Byproduct of Regulation

CT Curmudgeon has close ties to Research and Development departments in domestic and international companies. One of my peers works very hard and has become a venture capitalist. Good for him, he deserves it. He has put lots of people to work in the past two decades. He funds medical products. They are in several categories, ones that need a 510(k) approval, and ones requiring clinical studies (IDEs). The cost of bringing medical products to market must include the approval process. He won't go near IDE projects because of the 10-20 million dollars needed for the study, amid the uncertainty of the attitude of the FDA. Anything new and improved needs to go over this hurdle. Devices that would improve patients lives are not brought to market because the cost of regulation. This is going to slow the advance of medical treatment. The government sometimes shows an anti business attitude. CTC know patent reviewers with this same attitude. It is almost like we spend most of our time figuring how to deal with the bureaucrats.

This is just one facet of Big Govt. How much business doesn't happen due to Sarbanes Oxley. 

Much of the regulation is coming from Europe, they love to write laws. CTC is working to get a CE mark on a product. It the interest of "better products" ensure by the CE mark, we need to spend a fortune and hire do nothing consultants who's only asset is they understand the system.

Congress listen up. Citizens, listen up. Stop making so many laws. They are like weeds that are getting out of control, sort of like Kudzu. A Japanese vine introduced in the American south, it takes over and chokes out the natural plants.

Happy New Year.

Government Advertising

Ever notice all the ads on sport and talk radio paid for by the government. "Just one Thing", FMEA, EPA etc. Don't they have better things to do than play propaganda ad over and over? I guess not.

Top Priority for 2011 - Repeal Healthcare

We need to beat back this abomination. Expect no help from Chris "The Commie" Murphy.

Public housing is a disaster, do we want that level of 'service' for our kid's health? No way!

Definition of Curmudgeon

Some talk of the name of the blog came up. Here is my definition:

Curmudgeon:
someone on the smart side of 40,
who has paid enough taxes,
has had some successes, and probably many more lessons, some really expensive, and
who has his mind off of girls long enough to be able to watch the world to see how it really works.

Is not into fads, likes results, and doesn't patently believe politicians or marketers.

There are probably lots more factors. What did I miss?

Guest Editorial-Voting

The following is written by a Cheshire gem/author. CTCurmudgeon is a big fan of his work, can't wait for the book. The world can learn a good deal from this man. Maybe he will start a blog too.

CHECKLIST FOR VOTERS

by John White

Since citizens—we the people—are the owners of America, a candidate for public office should be considered as if you were a business owner hiring a CEO to run a business for you.  You want the very best person for the position.  

An election is not a beauty contest or a popularity contest, so good looks or a pleasing personality are not enough.  Nor are charisma and oratorical skill.  (Hitler had both.)  High visibility in the media does not necessarily equal trustworthiness.  There are more important concerns which should be examined thoroughly before deciding whether a person is qualified for the job and deserves your vote.  In other words, what is the candidate’s resumé?  

Here is a checklist of a dozen significant aspects to examine about people seeking your vote.  Cast your vote on the basis of thoughtful consideration rather than hasty, superficial judgment or warm, but vague, fuzzy feelings.  The future of America to some extent depends on that.

1. PRINCIPLES, IDEALS AND VALUES.  What are the candidate’s publicly declared principles, ideals and values?  Are they based on the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?  Or does the candidate espouse principles, ideals and values which are contrary to them, such as socialism, communism, fascism, benevolent dictatorship, monarchy or other forms of government which place the state above the citizen and disregard the liberty and rights of the individual?  Has he or she been consistent in espousing his ideals, principles and values or have they changed over time?  If they have changed, why—and what does that tell you about the person?  Does he place principles before party?  Is she loyal to a party or to the country and the Constitution?  In short, what does the candidate stand for?  And is that the same as what the candidate says he or she stands for?

2. VOTING RECORD.  What is the candidate’s voting record?  Does it support his public declarations?  What legislation has he supported?  What legislation has he introduced?  What position(s) has he taken on various issues?  Has he changed his position on issues, and if so, why?  Does he cite the Constitution as the basis for his votes in office?  How do various organizations rate the candidate?  Does he believe that your property and wealth belong to you or to the state?  Does he favor bigger government and more spending, or reduced government and lower spending?  Does he want more taxes or debt to pay for more spending or does he want to reduce taxes and debt?

3. ACCOMPLISHMENTS.  What is the candidate’s record of accomplishment?  What has he done during his term(s) of office?  What has he attempted?  Accomplished?  How have those accomplishments been regarded by various political, business and social organizations?  

4. POSITIONS TAKEN ON ISSUES.  What position has the candidate taken on “hot” issues such as taxes, spending, welfare, foreign aid, military strength, health care, abortion, same-sex marriage, etc.?  Has he or she been consistent in his position?  What promises has he made to voters?  Has he followed through on his promises?  If not, why not?  

5. POLITICAL SKILLS.  Has the candidate demonstrated leadership?  What type of leadership:  bold and courageous or quiet and diplomatic?  Was it appropriate and effective for each situation?  Does he or she show good organizational skills, with a clear understanding of how to administer or manage and how to rally public support?  Does he show good communication skills in speaking, writing and media appearances?

6. WORK EXPERIENCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE.  What is the candidate’s experience outside the office he holds or seeks?  Has he or she worked in private industry?  In what capacity?  Has he started a business or run one?  If so, how successfully?  Does he support free enterprise and capitalism or government control of markets and pricing?  Does he support any philanthropic or charitable organizations, and if so, for how long?  Does he or she volunteer in any civic or community capacity, and if so, how long has he been involved?  

7. LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS.  Does the candidate have any licenses or certifications which indicate special skill and accomplishments?  Are they relevant to the office being sought by the candidate?  For example, is he or she licensed to practice law?  Does he have certification as a public accountant or other profession immediately relevant to holding political office?  

8. EDUCATION.  What is the candidate’s education, both formal and informal?  What is his academic performance, grades and class standing? Does he hold any academic honors?  Is his academic record appropriate for the office he seeks?  If it is not directly related, how has the candidate schooled himself for political office?

9. CHARACTER.  How do you evaluate the candidate’s character?  The Founders said very clearly that our republic is made only for a moral people.  An immoral people will devalue honor, honesty, justice, fair play and the rule of law.  Only people of good character were intended to serve in public office; that is why there is the process of impeachment for high crimes (violations of law) and misdemeanors (grossly immoral behavior).  Do you believe he or she is honest?  Do you trust him to keep his promises?  Will the he or she live up to the oath of office which requires him to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution?  Is he what you regard as a mature person and a moral person?

10. BACKGROUND.  Is there anything in the candidate’s background to recommend him, discredit him or raise a caution sign?  Is the candidate married?  If married, what do you know about his or her spouse?  His immediate family background?  Does he or she have children?  Does he have a religious upbringing and/or practice a faith?  Does he have military service?  If so, what kind, and was it honorable?  Is he decorated for combat bravery or other military excellence?  Where did he grow up?  Is he native born or naturalized?  Has he published anything which bears on his qualifications?  Is there any scandal in his life or hint of it?  Are his business associates upstanding?  Are his political associates known as honest and patriotic?

11. FAMILY AND RELATIVES.  Who are the candidate’s parents and close relatives?  Are they well-known public figures or unknowns?  If any are public figures, what are they known for?  Do they have significant accomplishments or personal scandals?  Are they well-rated for public service or do they have unsavory reputations?  Do they offer guidance and support for the candidate, either directly or indirectly?  Does the candidate appear to be utilizing them because of their notoriety?  Is the candidate running as successor to a “political dynasty” or on his own merits?

12. REFERENCES.  Who recommends the candidate?  Is he or she supported by people and organizations you know and trust?  Are there any special interests or lobbies behind him, such as a church, veterans groups, civic and fraternal organizations, labor unions, financial companies, medical groups, etc.?  If so, how do you regard them?  

When casting your vote, remember the words of Samuel Adams, who said to the Boston Gazette in 1781:

Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual -- or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.

===========

Excerpted from The Pledge of Allegiance & The Star-Spangled Banner:  A Patriot’s Primer on the American Spirit by John White (in progress).

John White is author of 15 books.  His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Reader's Digest, Esquire, Woman's Day and other national media.  His latest book, not yet published, is America, Freedom and Enlightenment.  He lives in Cheshire, Connecticut.

Unemployment is the RESULT of government intervention.

Why There Are No Jobs in America

By Porter Stansberry

I'd like to make you a business offer.

Seriously. This is a real offer. In fact, you really can't turn me down, as you'll come to understand in a moment…

Here's the deal. You're going to start a business or expand the one you've got now. It doesn't really matter what you do or what you're going to do. I'll partner with you no matter what business you're in – as long as it's legal.

But I can't give you any capital – you have to come up with that on your own. I won't give you any labor – that's definitely up to you. What I will do, however, is demand you follow all sorts of rules about what products and services you can offer, how much (and how often) you pay your employees, and where and when you're allowed to operate your business. That's my role in the affair: to tell you what to do.

Now in return for my rules, I'm going to take roughly half of whatever you make in the business each year. Half seems fair, doesn't it? I think so. Of course, that's half of your profits.

You're also going to have to pay me about 12% of whatever you decide to pay your employees because you've got to cover my expenses for promulgating all of the rules about who you can employ, when, where, and how. Come on, you're my partner. It's only "fair."

Now… after you've put your hard-earned savings at risk to start this business, and after you've worked hard at it for a few decades (paying me my 50% or a bit more along the way each year), you might decide you'd like to cash out – to finally live the good life.

Whether or not this is "fair" – some people never can afford to retire – is a different argument. As your partner, I'm happy for you to sell whenever you'd like… because our agreement says, if you sell, you have to pay me an additional
20% of whatever the capitalized value of the business is at that time.

I know… I know… you put up all the original capital. You took all the risks. You put in all of the labor. That's all true. But I've done my part, too. I've collected 50% of the profits each year. And I've always come up with more rules for you to follow each year. Therefore, I deserve another, final 20% slice of the business.

Oh… and one more thing…

Even after you've sold the business and paid all of my fees… I'd recommend buying lots of life insurance. You see, even after you've been retired for years, when you die, you'll have to pay me 55% of whatever your estate is worth over $500K.


After all, I've got lots of partners and not all of them are as successful as you and your family. We don't think it's "fair" for your kids to have such a big advantage. But if you buy enough life insurance, you can finance this expense for your children.

All in all, if you're a very successful entrepreneur… if you're one of the rare, lucky, and hard-working people who can create a new company, employ lots of people, and satisfy the public… you'll end up paying me more than 75% of your income over your life. Thanks so much.

I'm sure you'll think my offer is reasonable and happily partner with me… but it doesn't really matter how you feel about it because if you ever try to stiff me – or cheat me on any of my fees or rules – I'll break down your door in the middle of the night, threaten you and your family with heavy, automatic weapons, and throw you in jail.

That's how civil society is supposed to work, right? This is Amerika, isn't it?

That's the offer Amerika gives its entrepreneurs. And the idiots in Washington wonder why there are no new jobs…

Regards,

Porter Stansberry

Porter Stansberry founded Stansberry and Associates Investment Research LLC. His company does real-world independent research, having researched 200 companies in the past 5 years.  He publishes a monthly newsletter for investors. 

Finished Projects in Cheshire

The bridges on Country Club and Weiss Road are done. The CC Road bridge is very nice. Looks to be space for a sidewalk. The stamped concrete rock look is attractive.

Would love to see the sidewalks continue on this side of town.

Christmas

CTCurmudgeon says "Merry Christmas" to all.

CTC doesn't say Happy Holidays, Season Greetings or anything else. CTC is not big into PC. More on that later.

Lottery

There are lots of radio ads for the CT Lottery. Some of the ads boast how monies raised go to the education system. It appears that program is not working.

Lottery - a tax for people who are bad at math.

I would advocate restricting advertising for Lottery. It sells to the people who can not afford it.

Cheshire Tea Party

The CTCurmudgeon hears the Cheshire Tea Party will still be meeting through the winter, on a once a month basis rather than every week. Watch for them on the 2nd Monday.

The CTCurmudgeon went to many of their rallies. Great people there and great folks going past us. Many members are now getting into conventional channels, ie the town RTC.

Are Kids Soft Today?

Check out YouTube Nutnfancy's channel. He is an Air Force pilot and does videos on the side. They are sort of addicting, esp if you are a second amendment kind of guy.

This is one of the best, it is called DePussification
http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/4/Dfx73Z6fhbc

Similarly, here is a great one on Work Ethic
http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/2/E7zR4IP8iPY

On Patriotism
http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy?blend=1&ob=4#p/search/0/vZ4_V2sBsw8

CTC

Dodd Middle School

Dodd and the other schools in Cheshire have a pretty standard substance abuse policy.

Hanging in the cafeteria / auditorium of Dodd is a full color 6 or 8 foot high painting of Bob Marley. There are some other images in that room as well. Cheshire town fathers i believe, but they are small and part of a side mural. Supposedly it is an 'art' project.

So on one hand, they say they do not tolerate drug use, and on the other, there is a "Shrine" in the most visible place in the school of a drug cult leader. The CT Curmudgeon thinks the admins endorse his lifestyle and drug use. Hmmm, not too happy about this.

How Civil Societies Work

"The Gun Is Civilization" by Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret)
Human beings only have two ways to deal with one another: reason and force.
If you want me to do something for you, you have a choice of either convincing me via argument, or force me to do your bidding under threat of force.
Every human interaction falls into one of those two categories, without exception. Reason or force, that's it.
In a truly moral and civilized society, people exclusively interact through persuasion.
Force has no place as a valid method of social interaction, and the only thing that removes force from the menu is the personal firearm, as paradoxical as it may sound to some.
When I carry a gun, you cannot deal with me by force.
You have to use reason and try to persuade me, because I have a way to negate your threat or employment of force.
The gun is the only personal weapon that puts a 100-pound woman on equal footing with a 220-pound mugger, a 75-year old retiree on equal footing with a 19-year old gang banger, and a single guy on equal footing with a carload of drunk guys with baseball bats. The gun removes the disparity in physical strength, size, or numbers between a potential attacker and a defender.
There are plenty of people who consider the gun as the source of bad force equations.
These are the people who think that we'd be more civilized if all guns were removed from society, because a firearm makes it easier for a [armed] mugger to do his job.
That, of course, is only true if the mugger's potential victims are mostly disarmed either by choice or by legislative fiat--it has no validity when most of a mugger's potential marks are armed.
People who argue for the banning of arms ask for automatic rule by the young, the strong, and the many, and that's the exact opposite of a civilized society. A mugger, even an armed one, can only make a successful living in a society where the state has granted him a force monopoly.
Then there's the argument that the gun makes confrontations lethal that otherwise would only result in injury.
This argument is fallacious in several ways. Without guns involved, confrontations are won by the physically superior party inflicting overwhelming injury on the loser.
People who think that fists, bats, sticks, or stones don't constitute lethal force watch too much TV, where people take beatings and come out of it with a bloody lip at worst.
The fact that the gun makes lethal force easier works solely in favor of the weaker defender, not the stronger attacker. If both are armed, the field is level.
The gun is the only weapon that's as lethal in the hands of an octogenarian as it is in the hands of a weight lifter.
It simply wouldn't work as well as a force equalizer if it wasn't both lethal and easily employable.
When I carry a gun, I don't do so because I am looking for a fight, but because I'm looking to be left alone.
The gun at my side means that I cannot be forced, only persuaded. I don't carry it because I'm afraid, but because it enables me to be unafraid. It doesn't limit the actions of those who would interact with me through reason, only the actions of those who would do so by force.
It removes force from the equation... and that's why carrying a gun is a civilized act.
By Maj. L. Caudill USMC (Ret.)
So the greatest civilization is one where all citizens are equally armed and can only be persuaded, never forced.

Turf for Cheshire HS

Getting Artificial Turf at CHS is like being gifted a Ferrarri.

Everyone is excited until they realize an oil change is $500, a set of brake pads are $3000 and a tune up $13,000.

How long until there is a class action for "injuries" from breathing turf dust? Grass has worked for game play for a few thousand years. Works for me.

Corporations

Corporations are a target of the left/Hollywood. Even some kids games such as ToonTown really dump on companies. As usual, they call them evil.

The truth.

Who drills for crude oil, moves it half way around the globe, refines it, and has some one on every corner selling it? Exxon. Sure they make a good deal of money, but they employ many people and serve many more.

Remember the stories of bread lines from the USSR. Capitalism is way better. We can get darn near anything to eat at a grocery store, and staying away from prepared foods, pretty inexpensively too.

Could the bureaucracy that provides public housing do that well. No way.

Corporations, think about life without them. It would be pretty bleak.

Thanks Tim White!

Tim encouraged me to start this. Here we go.

Good luck down in Haiti!!

http://timwhitelistens.blogspot.com/

New Opportunities Inc

New Opportunites Inc is a "private non profit corportion" located in CT. It operates almost exclusively on Federal grants. Hey, if it a welfare arm of the govt, call it that. It is not private. http://www.newoppinc.org/

I did some volenteer work in one of their facilites. It was sad. The people there were sullen, and coming to the trough. Sort of like their souls were not there. This program takes away the incentive to take care of them selves. They have been robbed of their independence. Men who won't take care of themselves, or do not have to, are going against their nature of being providers.

What is the solution? That is a big queston. I would start by weaning off of handouts. It will take generations to reverse this trend. Charity through government is not charity. It comes at a price, a big  price.

I am sure the steps to helping people really get better lives will become more clear in the next few years. This blog may be a bit gripey, but needs to illustrate waste and propose solutions. I welcome your comments esp on the latter.

Launching the Connecticut Curmudgeon Blog - Common Sense in the Internet Age

There are many sources of information on the web. Our job is to look for the right information to lead better lives, make better choices for us and our families.

Highlighting various issues is what will happen here.

Brought to you by a guy who is on the smart side of 40! Not quite a fully vested curmudgeon yet, but well on my way.

Stick around and let's have some fun doing this.

The CT Curmudgeon