Inequality is not a myth.
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Inequality is not a myth.
| Tue, 09-30-2014 - 10:56am |
I think Paul Krugman said it best in his weekend column.
Today’s political balance rests on a foundation of ignorance, in which the public has no idea what our society is really like.

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You skipped a lot of history in regards to the Catholic church jams, lots of history.
PumpkinAngel
#1. The first few paragraphs below are with regard to JUST ONE MAKE of horribly over-priced wealth concentrating gadgets that American consumer junkies have gone further into debt for.
Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone to the public on January 9, 2007. The two initial models were priced at $499USD and $599USD. Both required a two year contract. They went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007. Hundreds of customers were lined up outside the stores nationwide. That's not hundreds of customers total. That's hundreds of customers LINED UP at EACH of the retail outlets nationwide on June 29th, 2007.
Over 1 million 4S models were sold in the first 24 hours after its release in October 2011. Because of the high prices and units sold, most of which were sold in the US, Apple became the largest mobile handset vendor in the world by revenue.
From 2007 to 2011, Apple spent $647 million on advertising for the iPhone in the US alone. From day one, the horribly over-priced iphones have been marketed to the masses. Not just the rich. Their mass-market strategy has paid off in the form of record high profits making it one of the most valuable corporate entities on the planet.
In January 2012, Apple reported its best quarterly earnings ever, with 53% of its revenue coming from the sale of 37 million iPhones, at an average selling price of nearly $660. That's 37 MILLION iphones sold in JUST ONE QUARTER of 2011. Approximately half of which were sold in the US. The average selling price has remained constant for most of the phone's lifespan. The production price of the iPhone 4S was estimated by IHS iSuppli, in October 2011, to be $188, $207 and $245, for the 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB models, respectively. Labor costs are estimated at between $12.50 and $30 per unit, with workers on the iPhone assembly line making $1.78 an hour.
See that? Iphones not only concentrate wealth reaped from the masses. They also export labor dirt cheap in order to concentrate EVEN MORE wealth in the form of RECORD PROFITS. Thereby making the rich even richer.
Regarding the filthy-disgusting rich 'wardrobe malfunction' staging diva. Her $15.99 'download' sold nearly a million copies just within the first 10 days. That's over $15,000,000 just within the first 10 days. 30% went to Apple. The other 70% went to the filthy-disgusting rich 'wardrobe malfunction' staging diva and her wealth concentrating record company.
I don't know what cave you've been living in but outside of that cave, it is well known that American consumer junkies from ordinary walks of life, credit cards in hand, line up for over-priced crap as if it's going out of style.
Part #2, #3, and #4 are in the works. Of course, I had to sign in 4 times just to get part #1 posted.
#2. With regard to your Fantasy Land assertion that our country is funded by the rich.
Don't believe this crap about the rich paying 37% of the taxes and the poor paying none. It's a trick. A spin on statistics to make it seem as if the rich are overtaxed. They aren't. But they damn well should be.
Be careful when you hear or read anything regarding the PERCENTAGE of OVERALL FEDERAL INCOME taxes paid by any particular group, it's a terribly misleading statistic. The rich pay a larger PERCENTAGE of OVERALL FEDERAL INCOME taxes now than 10 years ago because they have a larger PERCENTAGE of INCOME in America now than 10 years ago. That statistic regarding 37% of Federal Income Taxes is one of the most misleading in the history of propaganda.
When you account for all FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL taxes and fees, the lowest quintile in America (20%) actually pays about the same rate (as a percentage of income) as the top quintile. The difference is within 5 percent.
When you account for all FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL taxes and fees, the middle class actually pay about the same rate (as a percentage of income) as the rich. The difference is within 3 percent. It shouldn't be that way. The rich should pay MUCH more simply because they are horribly over-paid. We aren't. They own 43% of all financial wealth in America. We share the rest. But it gets even more disgusting. The devil is in the details.
Corporate profits have been partially subsidized with federal, state, and local revenue. Many have been increased by no-bid government contracts. These financial benefits have been hoarded at the top. Business managers make up the largest group of one percent club pigs. Plus 1/2 of the entire market is owned by the top 1%. Their record territory dividends have been partially subsidized by federal, state, and local revenue. Hundreds of billions worth. The benefits have not been shared proportionally with the little guy. Not even close. The lopsided division of growth across quintiles proves it.
The highest percentile has grown more than 10 times faster than the middle percentile over the last 35 years. This is true EVEN AFTER taxes. When you account for inflation and the actual cost of living (tied directly to record high profits in energy, finance, and healthcare), the middle class have actually lost relative buying power while the top 1% have drastically increased their income and bottom line wealth.
In 1976 (when their tax rates were much higher), the richest one percent reaped 9 percent of all private income and held less than 20 percent of all private wealth in America. Now, they reap well over 20 percent of all private income and hold over 40 percent of all private wealth. Meanwhile, the lower majority (those who are still employed) are working more hours and have less to show for it.
Just to make it crystal clear: The rich do not pay 37% of all taxes. They never have. Their share as a group represents just over their share of income. The difference is within 5 percent. Much of which again, is funneled right back into their top-heavy wealth concentrating corporate entities in the form of government subsidies and no-bid government contracts.
The rich aren't over-taxed. They are over-paid.
If the rich want to pay a lower share of the taxes in America, then they should reap themselves a lower share of the income in America. They should also reap that income without hundreds of billions of dollars in government subsidies.
In other words, don't be so rich to begin with.
Parts #3 and #4 are in the works. So far, after 4 tries, my account remains logged in.
#3a. With regard to your Fantasy Land assertion that the rich 'give back' and 'give back big'.
Big name celebrities have no desire to make the world a better place.
The rich and famous do not want to be seen as 'pigs' or go down in history as 'villains'. They want to be seen as 'heros' and go down in history as 'humanitarians'. The market for their product has become global. The fan base has become global. Therefore, the 'humanitarian' effort and 'good will' PR machine has gone global. These 'humanitarian' efforts and 'good deeds' are not chosen to address the greatest need or injustice. They are chosen almost exclusively to appeal to the largest demographic for their respective commercial products. The largest fan base. Efficiency or effect is of little or no concern. Its all about PR, marketing, image, and fame. This is why the rich and famous have all taken up 'philanthropy' or 'good will' around the world. This is why so many have 'schools' or 'foundations' in their name. This is why so many play golf or appear on a TV game show for 'charity'. This is why so many sign motorcycles, other merchandise, or auction off their own 'personal effects' for 'charity'. This is why so many have TV shows with a 'charitable' gimmick. This is why so many arrange photo ops with wounded veterans, firefighters, or sick children. This is why so many have adopted children from around the world (Which they always pay others to care for full time. The hired professionals are sworn by legal contract to confidentiality. Not allowed to discuss or appear in public with the children they care for. Those 'photo' and 'interview' opportunities are reserved exclusively for the rich and famous 'adoptive' parents.). This is why every 'humanitarian' effort and 'good deed' is plastered all over the media worldwide. Its not about 'humanity' or 'good will'. Its all about marketing, image, fame, and PROFIT. This is why we are so often reminded of their respective 'good deeds' or 'humanitarian' efforts shortly before or after the release of their latest commercial product.
Charitywatch.org and Charitynavigator.org are both non-profit charity watchdogs. Of all the well rated charities (currently about 1500), no more than 5 are closely affiliated with celebrities. That's a maximum of 5 well rated celebrity foundations out of 1500. In general, celebrity foundations run like crap because they blow half the money on private jet rides, five star accommodations, and PR crews. The fans have been terribly misled.
For example: Virtually every penny 'donated' by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt to date has come from repeated sales of baby photos. With each sale, the baby money goes to the 'Jolie-Pitt' foundation. A foundation which has never done anything but shelter funds. The 'donation' is immediately publicized worldwide. When Jolie or Pitt have a new movie to promote, a portion is then donated from their own 'foundation' to a legitimate charity. This leaves their ignorant fans under the impression that 'another' donation has been made. When in fact, its the same baby money being transferred again and again. Another portion is blown on private jet rides, super-exclusive accommodations, photo ops, and PR crap. This saves Jolie and Pitt millions in travel/stay expenses and their respective studios tens of millions in advertising. It's all very calculated. Of course, Jolie and Pitt could simply endorse any of the 1500 most efficient and effective charities. Of course, the baby money would go much further and do far more good if it were donated to such charities to begin with. But that would be too boring.
The 'Make it Right' Foundation took in over $12,000,000 the first year alone. Over $45,000,000 to date. Brad Pitt has never been the primary donor, planner, or designer. He is a founder, a figurehead, and salesman with a position on the board of advisors. Nothing more. Still, he has been showered EXCLUSIVELY with glorious praise by fellow celebrities and media outlets around the world. Again, the fans have been terribly misled..
In order to move into a 'green' home, the innocent victims of Katrina are required to provide a property deed, meet a number of financial requirements, and pay an average of $150,000 UP FRONT. The difference is offered in cheap loans or on occasion (according to the website) forgiven. To date, only a few dozen former home owners have qualified. The 'Make it Right' foundation was never intended to help the lower income residents of New Orleans reclaim anything lost in Katrina. In fact, 'Make it Right' is part of a calculated effort to rebuild the Lower Ninth Ward without them. Part of a calculated effort to raise property values in the area by displacing the poor. They are by design, excluded. Unable to qualify.
Of course, Brad Pitt could have simply endorsed 'Habitat For Humanity'. A well known, proven, and efficient home building operation. Of course, the tens of millions in funding would have gone MUCH further. But that would be too boring. Big name celebrities have no desire to make the world a better place. Their primary goal is to appear as if they do. It's a sham. Good will has become big business.
By the way, I fully expect you Jolie/Pitt supporters and PROMOTERS to respond with an attempt to discredit me. When you do, please answer a few questions.
#1. How much of that baby money went DIRECTLY to cause? (I say about 1/2. The rest was spent on plane rides, super exclusive accommodations, and PR crap for Jolie and Pitt.).
#2. How much of that baby money is left? (I say it's all gone.).
#3. Why don't Jolie and Pitt 'donate' millions anymore? (I say it's because the baby money has been spent.).
#4. How much money was raised for Pitt's 'Make it Right' Foundation/PR firm? (I say over $45,000,000 from a number of sources including Pitt's ignorant fans.).
#5. How many former homeowners displaced and/or WIPED OUT by Hurricane Katrina have been able to qualify for 'Make it Right' homes? (I say 4-6 dozen MAX.).
#6. WHY SHOULD THAT SORT OF HORRIBLY SLOW AND INEFFICIENT PROGRESS COST OVER 45 MILLION DOLLARS? (I say, it's primarily because the operation was never intended to run efficiently to begin with. It was intended to rebuild and 'upgrade' New Orleans. To raise property values in the area by DISPLACING THE POOR. BY MAKING DAMN SURE THEY WOULD NOT QUALIFY NO MATTER HOW MUCH THEY LOST.).
#7. WHY IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS LOGICAL IN THE UNIVERSE DIDN'T BRAD PITT SIMPLY ENDORSE HABITAT FOR HUMANITY? A THOROUGHLY PROVEN, WELL RATED, EFFICIENT, AND EFFECTIVE NON-PROFIT HOME BUILDING EFFORT? (I say it's because that would have been too boring.).
#8. When is 'Make it Right' FINALLY going to get it's act together, open it's books, and earn a decent rating from CharityWatch.org or CharityNavigator.org? (I say NEVER.).
Parts #3b and #4 are in the works.
#3b. Also with regard to your Fantasy Land assertion that the rich 'give back' and 'give back big'.
The following entry was posted long before Madonna's 'Raising Malawi' charity was finally reported to have wasted, squandered, or lost millions while accomplishing virtually nothing it promised. The charity did finally re-organize it's operation, secure MORE funding, and work with a number of more legitimate charities to help build a number of very small and modest schools in Malawi. That should have been the strategy from day one. But again, that would have been too boring for the Material Girl. Like Oprah Winfrey, Madonna wanted her own multi-million dollar shrine. This entry was just one of many attempts I made to get through to Madonna's ignorant fans and supporters in the years leading up to the reported failure and reorganization of 'Raising Malawi'. I was a regular on the RM website until the option to comment was finally removed.
Part 1. December 2009..
I allege that Madonna is not the primary donor for the Raising Malawi foundation, the Success for Kids foundation, or any other. I allege that she is not even paying for the 'school' or the 'electricity' that she has already promised for Malawi. I allege that her claims of generosity are terribly misleading. PROOF: The Raising Malawi foundation was founded in '06' by Madonna and Michael Berg. This according to Madonna herself. In early '08', the Raising Malawi foundation issued a statement claiming to have raised 3.7 million along with Gucci from a single event. The money (net gain) was never accounted for however, the event itself was promoted and praised in the name of 'humanity'. Specifically, the Raising Malawi foundation. Around the same time, Madonna released a statement along with Raising Malawi promising to build a $15,000,000 'all girls' school in the impoverished country.
In October of '09', Madonna released a video pleading with her fans worldwide to support the Raising Malawi foundation along with a promise to 'match' any contributions made. There was no catch of any kind mentioned in that video. However, there have already been two disclaimers posted on the Raising Malawi website, which limit Madonna's total 'match' liability to $100,000 and $150,000 (Less than 1/10 of one percent of her own multi-hundred-million dollar fortune. Less than 2% of the total reported cost to complete the school in Malawi.). It was reported in November of '09', that Madonna secured a $7,000,000 donation from Brazil's richest man, multi-billionaire Eike Batista. This in order to meet a 'goal' of $10,000,000 for a new Success for Kids foundation. Which by the way, hasn't even been registered yet. Its also been reported that Madonna has 'raised' (Thats raised, not donated.) 5.5 million 'yearly' for the Raising Malawi foundation and that assets held were already in excess of $23,000,000 as of August. This was before the latest video in which Madonna pleads with her fans worldwide for more. Finally, Forbes has been publicizing an annual list of the 'most generous' or 'top giving' celebrities for at least several years that I know of (All greedy, over-demanding, over-paid, filthy-rich, obscene wealth concentrating hypocrites.). Even Rush Limbaugh made the list with contributions of just over $4,000,000. Madonna has never made the list. Not even once. Not even close.
I allege that the 3.7 million Raising Malawi claimed to have raised along with Gucci from a single event in early '08' (The grand opening of their new flagship store in New York.) has never been accounted for. I also allege that the Raising Malawi foundation didn't even register as a 'non-profit' until early '09'. PROOF: This has been reported several times by the mainstream media. Fox News did at least one segment on the story making reference to both allegations. The Insider made reference as well. Others have been made by lesser known media outlets. All of which could have been held liable if the specific claims were proven to be false. They were not. In fact, there were calls throughout '08' and '09' for some response on the part of Raising Malawi. There has been no answer. Not even to refute the claims. In August of '09' there was finally a report that Gucci had filed a 'timely' claim to have donated "just over" $3,000,000 to Raising Malawi but no 'net gain' has been reported or confirmed. There has been no report of related expenditures on the part of Raising Malawi and no indication of how any 'net gain' may have been spent. Not even on the Raising Malawi website. I also allege that no itemized progress/efficiency report has been posted by Raising Malawi for any time frame after three full years of fundraising and that they have still failed to earn a decent (or any) rating from any independent charity watchdog. PROOF: Again, Madonna herself claims to have founded Raising Malawi with Michael Berg in '06'. The 'impact' page makes vague references to 'progress' made to date with 'invaluble partners' operating in Malawi including over 20 seperate entities. Each of which have their own sources of funding. However, no indication is made what portion of that 'progress' was actually funded by Raising Malawi. Not one single cost is accounted for. There is no 'dollar in dollar out' report posted for any time frame. CharityWatch.org, CharityNavigator.org, and BBB.org (Better Business Bereau) are the most well known and thorough charity watchdogs evaluating and rating literally hundreds of non-profits (Although CharityNavigator.org is more forgiving in general. They also have a conflict of interest. They sell commercial ad space.). As of 12.27.09, no rating has been given for Raising Malawi. I realize that Raising Malawi didn't even register as a 'non-profit' until early '09' but they were founded in '06'. They started raising funds from day one. They have never explained why it took so long to register as a 'non profit'. They have still failed to open their books for review. Not for any charity watchdog anywhere and not even for their potential donors. There is no independent rating posted anywhere, no accreditation of any kind on the Raising Malawi site, and none given by phone (888-72-DONOR)..
I allege that although Raising Malawi appears to operate within the law as a 'non-profit' (Which means only that donations are not converted or payed directly to owners or shareholders.), there are ulterior motives, marketing gimmicks, and actual (real world) profits being made as a direct result. PROOF: There is a claim made on the Raising Malawi site that by purchasing the pendent shown on the homepage, you actually support the 'non-profit' foundation. However, the phrase "shop now", which is actually an active link, takes you directly to a specific page of an online 'for profit' entity where very expensive high-end jewelry is sold. The option is present to purchase not only the specific piece from which profits are donated, but also the entire line. You could literally spend $100,000 on that site with not a single dime going to charity of any kind. Simply by skipping the option to purchase the pendant shown and purchasing other items instead. These are the very same items sold at high end retail outlets around the world. Which just happen to be posted right there onsite. Also on the Raising Malawi site, there is an option to purchase the 'I am because we are' DVD. There have been claims made by Madonna that she produced the DVD in an attempt to make people 'aware' of Malawi. However, the price listed on the subsequent page is right around average for any Hollywood blockbuster. In fact, you could actually find a better deal elsewhere. Again, the devil is in the details (Which you are not expected to consider.). The active link takes you directly to another 'for profit' entity where DVDs are sold 'for profit'. No specific claim is made on either site that profits are donated anywhere. Not even for the 'I am because we are' DVD. In addition, Madonna actually founded Semtek Films. Another 'for profit' entity which has also mass produced several other projects, starring, directed, or written by Madonna. Finally, it is well known that profits for mass produced DVDs are in general, astronomical.
Part 2. December 2009..
I have just posted solid evidence to support several of the most serious allegations I have made against Madonna and the Raising Malawi foundation. In addition, I allege that like many other big celebrity/big business foundations, Raising Malawi to date has been inefficient and riddled with corruption. Actually charging private jet rides, super exclusive 5 star accomodations, and other unnecessary perks directly to the 'non-profit' foundation itself. I fully expect Success for Kids and any other 'charity' closely affiliated with Madonna to operate the same way. Effectively giving Madonna and others the privelage to travel this mostly poor, but beautiful world free of charge. Flying, dining, bathing, and sleeping 'First Class' in some of the most exotic locations and exclusive resorts in the world. Which in another example of profound injustice, just happen to exist and operate in some of the poorest. Even Africa. Even Brazil. In most cases, the vast overwhelming majority of locals can't even hope to afford such accomodations for a single day. They find it difficult enough just to survive. But Madonna (Currently worth over $325,000,000 and counting.), not only can, but does take full advantage of such injustice. Not only concentrating even more of the world's wealth and thereby causing more poverty, but fully exploiting the non-profit laws more for her own good than anything else. Although I admit making some of these later allegations by reading between the lines, I feel strongly that they will be proven in time. .
Mark my words: The Raising Malawi foundation has been operating much like any established government for over three years. Basically within the law but riddled with corruption. Of course, I don't have their books. I can't tell you what specific accomodations were made for Madonna in Malawi when she flew in to plant a tree (photo-op) in October. I can't tell you where she stayed for that week, what exotic food she ate, what karat of gold she sat on to expel her waste, or what exclusive brand of tissue was flown in for her to wipe with. I can not tell you how much any of it cost. But I can assure you that it was all covered in the name of 'humanity'. There will be many more private jet rides and super exclusive accomodations for Madonna provided in some of the most exotic locations in the world. Not noble, necessary, or efficient by any stretch of the imagination. Still, these incredibly expensive perks will be demanded by Madonna and payed for by those foolish enough to support her 'good will'. Of course, there will be more free publicity and further profits made with each and every 'humanitarian' effort. Which as usual, will be publicized at critical (commercial) moments in time. Which again, is the very motive to begin with. This is what 'charity' has become all too often in this world of Earth shattering greed, vanity, and hypocrisy. Good Will has become Big Business.
Part #4 is in the works.
Part #4. With regard to your assumption that I practice something other than what I preach. Think again. I have been practicing exactly what I preach for at least a decade running. The following entry was first posted in 2006 and updated several times. The last update was made in 2009.
Spend your money as wisely as possible. Especially in middle and lower class communities. Check the Fortune 500 list and limit your support of high profit/low labor industries (Hollywood, pro sports, energy, credit, pharmaceutical, cable, satellite, internet advertising, video, and music, cell phone, high fashion, jewelry, ect.). Cancel all but one credit card for emergencies only. Call the provider and demand a lower rate. Be persistent. You may get it. (By the way. I gave this piece of advice long before NBC. I'm not looking for kudos. I'm telling you that NBC is directly affiliated with the credit industry. They could have given you this piece of advice years ago. Instead, they stood by and allowed their parent company, sister companies, and network sponsors to RIP YOU OFF. Even now, they give the occasional 'good guy' financial advice only because they are pressured to do so. They carefully balance every piece of 'good guy' advice with their primary goal to GET YOUR MONEY. Which is why their 'good guy' advice is so often followed by a plug for one of their sister companies, sister channels, network sponsors, or corporate partners. For example: They tell you to pay down your credit card debt. Good advice. They should have given it years ago. Then, they tell you to GET MORE CREDIT CARDS and use them. Bad advice. One week Jean Chatzky tells you to avoid the 'free credit report' scam because it is always followed by a monthly service charge. Good advice. They should have given it years ago. The following week she stands by as her paid fellow adviser Carmen Wong strongly implies for you to have your credit monitored on a monthly basis and praises a caller for doing so. Bad advice. This is actually a plug for one of their network sponsors, corporate partners, or parent company. The praise is nothing but a psychological trick. DON'T FALL FOR IT. Don't take ANYTHING they say at face value. Instead, read between the lines. Carefully weigh every piece of 'good guy' advice given against their primary goal. THEY WANT YOUR MONEY.).
If you need a cell phone, then do your homework and find the best deal on a local pre-pay. You may be able to get one for as little as $10 a month. Don't text. The charge may seem low at the time but their profit margins are obscene. If you want home internet access, then check for a locally based provider. They can be found in nearly every city nationwide. Otherwise, use the least expensive big name provider, and share accounts whenever possible. If you need to search, then use the less popular search engines. They usually produce about same results anyway. Don't pay for any internet download. Their profit margins for such data transfers are obscene. Don't pay to see any blockbuster movie. Instead, wait a few months and rent the DVD from a local store, borrow it, or buy it USED. Then loan it to a friend or family member. If you prefer the outing, then choose a film produced by the lesser known studios with lower paid actors. If you want to see a big name game or event, then watch it in a local bar, club, or at home on network TV. Don't buy any high end official merchandise and don't support the high end sponsors. If its endorsed by a big name celebrity, then don't buy it. If you can afford a new car, then make an exception for GM, Ford, and Dodge. If they don't increase their market share soon, then a lot more people are going to get screwed out of their pensions and/or benefits. Of course, you must know by now to avoid those big trucks and SUVs unless you truly need one for its utility. Don't be ashamed to buy a foreign car if you prefer it. After all, those with the most fuel efficient vehicles consume a lot less foreign oil. Which accounts for a pretty big chunk of our trade deficit. Its a reasonable trade-off. Anyway, the global economy is worth supporting to some extent. Its the obscene profit margins, trade deficits, and BS from OPEC that get us into trouble. Otherwise, the global economy would be a good thing for everyone. Just keep in mind that the big 3 are struggling and they do produce a few smaller reliable cars. Don't frequent any high end department store, mall, or any business in a newly developed center or upper class community. By doing so, you encourage greedy developers, make them richer, and draw vital support away from industrial areas and away from the middle and lower class communities. Instead, support the local retailer and the less popular shopping centers. Especially in lower or middle class communities. If you can afford to buy a home, then do so. But go smaller and less expensive. Don't get yourself in too deep and don't buy into the newly developed condos or gated communities. Instead, find a modest home in a building or neighborhood at least 20 years old. If you live in one of the poorer states, then try to support its economy first and foremost.
Be on the lookout for commercial brainwash plots on TV. They are written into nearly every scene of nearly every show. Most cater to network sponsors, corporate partners, and parent companies. Especially commercial health care. In particular, high profit pharmaceuticals and excessive medical testing. These plugs are countless, calculated, and VERY well written. They have commercial brainwashing down to a science. DON'T FALL FOR IT. Get off the couch and take care of your own body the way nature intended. There is no substitute. If you must see a doctor, then DEMAND that he/she give you more than 5 minutes of their undivided attention. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Be prepared with written questions about your condition and get them answered one at a time. If they refuse, then dispute their unreasonable charges. If they prescribe excessive medical testing, then ask if they personally own the equipment or if they are paid a commission for each test. If they find nothing new or significant, then dispute their unreasonable charges. If they prescribe a pharmaceutical, then ask for a generic. Better yet, consider a change in lifestyle or simple tolerance. If they still recommend the name brand pharmaceutical, then ask about any financial ties or conflict of interest. If they get offended, then dispute their unreasonable charges and consider a new doctor. If you must drug away your sniffles, worries, jitters, aches, and pains, then at least do your homework. Be aware of the possible side-effects ahead of time. Don't be surprised to find yourself back a week or two later feeling worse. In which case, you should dispute their unreasonable charges. If you are diagnosed with another medical condition, then ask your doctor what he/she has done to rule out those possible side-effects. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Don't let any greedy doctor treat you like a number, make you wait an hour, or rush you out of their office. Otherwise, dispute their unreasonable charges. Don't fall for this CRAP that doctors have no choice but to over-book their time or over-charge their patients because of a high overhead. ITS A LIE. YOUR DOCTOR IS MOST LIKELY A MULTI-MILLIONAIRE. The same goes for their bogus claim to over-test so many of their patients because they are afraid of missing something and being sued for it. THAT IS ANOTHER FLAT-OUT LIE. After all, if this were true, then it would only explain some of the unnecessary testing. NOT THE OBSCENE CHARGES. It also wouldn't explain their own financial ties directly to the manufacturers of said testing equipment. Thats right. Most doctors hold stock in the very same companies that produce that equipment. Its another conflict of interest. So don't fall for their CRAP. Demand their undivided attention and respect. After all, they took an oath. If you have the opportunity before being admitted, then check the record of your hospital. Check to see if they have been investigated or sued for providing unnecessary treatment, excessive medical testing, or fraudulent billing. Dozens have already been caught doing so. Do all of the above regardless of your coverage. Don't force your employer to cover the obscene and often fraudulent charges of a corrupt health care industry. By doing so, you make the problem worse.
Keep your guard up when watching ANY talk show. These people are not your friends. They are not your advocates. They are paid actors hired to get your attention and your money. Some of them are also executive producers (Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, and Dr Phil.). Nearly every word, smile, and stupid joke is rehearsed ahead of time. Including those which take place so often during what appear to be 'technical oversights' (Today Show. Even their stage hands are mixed in behind the scenes so that you can hear them laugh at every stupid joke.). Its all fake. Its all calculated. These people are not trying to make the world a happy place. They are trying to entertain you only because their marketing studies have shown that you are more likely to drop your guard and support their sponsors. Nearly every segment is about marketing some over-priced product or service. They will use any excuse to plug a gadget, fashion item, travel destination, credit card, university, drug, medical test, surgical procedure, movie, TV show, book, magazine, song, website, ect. Almost all of it over-priced. Almost all of it resulting in higher profits for their sponsors, partners, and parent companies. DON'T FALL FOR IT. Big business is fine on occasion depending on their product, ethics, employment, profit margins, and profit sharing. Do your homework. If they are screwing up our economy or society, then don't pay them for it.
If you want to support any legitimate charity, then do so directly. Never support any celebrity foundation. Don't be fooled by the sale of baby photos, lies about percentage of income donated, or praise from other well known public figures. Celebrity foundations are CRAP. They spend most of their funding on PR campaigns, exotic travel, and super high end accommodations for themselves. That's right. Filthy rich public figures have been jet-setting the world in the name of 'humanity' for years. Riding in personal jets, staying in super-exclusive resorts, and living it up in exotic locations around the world the likes of which most people could never afford even if their lives depended on it. They bring along agents, advisers, publicists, hair, make-up, wardrobe, lighting, and photo crews who are also in it for themselves. They are paid six or seven figures for their part to schedule, manage, document, showcase, praise, and publicize the 'good will' of said public figures and their respective industries. Every possible expense is passed of as 'incidental' or 'necessary' and billed right back to some 'foundation' named after said public figure and/or respective industry. Every possible tax deduction is claimed. Which are incredibly vague and diverse thanks to our sold-out government. Deals are cut with major networks who agree to praise the 'good will' or 'humanitarian' effort of said public figures and plug their latest commercial project around the same time. Others from around the world pick up the story and save these industries billions in advertising every year. Resulting in higher profits and paychecks for the 1% club. When its all said and done more wealth is transferred from poor to rich. NOT the other way around. So don't support any charity named after a living celebrity. Don't be fooled or inspired by any photo you see in a magazine, any clip on TV, any affiliation, or any short term short sighted progress report. Instead, go to Charitywatch.org and look up a top rated charity to support your favorite cause. Its all there. For example: 'Habitat For Humanity' is a top rated charity. They have been for many years. They operate with a low overhead, volunteer workforce, and donated materials. They have built homes for the less fortunate in nearly every city nationwide. Including New Orleans. They do so as we speak. No similar effort can match their progress hour for hour or dollar for dollar. So there is no legitimate reason to support a slower, less efficient effort represented by a filthy rich Hollywood actor who flies in on a personal jet, takes most of the credit, and makes a deal with a major network for plugs just days before the premier of his latest film or DVD release. By doing so, you support not only the inefficient effort, but also the filthy rich actor. Concentrating more wealth and dumbing down our society further in the process. Instead, support 'Habitat For Humanity'. Its not perfect. It is affiliated with some big business. However, it is MUCH more efficient, effective, and less corrupt than 'Make It Right'. The difference is profound. In general, support the little guy as much as possible and the big guy as little as possible. Keep your own greed in check. Don't play the big stakes lottery games, and don't invest only for profit. Don't believe for a second that you can get rich and still manage to keep your soul because you can't. Don't believe for a second that you can concentrate even more of the world's wealth and somehow 'give back' enough to make up for it because you can't. If you do come into a fortune, then give away the bulk of it to a legitimate cause or directly to others who have far less. Do it quickly before that big money turns your heart black. Find the courage and do it. STAY OUT OF THE 1% CLUB. Encourage others to do the same. Their standard is obscene, unjust, illogical, and immoral. There is no excuse for it. Do your part to reverse the transfer of wealth away from the rich and back to the middle and lower classes.
You may as well get used to me Pumpkin. Unless I'm kicked off or censored heavily like I was on Daily Blabber, I'm here to stay.
Next.
1. <<See that? Iphones not only concentrate wealth reaped from the masses. They also export labor dirt cheap in order to concentrate EVEN MORE wealth in the form of RECORD PROFITS. Thereby making the rich even richer.>>
We have two iphones in the family, want to know how much we paid for them? $0 None of your comments prove your crazy assumption that those lines were made up primariliy of the lower majority. .
<<I don't know what cave you've been living in but outside of that cave, it is well known that American consumer junkies from ordinary walks of life, credit cards in hand, line up for over-priced crap as if it's going out of style.??
Which if you had taken the time to read my comment, you would see that I referenced consumer debt, but again you have zero proof that the debt is made up of over-priced crap instead of just basic day to day trying to get by expenses.
PumpkinAngel
<<#2. With regard to your Fantasy Land assertion that our country is funded by the rich.>>
That isn't my fantasy land, it is a fact that the 1% pay the majority of the taxes in this country with almost 50% not paying any taxes.
<<Don't believe this crap about the rich paying 37% of the taxes and the poor paying none. It's a trick. A spin on statistics to make it seem as if the rich are overtaxed. They aren't. But they damn well should be.>>
I didn't say they were overtaxed, that isn't relevant here.
<<When you account for all FEDERAL, STATE, and LOCAL taxes and fees, the lowest quintile in America (20%) actually pays about the same rate (as a percentage of income) as the top quintile. The difference is within 5 percent.>>
No, that is false as is the rest of your post about taxes. You have to have income to pay taxes, the more income you earn as in earned income, the more tax that you pay.
Get back to me when you have more than your assumptions and shouting your opinions.
PumpkinAngel
<<#3a. With regard to your Fantasy Land assertion that the rich 'give back' and 'give back big'.
Big name celebrities have no desire to make the world a better place.>>
I didn't say that they did, if you wish to continue this discussion, let's stick with what I have said and not what you are making up as you go along.
I noticed that you didn't bother answering the questions about you, are just just talking and yelling or do you actually walk the walk and follow your own rantings?
PumpkinAngel
You haven't given me a single reason to follow anything you have ranted about, but feel free to continue to rant while you are posting on your paid internet via your computer and/or cell phone.....you really have an obsession with celebrities.
PumpkinAngel
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