treatment toward their neighbors? I think not.<br /><br />Despite the U.S./Israel relationship, the U.S. cannot continue to turn a blind eye to Israel's offenses any more than we can ignore unprovoked attacks by Palestinians.<br /><br />I pray that the political courage can be mustered to address this truly situation. Resolution is vital to peace in the Middle East and it is vital to security and peace for many nations outside of the Middle East.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">VerShaw</span><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Grayslake</span>, IL<br /></span><h1><br /></h1>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-5953887177967086322009-03-20T20:09:00.001-07:002009-03-20T20:09:34.347-07:00Spring is Here. Will the Recession Melt Along with the Ice? http://ping.fm/iCq7LTonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-48459920971877634552009-02-26T19:51:00.000-08:002009-02-26T21:04:41.566-08:00Oppose Elimination of Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP)<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Senator Dick Durbin, President Obama</span><br /><br />Dear Congresswoman Bean,<br /><br />I am greatly concerned about President Obama’s outlined elimination of the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP) program within the budget proposal he unveiled today.<br /><br />I share the belief of President Obama, you and many members of congress and the current administration. There are few priorities more important that improving our education systems and assuring that more of our citizens complete higher levels of education.<br /><br />The current cost of a college degree and other secondary education programs force many students and families to secure student loans, Plus loans and other financing. What is the best way to improve the loan system, reduce costs if possible and assure that financing is available to fund this critical need? This is a vital question.<br /><br />I do not have the innate aversion to government that many on the right side of our political spectrum seem to. Government—federal, state and local—have their places. However government, by design, is bureaucratic and is generally not all that efficient at the administration of large programs. Our federal government does not have competitive pressures forcing efficiencies like the private sector does. In addition, at times, political factors can and do impair efficiency improvements.<br /><br />From my understanding of President Obama’s position, the elimination of the FFELP program would have the following adverse effects:<br /><br />1. Elimination of student/family choice—there will be only one viable resource for student loans—the federal government.<br /><br />2. Colleges and universities have not embraced the Direct Lending (DL) program as it exists today due to terrible customer service, bureaucratic problems and other implementation issues. The contractor, ACS, currently handling administration for the Direct Lending program has caused horrendous quality control and customer service issues. From what I understand, they won the contract in large part due to being the lowest bidder. My hunch is that they probably cut deeply into their service capabilities in order to afford this low bid. In fact, few years ago the government fined them $2 million for not meeting minimum standards and private institutions have pulled contracts from them due to horrific quality levels.<br /><br />3. Bureaucratic mistakes relating to loans can have terrible consequences for an individual’s credit. I believe that we can ill-afford this risk.<br /><br />4. FFELP is “stable” business for a banking sector in crisis. Pulling this business from the industry would help to undermine the current efforts to stabilize the banking sector.<br /><br />5. The current crisis aside, the responsible members of the banking sector have historically been quite proficient at the innovation of new systems, solutions and products. Our government, due to necessary checks, balances and compromises, moves much slower and end results are often watered down. We call ill-afford the slightest risk that solutions for funding the education of our citizens will be watered down.<br /><br />6. There have been FFLEP program abuses amongst a small minority of the banking community. Although the total of these abuses were not great in comparative monetary value, they were catastrophic in political damage. These abuses make it very difficult for you or other members of congress to support the current public/private system. It will take political courage for you to oppose the dismemberment of the program, but I urge you to muster this courage. We cannot forget that government is far from immune to waste and abuse either—as citizens of Illinois; this is a very embarrassing reality. Abuses within either the public or private sectors cannot be tolerated, but we must implement the best solutions, not the most politically convenient solutions.<br /><br />7. Independent studies have virtually eliminated the argument that the Direct Lending program is less costly to administer. In fact, it may be more costly. From the evidence, it seems reasonable to conclude that from a cost standpoint FFLEP and DL are pretty even. Therefore, the primary questions are ones of customer service and quality of program implementation/administration.<br /><br />The banking sector is in crisis, yes. Some members of the banking and mortgage industries were irresponsible and our entire citizenry is paying a severe price.<br /><br />However, I do not believe that elimination of the private banking sector from the important work of funding higher level education for our citizens is the answer.<br /><br />Although it is currently popular to demonize the banking sector (and some institutions deserve it) I urge you to muster the political courage it will take to probe this important issue and to challenge the private banking sector to come to the table with solutions to improve student loan programs and implementation of the programs.<br /><br />With deepest thanks for your service to our state and to our nation,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Grayslake, IL<br /><br /></span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-45387377275979816132009-01-30T20:19:00.000-08:002009-02-26T20:52:55.165-08:00Task Force on Middle Class Working Families<span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Jan 30, 2009 to Vice President Biden via www.strongmiddleclass.gov CC: President Obama (via whitehouse.gov), Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Congressman John Boehner (House Minority Leader), Senator Mitch McConnel (Senate Minority Leader), Congressman Steny Hoyer (House Majority Leader), Speaker Pelosi, Senator Harry Reid (Senate Majority Leader)</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Vice President Biden,<br /><br />Congratulations on your appointment to lead the Task Force on Middle Class Working Families.<br /><br />I too firmly believe that a strong middle class is the only future for America’s long-term prosperity. The middle class is the “consumption engine” of the U.S. economy; therefore there is no hope for sustained economic strength without a strong middle class.<br /><br />I have been in management roles for the last eight years of my career and I know from first-hand experience that the middle class has been going backwards. A 3% annual raise has not kept up with the cumulative effects of inflation, rising energy prices, rising healthcare costs and rising education costs. The middle class has, indeed, been going backwards.<br /><br />As you have pointed out, the most recent economic expansion did nothing to help the standing of Middle America. Despite strong productivity increases, record corporate profits, healthy dividends and ballooning executive compensation, the middle class continued to go backward.<br /><br />This letter addresses four topics: definition of middle class, the productive role of organized labor, supporting the non-union middle class, needed cultural changes within corporate America.<br /><br />1. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Definition of Middle Class</span><br />Most politicians talk about the importance of the middle class, but none define what “middle class” means. I feel that the establishment of a working definition of “middle class” is essential for the effective function of your Task Force.<br /><br />The problem with the term middle class is that is encompasses so many Americans: construction works, law enforcement, sales professionals, middle managers, accountants, factory workers, university professors, journalists, warehouse managers…the list of potential professions and families that comprise the middle class is endless.<br /><br />This economic classification includes the most, as well as the least educated Americans. The middle class includes Americans with strong upward mobility potential, as well as Americans whose futures look less promising if current career paths are continued. The middle class includes families and individuals who are quite effective at personal/household financial management, as well as individuals and families who live dangerously beyond their means.<br /><br />For the sake of reasonable policy creation, I believe that a working definition of “middle class” must include a computation of household size and the geographic location of the household. Geographic consideration is an absolute necessity as a reasonable household income in the Chicagoland area (where I live) needs to be considerably higher than the household income of a family living in rural Kansas for example.<br /><br />Without a reasonable definition of “middle class” no one will know what the Task Force’s discussions and purposes are really about. A definition is also necessary for the transparency you seek to achieve.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Productive Role for Organized Labor</span><br />In many ways the labor movement and labor unions themselves have gone horribly wrong. Labor unions are businesses just like any other and have gotten greedy and self-interested over the years. The purpose of labor unions, in my opinion, should be to ensure safe and fair working conditions and to promote employment security for its members.<br /><br />There is an important distinction between job security and employment security that unions (and too many Americans) don’t seem to understand. Many unions, particularly the UAW, have focused on job security and have worked to try to ensure continued pay checks for labor that is no longer needed. Within an environment of global competition, no company can successfully and profitably operate with the burdens of job pools and other mechanisms that do not allow for efficient labor resource management.<br /><br />A focus on employment security, on the other hand, calls for assuring that workers have current and ever expanding skill sets. A focus on employment security is the difference between having or not having a job and having a career.<br /><br />Too many Americans and labor unions have focused on having jobs, not on building careers. The skill sets of many Americans are out of date and the reality is that they are not needed in the job market of today. On the other hand, I know of many companies that cannot find workers with the skill sets they now require.<br /><br />Labor unions have the organizational structure to facilitate the dissemination of continuing education—either directly providing these education services and/or providing the infrastructure for other organizations to provide the needed education.<br />Labor unions will be relevant and productive in today’s labor market if and only if one of their top priorities is ensuring that their members have the skills needed today—not the skills needed 20-30 years ago.<br /><br />Labor unions also need to be reasonable. Given ever increasing life expectancies, today’s workers cannot reasonably expect to retire at 48, 58 or 62 with full benefits. No pension system (social security or corporate pensions) was designed to support a 20-30 year retirement. Workers with physically demanding jobs likely cannot perform these jobs as they age. Therefore, unions need to be a key resource and conduit for establishing worker-union-corporation partnerships to redirect workers’ for needed purposes.<br /><br />Although unions have provided productive outcomes in recent years, the negative light in which managers and executives view unions is much deserved.<br /><br />I question whether or not you would bristle at the necessity to pay a union electrician (Teamster) $150.00 to plug in a light at McCormick Place in Chicago. No, not skilled electrical wiring that can only safely be done by a licensed electrician—just plugging a light into a power strip. If there is a prayer for organized labor and corporations to have effective partnerships, this kind of nonsense must be forced to stop.<br /><br />3.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> Supporting the Non-Union Middle Class</span><br />As you well know, there are millions upon millions of non-union middle class Americans. These Americans are also grappling with stagnating and regressing standards of living. The three keys for these Americans, I believe, are fair taxation policies, affordable education and affordable healthcare (these three areas are key for union employees as well).<br /><br />Within this discussion I would like to focus on education. I believe that it is vital for our pre-school and K-12 education systems to be overhauled in order to assure America’s continued competitiveness on the world stage. The simple fact is that our education system is in disarray, is inefficient/ineffective and we are falling dangerously behind.<br /><br />Our universities continue to be the envy of the world, but are becoming less and less affordable for many Americans. Without a college education, most of our youth have little chance for a prosperous life. I have an 11-year-old stepson. I recently calculated that it will cost approximately $130,000 to fund his Bachelors degree at the University of Illinois (an in-state school). This is ridiculous. The two questions that surface in my mind are: Are we funding state universities properly AND are state universities managing their money properly with the proper priorities?<br /><br />Finally, we need affordable adult continuing education programs and education outlets. The world is changing too quickly to permit adults to graduate from high school or college and never step foot in a classroom again. Community colleges can and do fill some of this need, but I believe that this is an issue that needs to be studied carefully. The current programs at many community colleges are part of the answer, but not a complete answer.<br /><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Needed Cultural Changes in Corporate America</span><br />This is the toughest issue to tackle. The reality is that corporate America has become greedy. Attractive quarterly earning statements and annual reports are far more valued that quality corporate management. Corporate America is solely rewarded for today, next month and next quarter. These pressures make good people do really unproductive, and in some cases, bad things.<br /><br />As a society, we must learn how to celebrate and reward long-term interests and sound business practices. In my view, sound business practices include fair treatment of employees—allowing everyone to enjoy the fruits of a successful team effort.<br /><br />Vice President Biden, I hope that some of my insights are productive and are considered as you steer the directions of the new Task Force.<br /><br />I wish you the best of luck on this most important journey.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Grayslake, IL<br />www.toourleaders.blogspot.com</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-9964837825518825362009-01-26T22:20:00.001-08:002009-02-26T20:53:52.027-08:00Please Vote No--Digital Television Deadline Extension<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Also e-mailed to President Obama and Senator Dick Durbin</span></span><br /><br />Dear Congresswoman Bean,<br /><br />I am writing to urge you not to vote for extension of the digital television conversion deadline.<br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">1. More than 94% of households in the U.S. are ready for the conversion.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">2. If the deadline is extended, what plans are in place to influence or to help the less the 6% who are not ready? If these households have not yet acted, will another four months evoke action? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">3. Televisions networks have invested heavily to prepare for this transition. In these times when many networks are struggling (along with so many businesses in general) asking them to operate two transmitters for another four months is unreasonable and in some cases may prompt or contribute to additional layoffs.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">4. Television is not a necessity of life. The poor, elderly and others thought to be slow responders to this transition cannot be without food, heat and other life necessities. They can, however, live without a television and a non-operating television will be, possibly, the best catalyst for action.</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Congresswoman Bean, you know that these are difficult times for America and many of your constituents. We need to spend our energies and resources fulfilling the true needs of the afflicted. Let’s spend our time, energy and resources to restore our economy and to provide appropriate emergency relief for life’s necessities.<br /><br />Thank you for your consideration and thank you again for your service to our community and to our nation.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw<br />Wildwood, IL<br /><br />cc: President Obama, Senator Durbin</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-20239987964610297442009-01-10T13:36:00.000-08:002009-02-26T20:54:47.984-08:00Economic Recovery Plan Comments<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Posted 1/10/208 to http://change.gov/agenda/economy_agenda --"Submit Your Ideas" portion of the site.</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear President-Elect Obama, Vice President-Elect Biden and Economic Policy Transition Team,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I am excited, hopeful and thankful that such a dedicated and intelligent group has been assembled to lead our nation in these very challenging times.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">However, as President-Elect Obama stated within his election night speech, there will be times when we disagree and/or question each other viewpoints.<span style=""> </span>Overall, I believe that the stimulus plan, as currently outlined, is a strong strategy.<span style=""> </span>I strongly believe that infrastructure investment will create jobs and help to get the economy moving again.<span style=""> </span>I love the proposed investments in building the renewable energy industry, education and modernizing healthcare information management.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If managed and structured properly, I believe that these investments will move our nation forward in terms of managing the crisis in the short-term and for long-term prosperity.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">In terms of the proposed $3,000 tax credit to businesses for each employee hired, I do not know whether this plan component will work.<span style=""> </span>The arguments on both sides of this issue make sense to me, but I believe that this plan component is worth a try.<span style=""> </span>It may not work, but we cannot progress without some level of experimentation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I do have strong reservations about the $500 individual, $1,000 family tax credit.<span style=""> </span>This may be a necessary political concession to the Republicans, who as a generalization seem to embrace this type of approach.<span style=""> </span>If this program component is necessary for Republican support to get the rest of the plan through, so be it.<span style=""> </span>However, I strongly question the merit of this program component as it is currently being discussed.<span style=""> </span>Don’t get me wrong, from a selfish standpoint; I will take the gift—what household would not like to have an extra $1,000?<span style=""> </span>However, my household is currently lucky enough to earn a comfortable living, but is below the $200,000 household income level being proposed.<span style=""> </span>I consider us blessed.<span style=""> </span>Frankly, an extra $20.00 in my bi-monthly paycheck is not going to impact my spending habits.<span style=""> </span>As a household, we are not going to rush out with our extra $80.00 per month to buy additional goods or services.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The following are my ideas for reallocating the proposed spending for this portion of the program:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Reduce the household income level qualified to receive the credit and increase the credit to those qualifying households.<span style=""> </span>It is my suspicion that a struggling family of four with a household income of $60,000-$70,000 would benefit from an extra $80.00 - $150.00 per month in their pockets.<span style=""> </span>Republicans are going to scream that this is socialistic income redistribution, so maybe this idea would not work in practicality.</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="2" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Structure payment of the credit so that it has to spent on goods and services (I see no way for this to work in practicality).</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="3" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Use the funds in a manner that would help families stay in their homes—restructuring mortgages, etc.</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="4" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">Use these funds to further fund infrastructure, education and renewable energy investments.</span></li></ol><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I certainly do not have “crystal ball” ideas for improving this crisis, but possibly there is some merit to my thoughts.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Sincerely,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:place><st1:city>Grayslake</st1:city>, <st1:state>IL</st1:state></st1:place></span><o:p></o:p></p>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-40287055788175754932009-01-10T13:31:00.000-08:002009-02-26T20:59:12.628-08:00Please Step Down<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">E-mailed 12/30/08 (day of the Burris appointment)</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Mr. Blagojevich,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">As a resident of the great state of <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state> and as a citizen and patriot of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States of America</st1:place></st1:country-region>, I find your conduct absolutely abhorrent.<span style=""> </span>You have lost the respect of your colleagues and have lost the confidence of the citizens of <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Given the circumstances, I don’t believe that you could possibly be more unfit to serve effectively as <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>’ Governor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Within this environment, your appointment of Roland Burris is incredible.<span style=""> </span>Although I believe that President-Elect Obama’s seat could have been filled with a more dynamic individual, I have nothing against Roland Burris.<span style=""> </span>However, the fact that scandal has engulfed you and every decision you now make, makes it impossible for you to fill the vacant Senate seat without serious consequences.<span style=""> </span>I believe that you made this appointment not because you felt it was the best decision for the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States</st1:place></st1:country-region>, or the best decision for <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>.<span style=""> </span>It appears you made this appointment with the same mindset that a child throws a temper tantrum.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. Blagojevich you either have serious psychiatric problems or are one of the largest crooks to ever step foot in the state of <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state> (which is saying a lot).<span style=""> </span>It is my suspicion that you are both delusional and highly crooked.<span style=""> </span>You squandered the gift bestowed upon you by the residents of <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>—the opportunity to be a truly great leader.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If you had any care at all for the people of <st1:state><st1:place>Illinois</st1:place></st1:state>, or the people of the <st1:country-region><st1:place>United States of America</st1:place></st1:country-region>, you would step aside to allow the process of governing to resume.<span style=""> </span>These are hard times for many Americans.<span style=""> </span>How in these times you, or anyone, can allow our state and our country to become so side-tracked when so many people are in need is beyond me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If there is a decent bone left in your body, I implore you to step down.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sincerely,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tonia Becker VerShaw</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:place><st1:city>Grayslake</st1:city>, <st1:state>IL</st1:state></st1:place></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:place><st1:state><br /></st1:state></st1:place></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">**P.S. Please pardon my breech of propriety by addressing you as “Mr.” rather than “Governor.”<span style=""> </span>Given your conduct, I cannot address you with the honorable title of Governor.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">cc:<span style=""> </span>President-Elect Barack Obama, Senator Dick Durbin, Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Larry King</span></p>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-24314775360061427592008-11-30T09:24:00.000-08:002009-02-26T21:01:33.293-08:00Letter to GM's Chairman/CEO--Richard Wagoner<span style="font-style: italic;">Letter sent via mail to Richard Wagoner, Chairman/CEO of General Motors and a mailed copy was sent to UAW President, Ron Gettelfinger. Copies of the letter were e-mailed to Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Senator Dick Durbin and President-Elect Barack Obama.<br /><br /><br /></span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:date year="2008" day="30" month="11">November 30, 2008</st1:date></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><st1:date year="2008" day="30" month="11"><br /></st1:date></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p>G. Richard Wagoner, Jr.<br />General Motors<br />300 Renaissance Center<br /><st1:place><st1:city>Detroit</st1:city>, <st1:state>MI</st1:state> <st1:postalcode>48265-3000</st1:postalcode></st1:place></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Mr. Wagoner, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I certainly do not envy your position.<span style=""> </span>General Motors is in an incredibly challenging and potentially impossible position.<span style=""> </span>Although I am sure that you and your family are not in financial peril, your legacy as a business leader is decidedly at risk.<span style=""> </span>Bold, innovative and thoughtful action will be required.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">At the heart of the actions taken there needs to be, in my opinion, an incredible sense of responsibility for GM employees and retirees as well as your suppliers and the American people at large.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">You may very well be the first to agree that private businesses requesting Federal assistance is a highly undesirable situation.<span style=""> </span>The private sector should operate responsibly, but without the burdens of oppressive government regulation <u>and</u> without the belief that the tax payers will bail out faulty business management.<span style=""> </span>Our business community and leaders in <st1:state><st1:place>Washington</st1:place></st1:state> cannot continue, has it has done for nearly 30 years now, to privatize profit and socialize risk.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">There are five topics I have addressed within this letter that I feel have merit for thought—effective product portfolio and customer relations management, operations management, union relationships/union contracts, the pension problem, and the sentiment that select companies are “too big to fail.”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">1.</b><span style=""> </span><b style="">Product Portfolio and Customer Relations Management--</b>General Motors has done a poor job, in my opinion, of anticipating market trends and consumer demands.<span style=""> </span>GM put a tremendous amount of the stake in the truck and SUV sectors.<span style=""> </span>Although GM did pretty well in these product areas for a handful of years, not only were many of these vehicles environmentally irresponsible, a dramatic increase in oil/gasoline prices was a highly predictable scenario.<span style=""> </span>No one knew exactly when prices would rise, but operating as if low oil prices would continue forever was extremely short-sighted.<span style=""> </span>Spending enormous amounts of GM time and energies fighting CAFE standards was likewise irresponsible.<span style=""> </span>Could those same resources and energies have been applied to developing fuel efficient technologies?<span style=""> </span>GM is decidedly behind in the development and introduction of fuel efficient vehicles and only time will tell whether or not you are able to catch up and, preferably, be a leader in this arena.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Although I believe that GM’s trucks and SUV’s are perceived to be of high quality by consumers, much of the rest of your product portfolio was and is out of step with consumer trends.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">What does <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> want—a Chevy Cobalt or a Honda Civic?<span style=""> </span>With their pocket books, consumers have voted overwhelmingly for the Honda Civic.<span style=""> </span>Why?<span style=""> </span>Honda has, hands down, done a much better job of creating the perception and the reality that the Civic is a high-quality, stylish, affordable, fun to drive car.<span style=""> </span>I currently owe a 2008 Honda Civic and have driven a Cobalt.<span style=""> </span>The engineering, look and feel of the Civic is simply far superior.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Buick brand is not perceived to be current—I know few people younger than 80 who drive a Buick. <span style=""> </span>Saturn was an outstanding venture in the early and mid-90’s, but I have no idea what happened.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Another issue that has hurt GM tremendously in the minds of consumers is the general arrogance and lack of care for customers.<span style=""> </span>I owned a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix.<span style=""> </span>I would be happy to supply the details of the story, but the summary is that at three years and 46,000 miles I had to replace the entire engine in the car.<span style=""> </span>I did replace the engine and drove directly from the <st1:city><st1:place>Pontiac</st1:place></st1:city> dealer who did the work to a local Volkswagen dealer.<span style=""> </span>I traded in the Grand Prix before something else went wrong and I bought a Jetta.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I made it clear to the GM personnel I was working with that this situation was not acceptable and that I would never buy another GM car again.<span style=""> </span>This declaration of departure from GM products had no impact.<span style=""> </span>In short, no one cared that as a 28-year-old person (at the time) that I would be purchasing many more cars in my lifetime and that none of them would be GM cars.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Since 2000 when I traded in my Grand Prix I have owned a Volkswagen Jetta, a Volvo and a Honda Civic—all three great cars, but not one from GM’s offerings.<span style=""> </span>I know that I am not alone in feeling betrayed and not appreciated by GM.<span style=""> </span>I would lift my purchase ban on GM products if GM manufactured quality, fuel efficient cars that I want to own and that I had confidence that GM would stand behind the products it sells.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">2.<span style=""> </span>Operations Management</b>—It is my understanding that GM’s plants are fairly inflexible in terms of the ability to change out lines and quickly re-purpose a plant to manufacture different products.<span style=""> </span>There is plenty of intelligence from the Japanese on how to implement LEAN manufacturing practices and create flexibility in operations.<span style=""> </span>If your plants truly are inflexible, this is simply inexcusable.<span style=""> </span>If it is true that it is easier and more cost efficient for GM to shutter a plant than to retool it, GM has a very large problem.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">3.<span style=""> </span>Union Contracts/Union Relationships—</b>I am certainly not the UAW’s biggest fan.<span style=""> </span>Although I firmly support fair and safe working conditions for all workers and fair wages, the UAW is a business just like any other.<span style=""> </span>It has gotten greedy and self-interested over the years and although has made concessions recently, I fear that these concessions came too little too late.<span style=""> </span>In today’s world, it is not reasonable for workers to be guaranteed pay even if there is not work available.<span style=""> </span>It is not reasonable to put uncompetitive restraints on corporations.<span style=""> </span>Everyone, including the UAW and GM workers will lose.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The admirable historic purpose of unions was to assure that working conditions were safe, fair and that workers were paid fairly, not to negotiate sweet-heart deals for union members that were out of step with the rest of the labor market.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">It seems to me that given the seriousness of the situation, third-party mediators might need to become involved.<span style=""> </span>Every line of the UAW/GM contract needs to be reviewed and GM workers will have to accept a situation that is more in line with the reality of today’s business world and stop trying to hang onto 1952 era agreements.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The greatest service that the UAW and other unions could provide to its members, corporations and to the American people is implementing education programs to re-purpose workers as needed.<span style=""> </span>I know that there are a lot of jobs across <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> which are very difficult to fill because there are not enough people with the current skills to fill the positions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">4.<span style=""> </span>Pension Situation</b>—This is the most difficult problem of them all.<span style=""> </span>At the root of the problem is enormous economic pressure that was only accelerated by the “30 and out” policy negotiated in the early '70's. If a worker started working at GM at 18 and retired at 48 with full benefits, the individual could easily be tapping into the pension for 40 years.<span style=""> </span>The math simply does not work and no pension program was designed for retirement of this longevity.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Maybe a 55 year old is no longer physically able to work on the line.<span style=""> </span>The UAW, GM and individual workers need to partner to re-educate and re-purpose that worker for a less physically demanding, but needed role.<span style=""> </span>The reality is, as more and more of us live into our mid-80’s, 90’s and beyond, we have to figure out ways to be productive members of society longer.<span style=""> </span>Non-UAW workers, including myself, will be working into their late 60’s and early 70’s.<span style=""> </span>GM workers need to follow suit.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style=""><br /></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><b style="">5.</b><span style=""> </span><b style="">“Too Big to Fail”—</b>The following is a segment from a letter I wrote to my Congresswoman, Melissa Bean, and to my Senator, Dick Durbin.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size:130%;">If we have corporations that are truly “too big to fail,” perhaps corporations should not be allow to get that big.<span style=""> </span>Or, at least not allowed to become “too big” without adequate capital and liquidity to navigate through economic downturns.<span style=""> </span>I have no idea how this idea could be structured in a way that supports fair free-markets (emphasis on fair), yet protects the American economy from a handful of companies bringing our entire economy to its knees.<span style=""> </span>Although, I have no idea how this idea could be structured, I do believe that there is merit to the thought.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mr. Wagoner, I truly hope that you will take my thoughts and insights into consideration.<span style=""> </span>There is nothing I would like more than to have a thriving U.S. auto industry, but it is clear that General Motors, Chrysler nor Ford can continue to operate as they have for now decades.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sincerely,<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tonia Becker VerShaw</span></p> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-37408206265575318402008-11-29T18:35:00.000-08:002009-02-26T21:02:10.085-08:00Bailout Management<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Congresswoman Melissa Bean and Senator Dick Durbin, November 13, 2008</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">First I would like to congratulate you on your re-election.<span style=""> </span>With the re-election of you and Dick Durbin, as well as the election of President-Elect Obama, election night was a thrilling evening.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">During this campaign season I made the promise to myself to become more involved in our democracy.<span style=""> </span>One of the greatest privileges Americans enjoy is the ability to contact our elected officials with our opinions, concerns and praise.<span style=""> </span>Therefore, you will be hearing from me on a regular basis.<span style=""> </span><br /><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This being said, I am quite concerned about the execution path of the bailout bill.<span style=""> </span>I believe I share the views of many Americans.<span style=""> </span>In my opinion, the need to pass the bailout bill was a highly undesirable position, but necessary given the circumstances.<span style=""> </span><br /><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">From my understanding, the bill called for active congressional oversight.<span style=""> </span>This oversight does not appear to be happening.<span style=""> </span>The situation is starting to carry the "stench" of much of the rest of the Bush years--do what we want and there is no need to keep the American people informed of our decision-making process, no need to tell anyone what we are actually doing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This is entirely unacceptable and I ask that you do what you can to speak out in opposition to the situation.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Granted, the financial dilemma <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> faces is highly complex.<span style=""> </span>Despite being a relatively sharp person, I can't even pretend to understand all of the complexities.<span style=""> </span>It is probably safe to say that very few really have the background and the knowledge to have solid insight on the situation.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I can say with reasonable deal of certainty that I do not support bailout funds being used to fund acquisition activity, to fund employee (especially top executive) bonuses, nor to prop up shareholder dividends. This being said, if non-partisan experts believe in good judgment that it is appropriate to use bailout funds for the above mentioned purposes, I would want objective information as to why supporting these activities will help our overall economic situation.<br /><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The Bush administration has continually supported measures that allow money to swirl at a frenetic pace at the very top levels of our economy.<span style=""> </span>The last eight years have almost been like the richest 3% of our population has been standing in a giant money booth (like you sometimes see at the fair)--money swirling around and this top 3% stuffing money in their pockets as fast as possible.<span style=""> </span>However, the "money booth" of the last eight years contained monetary denominations much larger that one dollar bills.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">$700 billion is a great deal of money and it cannot continue to be spent with Congress and the American people sitting in the dark.<span style=""> </span>The stakes are just too high.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">On another note, I have very mixed feelings about the prospects of bailing out the American auto industry.<span style=""> </span>In recent times, the big three have been three of the most poorly managed companies in our economy.<span style=""> </span>Should this poor management be rewarded without very core changes in operation?<span style=""> </span>We will be in the same situation a year or two from now.<span style=""> </span>On the other hand, can we afford to lose the hundreds of thousands of jobs attached directly and indirectly to the <st1:country-region><st1:place>US</st1:place></st1:country-region> auto industry right now?<span style=""> </span>I don't know.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">This also needs to be a public dialog backed by objective, smart, non-partisan information.<br /><br /></span> <!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--> <!--[endif]--></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I would like to leave you with two final thoughts.<span style=""> </span>One of the positive results of the mess that our country has inflicted on ourselves is that I am one of millions giving active thought as to how we can correct our current challenges.<span style=""> </span>The following two thoughts are simple and maybe are obvious, but maybe there is some truth shrouded in simplistic notions.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">We cannot allow corporate <st1:country-region><st1:place>America</st1:place></st1:country-region> to continue to privatize profit and socialize risk.<span style=""> </span>The Wall Street that lobbies actively for deregulation and laissez-faire practices when times are good is the same Wall Street that is streaming to Capitol Hill with hats in hand.<span style=""> </span>We cannot have it both ways and expect that our country will prosper.</span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="2" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="font-size:130%;">If we have corporations that are truly “too big to fail,” perhaps corporations should not be allow to get that big.<span style=""> </span>Or, at least not allowed to become “too big” without adequate capital and liquidity to navigate through economic downturns.<span style=""> </span>I have no idea how this idea could be structured in a way that supports fair free-markets (emphasis on fair), yet protects the American economy from a handful of companies bringing our entire economy to its knees.<span style=""> </span>Although, I have no idea how this idea could be structured, I do believe that there is merit to the thought.</span></li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p><br /></o:p>Continued success as you head into your new term.<span style=""> </span>We have many, many challenges before us.<span style=""> </span>But, I feel confident that we can overcome them if politics is pushed aside and we all work to do what is best for the long-term health of our nation as well as to address the short-term crisis.</span></p> <span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Sincerely,<br /><br />Tonia Becker VerShaw</span>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-41316480573573729972008-11-29T18:30:00.000-08:002009-02-26T21:02:36.980-08:00Dear President-Elect Obama<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Sent week of November 15, 2008.</span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear President-Elect Obama and Transition Team,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Like many Americans, I am excited and a bit anxious about the days to come.<span style=""> </span>Our country, as you know better than any other set of Americans, has decided challenges.<span style=""> </span>One hates to say that our country is a mess, but I don't know that softer sentiments describe our current condition or the road ahead.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I trust President-Elect Obama's ability, talent, dedication, intelligence and integrity much more than that of any other elected official in my lifetime.<span style=""> </span>However, I do not desire to put the fate of my country, my future and our children's future solely in the hands of our elected officials in <st1:state><st1:place>Washington</st1:place></st1:state> any longer.<span style=""> </span>Americans have been disengaged from our political system for way, way too many years...look where it has gotten us.<span style=""> </span>We cannot turn a blind eye any longer.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Americans across our land must peacefully and respectfully stand up and say, "no more."</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p><br />How do we accomplish this utilizing that incredible strong grassroots network created during the campaign season?<span style=""> </span>I am flatly apposed to movements that encourage people to stand on street corners yelling and screaming.<span style=""> </span>How can we organize to communicate respectfully and meaningfully with our leaders outside of campaign seasons?<br /><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">How can we create a culture in which our elected officials speak to American citizens in calm, thoughtful, honest manners without being so concerned if a given statement fits news bite/sound bite formulas?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I, along with I believe millions of other Americans, do not want to be pacified with rhetoric, we don't want to be deceived and we want a voice in the directions and decisions of our government.<span style=""> </span>Solely making the voices of everyday Americans heard on election days is not enough.<span style=""> </span>We can all see where the separation of government from the governed has taken us.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I will look forward to your reply in some format and am willing to do whatever I can to help.<span style=""> </span>I want my country back.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />Sincerely,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tonia Becker VerShaw</span></p>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1572624831117748217.post-4716798738649335012008-11-29T18:00:00.000-08:002009-02-26T21:03:05.519-08:00Occam's Razor Applied<span style="font-style: italic;">Sent to Congresswoman Melissa Bean, Senator Dick Durbin and President-Elect Obama, November 29, 2008</span><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">In my continued dedication to become more involved in and knowledgeable of the decisions, policies and directions of our government, it has occurred to me that the American people would be well served by an application of Occam’s Razor to the business of governing our country.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">“One should not increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.” –William of Occam<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Although Occam’s Razor is traditionally applied to mathematical and/or scientific models, I believe the principal has decided merit for government policy creation.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The American people have become disengaged from the political process.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">One of the heartening things about this most recent election cycle was that, regardless of party affiliation or individual views, millions of American’s were engaged.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The election cycle is obviously over, the drama of modern-day campaigns has faded into the background and our elected leaders are settling in for the less glamorous task of actually running the country.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I fear that the American people will, once again, become frustrated, disengaged and cynical.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">The challenges that lie ahead will require that the entire country pulls together and acts in a spirit of fairness, unity and betterment of The United States of America.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">This, granted, is a tall order given our extraordinarily diverse country.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I believe that one of the reasons that the American people are, more often than not, disengaged from the political process is that we have created systems that are extraordinarily complex and foster entire industries dedicated, in large part, to finding ways around the rules (tax codes, regulations, etc.)</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">The cynical side of me believes that our codes, regulations and laws are intentionally complex, vague and porous.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">It does not take much of a cynic to believe that our laws and regulations are intentionally complex, but how porous, how vague are they designed to be?</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">On some days I believe that we have imperfect laws designed by imperfect people within a system of checks and balances that requires compromise—our leaders are doing their best but some things work out better than others.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">On other days, I believe that legislation and regulations are intentionally both vague and porous.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">“This will sound good to the American people, but actually has anything but their best interests at heart once applied.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">Out of frustration, the American people often resign themselves to letting the inmates run the asylum (no offense to you as, I suppose, one of the inmates).<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">I realize that our country and our world is a complex place.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">But, much more complexity is created than is needed in reality.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I also realize that extensive complexity is a jobs creation plan given the thousands upon thousands of Americans who work for firms dedicated in one way or the other to interpreting, manipulating or beating the system (accounting firms, legal firms, etc).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">However, I believe that if our codes, regulations and legislation were simplified the many highly intelligent people working in these sectors could repurpose themselves to contribute more productively to the betterment of our country.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If Occam’s Razor were applied to governing the <st1:country-region><st1:place>U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, we would not necessarily need new regulation after new regulation….new code, after new code.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">Instead, we would apply simplified and common sense thinking to those regulations and codes already on the books.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If common sense/simplified thinking would have been applied to AIG’s credit default swap activity, this activity would have been regulated as insurance in line with the rest of AIG’s insurance activities.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">We would not have allowed AIG and others involved in credit default swap activity to play word games that has cost the American people dearly.<o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If common sense/simplified thinking is applied to our corporate tax codes we would not have effective corporate tax rates all over the board (from my research the effective tax rates of the Fortune 500 are all over the board from negative tax rates for numerous years in a row, to 5%, to 10%, to 21% to 50%).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><span style="font-size:130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">If the Democratic Party wants, as stated, for the American people to be actively involved in the “Change We Need,” we must execute based on clear, straight-forward thinking that stands up to the glaring light of common sense.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:130%;">“One should not increase, beyond what is necessary, the number of entities required to explain anything.” –William of Occam</span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Tonia Becker VerShawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02264293954358572091noreply@blogger.com0