Gster said:
I heard the tail end of a story on NPR this morning about the "Rumsfeld Filter", which was used on General officers . This presumably insured that officers of the "right pedigree" stayed and advanced in the pentagon.
This made me think of Big Brother and the Thought Police! I wondered if they had anything akin to Mao's infamous Red Book, to insure correct thinking.
The story also mentioned that 5 years ago, the incoming cadet into I believe West Point were then overwhelming conservative, and the opposite now- maybe portending a change in military though at some point down the road.
I can't say any of this surprised me.
??
This made me think of Big Brother and the Thought Police! I wondered if they had anything akin to Mao's infamous Red Book, to insure correct thinking.
The story also mentioned that 5 years ago, the incoming cadet into I believe West Point were then overwhelming conservative, and the opposite now- maybe portending a change in military though at some point down the road.
I can't say any of this surprised me.
??
Vaughn Tolle said:
Gster, I suspect there's always been a filter for General officer retention and advancement. The key, when I was on active duty, for officers wanting to advance was to "hook their wagon to a star". In other words, pick the right General with the greatest prospects and work with him personally, if possible, or let him know you were in agreement with his views and ideas.
Good news on the West Point cadets. I am aware of an issue which has been hounding all service academies, namely an influx of both politically as well as socially conservative cadets over the past few years. Given the need for a Congressional appointment, and the makeup of Congress over that period, the conservative bent was no surprise. A problem with this that hit the media a year or so ago involved the strong Fundamentalist Christian core of the future officer corps. There was a mess at the Air Force Academy concerning a Jewish cadet and his issues with many other cadets who were always trying to convert him, disparaging his religious beliefs, etc. IIRC, there was a Chaplain out there who was in the middle of this who was reassigned due to his particular beliefs. I didn't follow up on this, so I have no idea of the final outcome. It was, however, very embarrassing to the AF and the Academy at the time.
Good news on the West Point cadets. I am aware of an issue which has been hounding all service academies, namely an influx of both politically as well as socially conservative cadets over the past few years. Given the need for a Congressional appointment, and the makeup of Congress over that period, the conservative bent was no surprise. A problem with this that hit the media a year or so ago involved the strong Fundamentalist Christian core of the future officer corps. There was a mess at the Air Force Academy concerning a Jewish cadet and his issues with many other cadets who were always trying to convert him, disparaging his religious beliefs, etc. IIRC, there was a Chaplain out there who was in the middle of this who was reassigned due to his particular beliefs. I didn't follow up on this, so I have no idea of the final outcome. It was, however, very embarrassing to the AF and the Academy at the time.
Gster said:
Vaughn- I agree, but with Rumsfeld, the process went way beyond the normal situation to which you refer.
It's amazing how political virtually everything is in this administration, and I know that always occurs to some extent.
It's amazing how political virtually everything is in this administration, and I know that always occurs to some extent.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Gster, you're right again about the level the process appears to have risen to during Rumsfeld's time as SecDef. I meant to make a similar comment during my earlier post, but, as you can tell, failed to so do.
gster said:
The beer is cold, the steak tender and my guitar is in tune.
Today, even my dogs like me.
It's a keeper!
Today, even my dogs like me.
It's a keeper!
Danny said:
May I complain about a car dealership here? As I wouldn't want anybody to go through what I did. However, in my complaint about the dealership, I'll have praise for the manufacturer. I promise!
Danny said:
Maybe I'll leave some names out. As some know I bought a Honda CR-V(used) as it was the first major purchase my wife and I made when I started working full time. It met the specific needs we had: decent fuel economy and decent size.
However, the dealer in question decided against honoring their warranty(3mo/ 3000 mi) which didn't seem non-standard. Stating that I signed an "as-is" warranty thus they weren't "responsible" for anything. This is in regards to my A/C compressor suffering from an internal failure, about 1200 miles before the 3/3000 warranty expired.
Granted at the time, I didn't want to fight with them. So I called American Honda Corp. and explained my situation to them. They agreed to cover under a goodwill warranty the charges related to fix my A/C. Which would have amounted to a little over $2000. So kudos to Honda for taking care of a customer.
Boos to a particular super center in Wichita for not covering what should have been. Said place: Scholfield Supercenter. If you go there, read, re-read and pay attention to all things signed. They are pretty "fast shooters" and while I took the time to read everything, I must have missed something but I didn't have a copy of it. As I kept all of my paperwork, so must have been something I wasn't given a copy of. Never again will I do business with that particular dealership, and I won't recommend them to anybody. As a matter of fact, I've posted this on two of my personal blogs and told alot of friends and family and such shared with you here.
However, the dealer in question decided against honoring their warranty(3mo/ 3000 mi) which didn't seem non-standard. Stating that I signed an "as-is" warranty thus they weren't "responsible" for anything. This is in regards to my A/C compressor suffering from an internal failure, about 1200 miles before the 3/3000 warranty expired.
Granted at the time, I didn't want to fight with them. So I called American Honda Corp. and explained my situation to them. They agreed to cover under a goodwill warranty the charges related to fix my A/C. Which would have amounted to a little over $2000. So kudos to Honda for taking care of a customer.
Boos to a particular super center in Wichita for not covering what should have been. Said place: Scholfield Supercenter. If you go there, read, re-read and pay attention to all things signed. They are pretty "fast shooters" and while I took the time to read everything, I must have missed something but I didn't have a copy of it. As I kept all of my paperwork, so must have been something I wasn't given a copy of. Never again will I do business with that particular dealership, and I won't recommend them to anybody. As a matter of fact, I've posted this on two of my personal blogs and told alot of friends and family and such shared with you here.
Danny said:
Okay, I didn't post what I was feeling. Not all my frustration showed through. However, I'd like to hurt them the only way I know how, and that is through spreading the word as fast as I can. Don't shop there. If I could do more, I would.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Danny, while it may come to nothing, may I suggest filing a complaint with the Consumer Fraud division of the Sedgwick County DA's office? It seems to me that the "as is" warranty may be a violation of the Kansas Consumer Protection Act.
Danny said:
I'll look into it. As I said earlier, none of the paperwork I have states anything about "as-is" it does say limited but not as-is.
lindainks55 said:
Good morning friends!
Yes, Danny, file a complaint! Sorry you had to spend the time to do what was right because the business didn't. But make a record through the proper channels. If enough people do that and then others check their record. in the end they may get exactly what they deserve!
I had quite a morning. Late last week we received an "Escrow Analysis," from WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE COMPANY. Another company I recommend no one do business with! Since the day they bought our loan back in mid 2005 I have had nothing but trouble. They seem to employ more than a fair share of incompetent people.
The escrow analysis showed there would be a shortage during the period July 2007 - June 2008 and my house payment would increase. I could pay a shortfall amount and it would increase LESS... You've all gotten these statements so know what I'm talking about. BUT, my loan pays off this October. There is a current balance in escrow of $600plus and NOTHING (no insurance, no taxes) are due before the loan pays off. At the current payment the amount which will be refunded to me will grow by almost $300/month.
I spoke with THREE people and spent an inordinate amount of time on the phone before FINALLY they understood I wasn't inclined to allow them use of MORE of my money for the next few months.
I would just pay the whole thing off early BUT my money is making more where it is than I would save in interest.
WHERE have all the smart, capable, competent employees gone?? Does anyone else notice that customer service seems lacking? How about common sense -- did someone do away with comomon sense??
I am behind on everything around here so must get busy. See you all later. Stay cool, seems to be hotter earlier this year. Or, I am less tolerant of the heat.
Yes, Danny, file a complaint! Sorry you had to spend the time to do what was right because the business didn't. But make a record through the proper channels. If enough people do that and then others check their record. in the end they may get exactly what they deserve!
I had quite a morning. Late last week we received an "Escrow Analysis," from WELLS FARGO MORTGAGE COMPANY. Another company I recommend no one do business with! Since the day they bought our loan back in mid 2005 I have had nothing but trouble. They seem to employ more than a fair share of incompetent people.
The escrow analysis showed there would be a shortage during the period July 2007 - June 2008 and my house payment would increase. I could pay a shortfall amount and it would increase LESS... You've all gotten these statements so know what I'm talking about. BUT, my loan pays off this October. There is a current balance in escrow of $600plus and NOTHING (no insurance, no taxes) are due before the loan pays off. At the current payment the amount which will be refunded to me will grow by almost $300/month.
I spoke with THREE people and spent an inordinate amount of time on the phone before FINALLY they understood I wasn't inclined to allow them use of MORE of my money for the next few months.
I would just pay the whole thing off early BUT my money is making more where it is than I would save in interest.
WHERE have all the smart, capable, competent employees gone?? Does anyone else notice that customer service seems lacking? How about common sense -- did someone do away with comomon sense??
I am behind on everything around here so must get busy. See you all later. Stay cool, seems to be hotter earlier this year. Or, I am less tolerant of the heat.
Vaughn Tolle said:
Linda, common sense? What's that? I should likely not say this, but the lack of common sense seems endemic, and brings clients to see me. Many of the issues involved could have been resolved between the parties initially if common sense could have been applied to the problem in the beginning.
Hotter earlier? I don't know about that, as the average daily temps lately have been a bit below the "30 year" norm. I do think that as a whole things are warming earlier, from very nonscientific observations of things like how early certain perennials bloom (iris, e.g.).
Hotter earlier? I don't know about that, as the average daily temps lately have been a bit below the "30 year" norm. I do think that as a whole things are warming earlier, from very nonscientific observations of things like how early certain perennials bloom (iris, e.g.).
Danny said:
Vaughn and Linda,
I did file a complaint with them. I'll also be sending in copies of all of my paperwork. I'm happy about American Honda, they actually do seem to have good customer service, and being the vehicle was outside of their warranty them covering anything was nice to see.
I don't expect to see any financial solution regarding Scholfield, but them getting fined or something would bring a smile to my face.
In regards to customer service, one of the jobs I worked prior to graduation was customer service for Cingular. With the exception of one customer I had every customer want to talk to a manager to say thank you. I tried to always talk the customers out of it, as it did nothing for me (regarding raises). This ranged from those customers who were irate to those just wanting a new phone because one quit working.
Basically, I'd spend the time working with the customer to resolve a problem and find something that worked for the customer and worked for Cingular. I didn't mind the job it provided me with insurance(only covered 5 visits a year per family member) which kept me away from other forms of assistance so those less fortunate than myself could have more still. I didn't tell people no I couldn't do something, I told people what I could do. I worked hard to come as close as I could to what customers actually wanted.
Oddly enough, I was told to both do that and had support of the company when doing that. It usually never involved giving a customer credit, I think only twice I actually ever did that. I'm not one who thinks throwing money at every problem encountered actually solves the problem. I do think it usually just meant taking the time and listen(operative word here) to the customer.
So hopefully, Scholfield will listen to the customer who got a little more upset with them and had to talk with the DA about it.
I did file a complaint with them. I'll also be sending in copies of all of my paperwork. I'm happy about American Honda, they actually do seem to have good customer service, and being the vehicle was outside of their warranty them covering anything was nice to see.
I don't expect to see any financial solution regarding Scholfield, but them getting fined or something would bring a smile to my face.
In regards to customer service, one of the jobs I worked prior to graduation was customer service for Cingular. With the exception of one customer I had every customer want to talk to a manager to say thank you. I tried to always talk the customers out of it, as it did nothing for me (regarding raises). This ranged from those customers who were irate to those just wanting a new phone because one quit working.
Basically, I'd spend the time working with the customer to resolve a problem and find something that worked for the customer and worked for Cingular. I didn't mind the job it provided me with insurance(only covered 5 visits a year per family member) which kept me away from other forms of assistance so those less fortunate than myself could have more still. I didn't tell people no I couldn't do something, I told people what I could do. I worked hard to come as close as I could to what customers actually wanted.
Oddly enough, I was told to both do that and had support of the company when doing that. It usually never involved giving a customer credit, I think only twice I actually ever did that. I'm not one who thinks throwing money at every problem encountered actually solves the problem. I do think it usually just meant taking the time and listen(operative word here) to the customer.
So hopefully, Scholfield will listen to the customer who got a little more upset with them and had to talk with the DA about it.
Wendy said:
Danny,
I also work in a customer service based industry - however I have the flip side of the experiences - it is rare i talk to someone who isn't Irate, and i have to tell you no matter how patient I am on the phone, and I am ALWAYS polite to whomever I am talking to and more than willing to listen to their story, anytime someone starts calling me names or using expletives in reference to me, i am that much LESS likely to want to work out the situation with them than just saying "look, you signed the contract, you were given a copy of the contract, you were told at the time you would be responsible for paying for this, you are going to pay for it or i will have to send you to collection" It can be frustrating.
I have never heard anyone having problems with Scholfield, but then, I don't really run with a circle of people who are buying a lot of cars :) It seems to me though, that if they are claiming you signed this "as-is" warranty, they are duty bound to produce it and provide you with a copy if you do not have one, in order to prove their case. I do know taht when I am dealing with an insurance company who does not want to pay for some reason or another, i have to provide copies of ALL signed documentation from our customers... and they have to provide me with all documentation relating to any denials they may issue (ie. police reports, damage estimates, etc) so it seems to me that Scholfield should have to provide you a copy of the phantom warranty paperwork, ESPECIALLY if you DO have a copy of a warranty stating that the vehicle is covered for 3 mo/3000 miles and you had not yet exceeded any of those limits - after all, what else would that warranty be for? As-Is makes no sense, as how can they determine that the AC compressor was AS-IS damage, if you have driven the vehicle nearly 2000 miles without problems and it is only now discovered? Especially as, i am assuming, when you bought the car you likely checked to make sure the heat and AC both worked before purchasing - therefore, that would not be "as-is" damages.... i hate people who try to get out of paying things they should pay...
I also work in a customer service based industry - however I have the flip side of the experiences - it is rare i talk to someone who isn't Irate, and i have to tell you no matter how patient I am on the phone, and I am ALWAYS polite to whomever I am talking to and more than willing to listen to their story, anytime someone starts calling me names or using expletives in reference to me, i am that much LESS likely to want to work out the situation with them than just saying "look, you signed the contract, you were given a copy of the contract, you were told at the time you would be responsible for paying for this, you are going to pay for it or i will have to send you to collection" It can be frustrating.
I have never heard anyone having problems with Scholfield, but then, I don't really run with a circle of people who are buying a lot of cars :) It seems to me though, that if they are claiming you signed this "as-is" warranty, they are duty bound to produce it and provide you with a copy if you do not have one, in order to prove their case. I do know taht when I am dealing with an insurance company who does not want to pay for some reason or another, i have to provide copies of ALL signed documentation from our customers... and they have to provide me with all documentation relating to any denials they may issue (ie. police reports, damage estimates, etc) so it seems to me that Scholfield should have to provide you a copy of the phantom warranty paperwork, ESPECIALLY if you DO have a copy of a warranty stating that the vehicle is covered for 3 mo/3000 miles and you had not yet exceeded any of those limits - after all, what else would that warranty be for? As-Is makes no sense, as how can they determine that the AC compressor was AS-IS damage, if you have driven the vehicle nearly 2000 miles without problems and it is only now discovered? Especially as, i am assuming, when you bought the car you likely checked to make sure the heat and AC both worked before purchasing - therefore, that would not be "as-is" damages.... i hate people who try to get out of paying things they should pay...
Danny said:
Wendy,
To say I didn't think that would be a lie. I guess the fact that my calls were all at the least recorded... I decided to play it safe and just "suck it up". But there were a great many times I wanted to tell some people were to stick it at. :D
As for the warranty was concerned, I produced all the paperwork that I had, and sent it along. Yes, I tested everything, the only thing that didn't work before hand was the radio(needed the code). Everything else worked, even had a mechanic look it over prior to purchase.
I've gotten all my paperwork in order, warranty, mileage, when it quit working and mileage on when it was checked, and other such paperwork. My brother didn't have a problem with Scholfield Honda, but this was their super center used car lot. I do have it in order, and I can say I'm not at all displeased with Honda they at least are taking care of their car owner even though it isn't their responsibility in my opinion.
So I'll buy from Honda in the future as need be.
To say I didn't think that would be a lie. I guess the fact that my calls were all at the least recorded... I decided to play it safe and just "suck it up". But there were a great many times I wanted to tell some people were to stick it at. :D
As for the warranty was concerned, I produced all the paperwork that I had, and sent it along. Yes, I tested everything, the only thing that didn't work before hand was the radio(needed the code). Everything else worked, even had a mechanic look it over prior to purchase.
I've gotten all my paperwork in order, warranty, mileage, when it quit working and mileage on when it was checked, and other such paperwork. My brother didn't have a problem with Scholfield Honda, but this was their super center used car lot. I do have it in order, and I can say I'm not at all displeased with Honda they at least are taking care of their car owner even though it isn't their responsibility in my opinion.
So I'll buy from Honda in the future as need be.
lindainks55 said:
Danny, I'm positive you were firm but business-like in your dealings -- you are a good man. I'm glad you complained through the proper channels, because if a business doesn't hold itself accountable it is up to the consumers to draw the line and make them "toe" it!
Tomorrow Libby is scheduled to be sentenced. What's everyone thinking the sentence will be, and if it calls for prison time, will Libby be allowed to remain free pending appeal? If the judge does sentence him to prison and he must begin the term immediately, what will Bush do?
I think he will be sentenced to prison for at least a couple of years, he will not be allowed to stay free pending appeals and Bush will pardon him.
Tomorrow Libby is scheduled to be sentenced. What's everyone thinking the sentence will be, and if it calls for prison time, will Libby be allowed to remain free pending appeal? If the judge does sentence him to prison and he must begin the term immediately, what will Bush do?
I think he will be sentenced to prison for at least a couple of years, he will not be allowed to stay free pending appeals and Bush will pardon him.
Danny said:
Linda,
I'm ashamed to say I don't know enough about Libby, other than I've heard the name on more than one occasion. Since it is involving prison and a probable pardon from Bush, I can only imagine the severity of the charge(s).
I'll take a rapid fire synopsis. Today I've been working a little hard burning a candle on two ends to fix a problem at work.
I'm ashamed to say I don't know enough about Libby, other than I've heard the name on more than one occasion. Since it is involving prison and a probable pardon from Bush, I can only imagine the severity of the charge(s).
I'll take a rapid fire synopsis. Today I've been working a little hard burning a candle on two ends to fix a problem at work.
lindainks55 said:
He was VP Cheney's number one man.
He was found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice. It was all about the outing of Valerie Plame.
I am of the opinion he "took the fall" for his boss and Carl Rove. However, that was never proven. He couldn't remember some things and other statements he made were proven to be false, but all-in-all he managed to forget enough to end the investigation with him.
Whatever happens with his conviction he and his family will be financially taken care of. He has a huge legal defense fund -- our own Tiahrt was a contributor to that!
He was found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice. It was all about the outing of Valerie Plame.
I am of the opinion he "took the fall" for his boss and Carl Rove. However, that was never proven. He couldn't remember some things and other statements he made were proven to be false, but all-in-all he managed to forget enough to end the investigation with him.
Whatever happens with his conviction he and his family will be financially taken care of. He has a huge legal defense fund -- our own Tiahrt was a contributor to that!
Vaughn Tolle said:
Linda, my best guess is two years, stayed pending appeal. If the appeal goes as I think, it will be decided in about 15 months, and if Mr. Libby is unsuccessful, a petition for cert will be filed with SCOTUS. That won't be heard until about January, 2009, and a pardon will then be forthcoming on the night before the Inauguration.
lindainks55 said:
I thought the law on letting convicted felons free on appeal was pretty clear. Wouldn't the judge have to be ready to acknowledge that some of his legal decisions during the trial are likely to be reversed in order to stay the sentence?
I don't like knowing the extent to which justice is for sale!
I don't like knowing the extent to which justice is for sale!
Vaughn Tolle said:
Linda, the issue of allowing one to be free after conviction and sentencing with the case on appeal lies within the Court's discretion. One of the factors to be considered is whether the convicted person represents a "flight risk", which I am sure Mr. Libby does not. BTW, there is a bond required.
Vaughn Tolle said:
And it is not rare for those convicted of non-violent crimes, whether a felony or not, to be allowed to remain free on appeal. Again, a bond is required.
lindainks55 said:
So, like you said before it probably comes down to the timing. And it will be expensive to remain free but that's a small price to pay to ensure Cheney's Cheney remains quiet, loyal, doesn't spill any beans or dirty laundry.
Vaughn Tolle said:
I want to make it clear that the decision to allow a convicted person to remain free pending appeal is based upon many factors. One of the most important factors is the determination of the judge that the defendant represents a flight risk. Given who Mr. Libby is, I suspect that most courts would have little trouble in determining he did not represent a flight risk.
Here's where the overcrowding of prisons comes to play. Mr. Libby, convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice, does not represent a general risk to the population such as a convicted murderer, to make a stark comparison. This, too, argues for his being allowed to remain free pending appeal.
While not clearly analogous, the Enron cases come to mind, along with other "white collar" crimes, where those who were convicted were allowed to remain free pending the outcome of their appeals for the most part.
Here's where the overcrowding of prisons comes to play. Mr. Libby, convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice, does not represent a general risk to the population such as a convicted murderer, to make a stark comparison. This, too, argues for his being allowed to remain free pending appeal.
While not clearly analogous, the Enron cases come to mind, along with other "white collar" crimes, where those who were convicted were allowed to remain free pending the outcome of their appeals for the most part.
Gster said:
I see that the "surge" manpower is now on the ground in Iraq, and according to US Today, they control less that 1/3 of Baghdad. It is far to premature to evaluate the results, but I think this new tactic will also not succeed because an insufficient amount of manpower to accomplish the task. Too little- too late!
The body count, both Iraqi and American is likely to continue to spike.
The body count, both Iraqi and American is likely to continue to spike.
lindainks55 said:
OK Vaughn, I greatly admire your logical fair mind, but I feel no need to try to mince words so I say it like it is. I bow to your superior knowledge and experience but see no fairness in what appears to be another example of justice not being just.
If Libby had been acting on his own behalf, I could easily understand him remaining free pending appeal; Bush and Cheney could feel a pardon was the humanitarian thing to do, given his long service to the government. However, no one I know believes Libby was acting simply for himself, nor does the evidence suggest it.
SOMEONE needs to be held accountable! If lies and deceptions are allowed for these people but not for the common man it makes yet another mockery of our justice system.
If Libby had been acting on his own behalf, I could easily understand him remaining free pending appeal; Bush and Cheney could feel a pardon was the humanitarian thing to do, given his long service to the government. However, no one I know believes Libby was acting simply for himself, nor does the evidence suggest it.
SOMEONE needs to be held accountable! If lies and deceptions are allowed for these people but not for the common man it makes yet another mockery of our justice system.
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