One of the main reasons for the disparity between the wealthy and the rest of us is that tax rates were lowered for the wealthiest starting in the 1980s.  Whenever returning tax rates to something reasonable is proposed there is talk of "class warfare".  The reality is the top earners have waged a successful guerrilla ...more

I have doubts about the integrity and competence of those running the financial system.  With a paper statement, one at least has evidence that an account existed and one had money in an account.  Electronic records could vanish in an instant.  How would an individual prove they had an account if, by error or criminal ...more

What might bring people back is higher dividends.  Enough of share buybacks that just get handed out as bonuses to management.  It seems that far too many companies are run solely to reward management rather than the owners, the investors.  For a long time the belief was that profits would be made by  increasing stock ...more

The big problem for our economy is "free trade" with a rigged system.  The US has let much of its industrial base migrate overseas with barely a whimper.  China and other countries don't follow the same rules as we do so the trade really isn't "free trade".  Without an industrial base to provide jobs for the little peo...more

In Seattle, I have had problems with United Parcel Service deliveries.  I would love it if my packages where shipped by the post office instead, but I don't have a choice.

I purchased a Toyota Prius in 2001 because I was excited about having a car with 21st century technology.  I have 65K miles on the car at this point and have been quite happy with it.  I am able to carry my sea kayak on top of the car and carry small amounts of lumber sticking out the window.  I have rented a truck two...more