THOUGHTS TO PONDER

The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any.

The time is now, the place is here. Stay in the present. You can do nothing to change the past, and the future will never come exactly as you plan or hope for.

I feel good about taking things to Goodwill and actually, I do like shopping at Goodwill. It's so cheap that it feels like a library where I am just checking things out for awhile until I decide to take them back.

One must be poor to know the luxury of giving.

Before you contradict an old man or woman, you should endeavor to understand them.

It really doesn't matter if the person who hurt you deserves to be forgiven. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. You have things to do and you want to move on.

Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever.

STATE CORRUPTION? REMEMBER JIM?

Sleezy states have their political culture; reformers are corrupt and the populist heroes are federal criminals.

Ohio's corruption has been overshadowed by bigger-name states in the last two years, but it would be a mistake to count it out: for several years in the last decade, the Buckeye State was a national standout. Comically unpopular Gov. Bob Taft's administration was rocked near the end by a scandal known as Coingate. Coin dealer and top Republican fundraiser Tom Noe was awarded contracts to invest $50 million on behalf of the Bureau of Workers' Compensation, which he invested in surprise—rare coins, an investment choice that would have made the state a laughing stock on its own. But it got worse: when it emerged that two coins worth $300,000 were missing, it became clear that Noe was running a money-laundering scheme. Ultimately, only $13 million was recovered, and Noe was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 2006; Taft was convicted of misdemeanors. In August 2005, Taft pleaded no contest to violating state ethics laws.

Democratic state Sen. Marc Dann, who had been a leading critic of state investment practices and led the charge against Noe, rode an anti-corruption wave into the attorney general's office, depicting himself as a strong voice against the old order. Once installed, he promptly began sexually harassing two staff members and having an extramarital affair with a third. The Cleveland Plain Dealer said Dann had "turned the attorney general's office into a laughing stock," and he was forced to resign after little more than a year in office.

Still not crooked enough? James A. Traficant, 68, an eccentric former sheriff and an Ohio Democrat who was expelled from Congress after being found guilty of bribery and racketeering, served seven years in a Minnesota prison until recently. He returned to Youngstown, Ohio recently after being released from prison. He was convicted of 10 felony counts, including filing false tax returns, accepting bribes and kickbacks, accepted labor and materials from contractors (on his Ohio farm) for congressional favors.

Ohio is not the only state with corruption; New York, Louisiana, Illinois, New Jersey, South Carolina, and Rhode Island are all in the news for their share.

Why can't we elect HONEST lawmakers who are FOR the American people instead of themselves?????

BENEFITS TO SENIORS

Don't be fooled, scammed, or brainwashed into believing the rhetoric and lies of the "Beck-ers" and hate-mongers. I think its abhorrent that Republicans and teabaggers are fueling the fires causing hate mail and death threats to elected public officials. That kind of behavior is not intelligent or adult-like. Those antagonists are acting like spoiled rotten children who didn't get their way. Their tantrums will be chastised in the November elections when they get voted out of office and replaced by mature individuals who run on a platform of integrity instead of proving their loyalties to "$pocket-$lining" insurance companies who want to gouge poor people and cut off or deny people/children with illnesses. Even senior citizens will benefit - view this:

DOCTORS, NURSES, HOSPITALS APPROVE

The following video of REAL doctors PROVES that the HEALTHCARE BILL is a GOOD THING for this country and the 32 million uninsured people it will cover. The good taxpayer and bill paying citizen will no longer carry the burden of paying for those who die needlessly or who visit emergency rooms without the ability to pay. Those poor and unemployed will now have access to healthcare, thanks to the tireless efforts of the ONE POLITICAL PARTY that CARES about the American people and this great country!

Now the PARTY OF NO has so fueled the fires that people are getting attacked, death threats are being thrust upon congressmen. They have spewed so many lies and rhetoric that uncivil people are taking to the streets in civil disobedience. That shows the mentality of the Republican Party. They are acting like a bunch of NUTS and SPITEFUL, VINDICTIVE CHILDREN. Take your toys and go home - like Senator John McCain threatened to do!

DON'T SPILL YOUR BEER WHILE FISHING

I found a report online of the craziest laws still on the books of certain states. Be careful and don't do these things:

In Missouri, It is Illegal To Drive With An Uncaged Bear (Caged Bears Are OK)

In Maine, It's Illegal To Have Christmas Decorations Up After Jan. 14

In New Jersey, It is Illegal To Wear A Bulletproof Vest While Committing A Murder

In Nevada, It Is Illegal For A Man To Buy Drinks For More Than Three People At A Time

In Wisconsin, It Is Illegal To Serve Butter Substitues In State Prisons

In New Jersey, Once Convicted Of Drunk Driving You May Never Again Have Personalized Plates

In North Dakota, Beer And Pretzels Cannot Be Served At The Same Time In Any Bar Or Restaurant

In Alaska, Waking A Sleeping Bear For A Photo Opportunity Is Strictly Forbidden

In Connecticut, A Pickle Is Not Officially A Pickle Unless It Bounces

In South Carolina, You Must Be 18 Years Of Age To Play A Pinball Machine

In Michigan, Anyone Over Age 12 May Own A Hand Gun As Long As He/She Has Not Committed A Felony

In Idaho, It Is Illegal For A Man To Give His Sweetheart A Box Of Candy Weighing More Than 50 lbs

In North Carolina, Bingo Games Can't Last More Than Five Hours

In Connecticut, It's Illegal To Walk Across A Street On Your Hands

In Louisiana, There Is A $500 Fine For Instructing A Pizza Delivery Man To Deliver Pizza To A Friend Unknowingly

In Ohio, It Is Illegal To Get A Fish Drunk (so don't spill your beer while fishing)

In Arizona, It's Illegal To Own More Than 2 Dildos. - (Psst: To anyone with 3 - PLEASE send it to Senator John McCain, because we all know what he can do with it, especially after what he said yesterday. -- He wants to take his big government paycheck, go home and DO NOTHING for the rest of the year. Gee, I thought that's what he's been doing for the past year!! SORE LOSER!)

HAVE A GOOD DAY!

GOOD AND/OR MISERABLE PLACES

In the final analysis of states, based on unemployment, inflation rates, number of foreclosures, state debts, healthcare, education, and the happiness for where you live, etc., the statistical report listed states from the worst to the best as follows:

51-Florida
50-Nevada
49-California
48-Arizona
47-Oregon
46-Idaho
45-Michigan
44-Rhode Island
43-Ohio
42-Washington
41-Tennessee
40-Illinois
39-Georgia
38-South Carolina
37-North Carolina
36-Indiana
35-Washington D.C.
34-Alabama
33-Maine
32-Arkansas
31-Colorado
30-New Jersey
29-Pennsylvania
28-New Mexico
27-Kentucky
26-Massachusetts
25-Connecticut
24-Utah
23-West Virginia
22-New Hampshire
21-Delaware
20-Minnesota
19-Louisiana
18-Missouri
17-New York
16-Alaska
15-Texas
14-Wyoming
13-Mississippi
12-Wisconsin
11-Maryland
10-Vermont
9-Virginia
8-Hawaii
7-South Dakota
6-North Dakota
5-Montana
4-Oklahoma
3-Kansas
2-Iowa
1-Nebraska

Breaking all this information down, I find that if you want to live with the millionaires, move to Hawaii if you can afford the high cost of living, but they have great weather; if you want to live among the smartest people, move to Vermont, unless you want to start a business, but be careful since they have high state debt. If you want to get drunk, go to New Hampshire; if you want to buy a gun, go to Kentucky; if you are very religious, stay in the southern states;

Tennessee doesn't have many millionaires, but you can stay sober; Texas is a good place to start a new business, and there are good jobs there. Both states have a good economy, good schools, and the least state debt, so they must be managing their money well. Both states have nice parks, good weather, and are considered happy states by the people.

Therefore, I have come to the conclusion that if I wanted to get out of the second most depressing state of Ohio, with their troubled farmers, lack of jobs, and their weak economy - accompanied by high state debt, I would move to Texas or Tennessee. The funny or coincidental thing is that my ex-husband lives in Tennessee and my aunt lives in Texas. They are both big enough states, but subconsciously good choices. It's hot in Texas, as I found out during my two week visit last year; and I enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and scenery of Tennessee. Guess I'll have to flip a coin!

CONGRESS

HEALTH CARE PASSED! THE AMERICAN PEOPLE CAN REJOICE. INSURANCE ABUSES ARE OVER AND THEY CAN'T BUY THEIR CONGRESSMAN'S VOTES ANYMORE. THE PEOPLE CAN NOW GET HEALTH INSURANCE IN SPITE OF THE PARTY OF NO! ENOUGH SAID.

DO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY OR DRUNK?

Continuing with my report of yesterday, do you want to be happy, drink a lot, are you smart or dumb, depressed, religious or have new business ideas? Where would you want to live, based on the following information?

Remember the TV show, Dumber Than A 5th Grader with Jeff Foxworthy? These states are rated on their educational systems and overall performance:

DUMBEST STATES:
10-New Mexico
9-Louisiana
8-Alabama
7-Mississippi
6-Georgia
5-Alaska
4-Hawaii
3-California
2-Arizona (was McCain born there?)
1-Nevada (all you can do is gamble?)

SMARTEST STATES:
10-Virginia
9-Minnesota
8-Nebraska
7-New Jersey
6-Montana
5-Connecticut
4-Iowa
3-Massachusetts
2-Wisconsin
1-Vermont (if some New Englanders are so smart, why can't they manage money?)

If you like to drink, the most (drunk) or the least (sober) alcohol is sold, per person, in these states:

TO BE DRUNK:
10-Colorado
9-Alaska
8-Wyoming
7-Delaware
6-North Dakota
5-Wisconsin
4-Montana
3-Washington D.C. (politicians party!)
2-Nevada (drink while gambling?)
1-New Hampshire

TO BE SOBER:
10-Ohio (we do celebrate the Buckeyes sometimes)
9-Alabama
8-West Virginia
7-North Carolina
6-Oklahoma
5-Kansas
4-Tennessee (see, a good state)
3-Arkansas
2-Kentucky (even though lots are made there)
1-Utah

BEST STATES TO START NEW BUSINESS:
10-Virginia
9-Alabama
8-Colorado
7-South Carolina
6-Florida
5-Washington
4-Wyoming
3-Texas
2-Nevada
1-South Dakota

WORST STATES TO START NEW BUSINESS:
10-Hawaii
9-Minnesota
8-Massachusetts
7-Rhode Island
6-Maine
5-Vermont
4-New York
3-California
2-New Jersey
1-Washington D.C. (definitely NOT going to New England or near politics)
In this study, it was also listed that New York(4) and South Dakota(1) have the lowest crime rate associated with this topic.

MOST TRIGGER-HAPPY STATES FOR GUN SALES:
10-Idaho
9-Arkansas
8-North Dakota
7-South Dakota
6-Alaska (remember, she shoots those moose)
5-Utah
4-Montana
3-West Virginia
2-Wyoming
1-Kentucky (many guns sold are used in IL,IN,MI,OH,TN, so the state is working to strengthen gun sales laws)

LEAST GUN SALES STATES:
10-Florida (retirees don't want to shoot each other)
9-Wisconsin
8-Delaware
7-California
6-Maryland
5-Massachusetts (at least it's safe -
4-Rhode Island { in this area)
3-New York
2-New Jersey
1-Washington D.C. (politicians don't want to shoot each other, just fight with words and NO votes)

MOST RELIGIOUS STATES:
10-Oklahoma
9-North Carolina
8-Utah
7-Kentucky (makes booze/sells guns, but church-goers)
6-Arkansas
5-Tennessee
4-Louisiana
3-South Carolina
2-Alabama
1-Mississippi

LEAST RELIGIOUS STATES:
10-Wisconsin
9-California
8-New York
7-Oregon
6-Colorado
5-Connecticut/Rhode Island
4-Massachusetts
3-Maine
2-Alaska
1-New Hampshire/Vermont (maybe New England needs more churches)

MOST DEPRESSED STATES (bad winters, fewer jobs, healthcare problems):
10-Indiana, jobs
9-California, high foreclosure rates
8-Washington, bad weather
7-Connecticut, jobs, healthcare
6-Michigan, poor auto industry
5-Utah, poor mental health, high suicide rate-youth to middle-age
4-Missouri, bad school system, high homicide rate
3-Rhode Island, high manufacturing area with few jobs
2-Ohio, weak financially, few jobs, farmers hit with bad weather
1-Nevada, highest suicide rate for seniors, casino revenues down

HAPPY STATES:
10-South Carolina, nice beaches, religious area
9-Minnesota, federal funds created jobs, auto/home sales up
8-North Dakota, less stressed, better physical/mental health
7-Texas, strong economy, good education
6-Iowa, good healthcare, expanding businesses, safe neighborhoods
5-Tennessee, nice parks, good weather, low cost of living, a 'happy state'
4-Florida, retirement destination, good weather, beaches, seniors still happy in tough times and high foreclosures
3-South Dakota, new jobs, tourism, good quality of life
2-Hawaii, high cost of living, but good weather, air quality, and fresh fruits
1-Louisiana, despite Katrina, good mental health, residents still optimistic, got millions in federal funds

If you need recession relief, move to Texas or Alabama. Austin, Texas is the home of Dell Computers and good jobs; Huntsville, Alabama is the home of Walmart (need I say more?). Avoid moving to Michigan (Flint or Detroit especially, because of the poor auto industry right now), or California (especially Los Angeles, Fresno, or Bakersfield) where the economy is much worse there.

Stay tuned, I have one more list to share and my final analysis tomorrow.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE?

Did you ever wonder what different states have to offer? What about other countries? I found a survey and statistical report that gave me a lot of information. Evaluate it and see where you want to live! (Number 1 is the one to watch in each category.)

COUNTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST PERSONAL INCOME TAX RATES:
14-USA 17.75%
13-Japan 18.32%
12-Canada 19.23%
11-Iceland 19.50%
10-Australia 21.73%
9-France 24.03%
8-Italy 25.55%
7-Greece 26.45%
6-Finland 30%
5-Austria 32.83%
4-Germany 33.02%
3-Belgium 36.65%
2-Denmark 38.25%
1-Hungary 38.30%
So we live in a pretty good country, huh; and you complain about YOUR taxes?

STATES WITH THE MOST MILLIONAIRES:
10-Washington D.C. (politicians?)
9-California (movie stars?)
8-New Hampshire
7-Alaska (Sarah Palin is one)
6-Massachusetts
5-Virginia (close enough to work in D.C.)
4-Connecticut
3-New Jersey
2-Maryland (close enough to work in D.C.)
1-Hawaii (where they go to retire)

STATES WITH THE FEWEST MILLIONAIRES:
10-Alabama
9-Louisiana
8-Tennessee
7-Oklahoma
6-North Dakota
5-South Dakota
4-Kentucky
3-West Virginia
2-Arkansas
1-Mississippi (a poor state??)

STATES WITH THE HIGHEST DEBTS:
10-Montana
9-Vermont
8-New York
7-New Hampshire
6-New Jersey
5-Delaware
4-Connecticut
3-Rhode Island
2-Alaska
1-Massachusetts
I wonder if New Englanders know how to manage money? Why does the famous former governor's state owe so much now?

STATES WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DEBT:
10-Kansas
9-Minnesota
8-Alabama
7-Nevada
6-Arizona
5-Nebraska
4-Arkansas
3-Texas
2-Georgia
1-Tennessee (must be good there)

MOST EXPENSIVE CITIES IN THE WORLD:
(to live or visit)
12-Shanghai
11-Milan
10-Singapore
9-Beijing
8-New York
7-Copenhagen (high wages, strong unions)
6-Zurich
5-Hong Kong
4-Geneva
3-Moscow
2-Osaka, Japan (housing rates high)
1-Tokyo (cash only, take few credit cards)

So far, with this information, I'll avoid traveling overseas, going to the Big Apple, and I'll probably stay out of New England and the Washington D.C. area. Tomorrow I will list states for other attributes, like smart/dumb states, business friendly states, religious states and happy states. Stay tuned!

IMPORTANT SUNDAY

This weekend, Congress will be voting on the most important legislation in history, since Medicare and/or Social Security was passed years ago, through the COURAGE of prior Presidents. Since the insurance companies are running things in this country, paying for whatever they want in Congress, lining the pockets of many Republicans, and giving million dollar bonus's to their employees for ripping off the average American, the new Bill will make the following improvements:

* It makes health insurance affordable for middle class and small businesses—including the largest middle class tax cuts for health care in history – reducing premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
* It gives millions of Americans the same types of private insurance choices that members of Congress will have—through a new competitive health insurance market that keeps costs down.
* It holds insurance companies accountable to keep premiums down and prevent denials of care and coverage, including for pre-existing conditions.
* It improves Medicare benefits with lower prescription drug costs for those in the ‘donut hole,’ better chronic care, free preventive care, and nearly a decade more of solvency for Medicare.
* It reduces the deficit by more than $130 billion over next ten years, and by more than one trillion dollars over the following decade; reining waste, fraud and abuse; over-payments to insurance companies and by paying for quality over quantity of care.

The Bill improves on the Senate version by:

* Providing the biggest middle class tax cut for health care in history and making health insurance even more affordable for middle class families.
* Strengthening consumer protections and reining in insurance company abuses.
* Further reducing the deficit in the first and second decades. With the new changes, this bill will become the largest deficit reduction effort in more than a decade.
* Closing the gap in prescription drug coverage for seniors covered by Medicare, known as the donut hole, and extending the solvency of Medicare.
* Expanding health insurance coverage to 32 million Americans, guaranteeing that 95% of Americans will be covered.

In his recent speech in Ohio, the President said we all need COURAGE to look to the future. Like the lion in the Wizard of Oz, courage comes from within. Reach out and give someone courage; courage to do the right thing.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

At the White House sometime today, the Irish ambassador will present President Obama with a ceremonial gift of shamrock, and the sprouts – flown in from Ireland for the occasion -- will probably arrive in a Irish crystal vase.

In the past, St. Patrick's Day was celebrated largely by the Irish community in New York with the world's oldest and largest parade. After Ireland became an independent republic, the events of the day became more political. Ireland wasn't in the United Nations or NATO, so a photo op with the president not only pleased Irish-Americans, it was a way to unofficially gain favor with the United States during the Cold War. It was during the Eisenhower Administration that St. Patrick's Day took on more importance, and the box of shamrock became a custom-made Waterford crystal vase.

Ronald Reagan took things up a notch because of his Irish roots. And Bill Clinton used the day to highlight his commitment to peace in Northern Ireland. George W. Bush toned things down as a signal that he would not be so involved in Northern Ireland affairs.

The results of 60 years of St. Patrick's Day at the White House?

Warm relations between the two countries. And a heck of a lot of Waterford crystal in the White House.

To see the story of Saint Patrick himself, visit Sue's News using the link on the right...Favorite Blogs.

STOP IGNORNANCE IN AMERICA

If you have been dumb enough to watch Fox News lately, then you've seen the most ignorant man in America now...Glenn Beck!

His ideas are so far fetched, I wonder how ANYONE can believe one word he spews. He does NOT fact-check his information, he just spews ignorance to influence the most vulnerable people into believing lies, lies, lies. For example, Beck says that the 2010 Census is an attempt to increase Slavery! Get real!!!?!!! Hate Mongering Racism!

Join the move to STOP GLENN BECK and go to StopBeck.com to see what's up. The website explains how several of Beck's show sponsors have dropped him, and there is a list of those still throwing advertising money down the abyss of Beck. Email or call these sponsors and tell them to STOP sponsoring his show.

Here is a brief list:

American Petroleum - 202.682.8000
Carbonite - david.friend@carbonite.com - 877.665.4466
Dish Network - Ira.Bahr@echostar.com
Goldline - info@goldline.com - 877.376.2646
FreeScore - rob@mediafirstpr.com
LifeLock - mike@lifelock.com - 480.682.5100
Sokolove Law - info@sokolovelaw.com
Sun Setter Awnings - jonathan@sunsetter.com - 800.876.2340
Tax Masters - info@txmstr.com
Zero Water - zeroteam@jbcumberland.com - 800.503.2939

Beck has already LOST more than 100 sponsors; you can see the list on the website. (Mini list: Allstate, Turbo Tax, Idaho Potato Commission, Weight Watchers, George Forman Products, AT&T, Bank of America, Best Buy, and MANY MORE.)

GET INVOLVED! GET SMART! FIGHT IGNORANCE ON THE AIR!
(See the link to the website at the top right of this blog.)

PASSING OF AN ICON

Please join me in remembering a great icon of the entertainment community.

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, Snap-Crackle and Pop along with Captain Crunch.

The grave site was piled high with flours. Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly described Doughboy as a man who never knew how much he was kneaded. Doughboy rose quickly in show business, but his later life was filled with turnovers. He was not considered a very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough on half-baked schemes. Despite being a little flaky at times he was still a crusty old man and was considered a roll model for millions.


Doughboy is survived by his wife , Play Dough, two children, John Dough and Jane Dough, plus they had one in the oven. He is also survived by his elderly dad, Pop Tart. The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20 minutes.

A FIREFIGHTER

When the Lord was creating Firefighters, he was into his sixth day of overtime when an angel appeared and said, "Your doing a lot of fiddling around on this one."

And the Lord said, "Have you read the specification on this person? Firefighters have to be able to go for hours fighting fires or tending to a person that the usual every day person would never touch, while putting in the back of their mind the circumstances. They have to be able to move at a second's notice and not think twice of what they are about to do, no matter what danger. They have to be in top physical condition at all times, running on half-eaten meals, and they must have six pairs of hands."

The angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pairs of hands...no way." "It's not the hands that are causing me problems," said the Lord, "it's the three pairs of eyes a Firefighter has to have." That's on the standard model? " asked the angel.

The Lord nodded. "One pair that sees through the fire and where they and their fellow Firefighters should fight the fire next. Another pair here in the side of the head to see their fellow Firefighters and keep them safe. And another pair of eyes in the front so that they can look for the victims caught in the fire that need their help."

"Lord," said the angel, touching his sleeve, "Rest and work on this tomorrow." "I can't, said the Lord, "I already have a model that can carry a 250 pound man down a flight of stairs and to safety from a burning building, and can feed a family of five on a civil service paycheck." The angel circled the model of the Firefighter very slowly, "Can it think?"

"You bet," said the Lord. It can tell you the elements of a hundred fires; and can recite procedures in their sleep that are needed to care for a person until they reach the hospital. And all the while they have to keep their wits about themselves. This Firefighter also has phenomenal personal control. They can deal with a scene full of pain and hurt, coaxing a child's mother into letting go of the child so that they can care for the child in need. And still they rarely get the recognition for a job well done from anybody, other than from fellow Firefighters."

Finally, the angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek of the Firefighter. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "Lord, it's a tear." "What's the tear for?" asked the angel. "It's a tear from bottled-up emotions for fallen comrades. A tear for commitment to that funny piece of cloth called the American Flag. It's a tear for all the pain and suffering they have encountered. And it's a tear for their commitment to caring for and saving lives of their fellow man!"

"What a wonderful feature Lord, you're a genius," said the angel. The Lord looked somber and said, "I didn't put it there."

IS THIS A GREAT COUNTRY OR WHAT?

So you're a senior citizen and the government says no health care for you, what do you do?

The NEW plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to shoot 2 senators and 2 representatives. Of course, this means you will be sent to prison where you will get 3 meals a day, a roof over your head, and all the health care you need! New teeth, no problem. Need glasses, great. New hip, knees, kidney, lungs, heart? All covered.

And who will be paying for all of this? The same government that just told you that you are too old for health care. Plus, because you are a prisoner, you don't have to pay any income taxes anymore.

ISN'T IT GREAT! GO CONGRESS!

RECYCLE

At the end of the tax year, the IRS send an auditor to review the books of a synagogue. While he was checking the books, he turned to the Rabbi and said: “I notice you buy a lot of candles. What do you do with the candle drippings?”

“Good question” noted the Rabbi. “We save them up and send them back to the candle makers, and every now and then they send us a free box of candles.”

“Oh” replied the auditor (somewhat disappointed that his unusual question had a practical answer; but on he went, in his obnoxious way): “What about all these biscuit purchases? What do you do with the crumbs?”

“Ah, yes” replied the Rabbi, realizing that the inspector was trying to trap him with an unanswerable question.

“We collect them and send them back to the manufacturers, and every now and then they send a free box of holy biscuits.”

“I see” replied the auditor, thinking hard about how he could fluster the know-it-all Rabbi.

“Well, Rabbi” he went on “What do you do with all the leftover foreskins from the circumcisions you perform?”

“Here, too, we do not waste” answered the Rabbi. “What we do is save up all the foreskins and send them to the IRS, and once a year they send us a complete prick”.

THE RICH RUN THINGS

Who do you think is now the richest man in the WORLD, outranking Bill Gates and Warren Buffet? Who owns a MAJOR part of the NEW YORK TIMES? No one from the United States! Surprised?

He is 70-year old Carlos Slim from Mexico City, Mexico, the son of an immigrant shopkeeper. He is a telecom tycoon who has amassed a fortune of $53.5 billion.

Slim owns a telephone company (cell phones and landlines), shopping centers, construction and manufacturing companies, banks, resturants, plus a Sears and Saks store. He is known for wearing inexpensive suits and rarely uses computers, that one of his companies sells, enjoys cigars and diet soft drinks. By trade Slim is a civil engineer, and bought up troubled government-owned companies, fixed them up and resold them for large profits.

Other top 10 billionaires from developing nations include one from India and one from Brazil. Gates and Buffett have made significant donations of wealth lately, which caused them to fall to #2 and #3 on the top 10 list. In January, Slim announced that he was making a $65 million donation for research on cancer, type 2 diabetes and kidney disease in Mexican populations.

Slim said wealth is a responsibility, not a privilege, according to an Associated Press article I read. Some Mexicans say they live in a dog-eat-dog economic system, because more than 50 million of the 107 million people there live in poverty. One Mexican was quoted as saying that Slim's wealth is part of what is wrong with the political system and the corruption in the circles of power that allow there to be few rich and millions of poor people.

Has this information struck a nerve or rang your bell yet? Don't you think of Wall Street millionaires who are ruining the economics in this country? What about the big corporations who pour millions of dollars into the political campaigns to get their "favorites" elected? Now that the Supreme Court just unlocked that loophole in the system by their recent ruling, now foreign corporations can be included in those big donations. What about the woman from one of the largest health insurance companies who recently testified in a congressional hearing and admitted to her salary being $1.3 million. The insurance companies are making millions in profits off the backs of the poor insured in this country.

Ask yourself what's wrong with this country and your answer SHOULD be: the rich are running the economy, the rich are running the insurance industry, the rich are buying lobbyists who put the corruption in congress, and the rich corporations are running the political systems. Why do you think all the AIG executives are getting million dollar bonus's after their govenment bailout?

Remember, the RICH run Wall Street, insurance companies, big banks, big corporations, and more. And the RICH get RICHER!!