Some Thoughts on DADT…. From a Former US Army Soldier

I think I have seen this one coming for a looooong time………. regardless of the political party in power.  Todays date: 12/18/2010 and the US Senate passes the repeal of the DADT (Don’t ask, don’t tell) policy that has been in effect for military service since………… I don’t know exactly when, but probably for most of MY life……

There seems to be a dividing line on this policy; most Repuplicans seem to support the DADT policy and most Democrats oppose it.  I have served 20 years in the US Army and I can say that this policy to me seemed to be out of date (For lack of a better word) and very much driven by religious factions within the Rep. party (Mostly those of conservative identity IMO)

I retired in 2004 from the US Army, but in my 20 years, I had my run-ins with soldiers that were serving their country and happened to be “gay”; I will say unequivocally that not one gay soldier that I knew tried to “hit” on me or force me into a sexual relationship with them.  I say that because that seems to be a fallback excuse of those that oppose having openly gay soldiers serve.  I also have not experienced a similar effect from heterosexual females in the military service………..  so what’s the deal here?

Even though I am no longer a member of the active military forces, I do support the repeal of the DADT policy; look, if loving your country has to take a back seat to your sexual preferences, maybe this isn’t the country many of us envisioned after all………..  I don’t think that allowing openly gay soldiers is tantamount to supporting being gay – look, we allow all sorts of people in the military, many of whom happen to be wife beaters, sexual predators, and just plain a**holes, and there isn’t any policy to prevent their service…. get my point??

What I’m trying to say is that I advocate military service for anyone who wishes to serve;  I don’t think a person’s sexual preference should be a factor in whether you can be a military patriot, and I say that from my own military experiences and being in a military unit where a soldier was under fire for potentially “being gay” during a weekend out of town event where somebody who knew him and saw him tattled to their superiors.  If ONLY for that, then repealing the DADT policy is a POSITIVE for the US military, and any other organization that wants simply to get the best qualified people, regardless of their personal sexual preferences.

GM – Does the US Govt. still “OWN” them? GM’s Phony Bailout Payback

Apparently, there are folks out there that believe the US Govt. is totally out of the GM ownership thing………  wonder where that came from?  Doing just some rudimentary research using Wikipedia (Obviously as a reference point to further research) and the power of Google, I was able to find with relative ease that, in fact, the US Govt still does own a sizable portion of GM.

Back in Dec. 2009, barely a year ago, the US Govt. owned roughly 70%, and since then, it is down to around 34% ownership.  So where are people seeing/reading that the US Govt is out of the picture at GM?  I think it comes from a misunderstanding of what happened since the Govt. takeover at GM.

So what happened?  First the US Govt. stepped in with ~$50 billion, then Canada also offered ~$10 billion, at which point the US Govt  decided that $50 billion was kind of a high loan amount, so it pared it down to just under $7 billion and used the vast bulk of the remainder bailout money to transfer to GM through the purchase of 60.8 percent equity stake in the company—arguably an even worse deal for taxpayers than the loan, given that the equity position requires them to bear the risk of the investment without any guaranteed return.  (The Canadian government likewise gave GM $1.4 billion as a pure loan, and another $8.1 billion for an 11.7 percent equity stake. The U.S. and Canadian government together own 72.5 percent of the company.)  Link: http://reason.com/archives/2010/04/27/gms-phony-bailout-payback

So there actually WAS roughly $50 billion dumped into GM by our govt; it was the loan  payback that the popular news agencies seem to focus their reports on, and actually the GM CEO boldly announced  that GM had repaid the Govt FULLY (And oh joy – 5 years ahead of schedule), he was only speaking of the $7 billion LOAN and NOT the equity shares in GM the US Govt still owns, so no “Full” payback has occurred at all.

(More from the Reason.com article)  But wait! Even that’s not the full story given that GM, which has not yet broken even, much less turned a profit, can’t pay even this puny amount from its own earnings.

So how is it paying it?

As it turns out, the Obama administration put $13.4 billion of the aid money as “working capital” in an escrow account when the company was in bankruptcy. The company is using this escrow money—government money—to pay back the government loan.

So let me get this straight, GM is repaying its Govt. loans with $$ in an escrow account that was funded by the US Govt?  WTF-Over?

(More from the Reason.com article) In short, GM is using government money to pay back government money to get more government money. And at a 2 percent lower interest rate at that.  This is a nifty scheme to refinance GM’s government debt—not pay it back!

So what about paying back the REST of the $50 billion (The equity shares)?  Will GM “accellerate” that payback?  Um…. no, in fact, GM, along with the US Govt has indefinitely “postponed” the rest of the payback until at some unknown time in the future when both GM and US Govt are ready……….. huh?

This story doesn’t even touch the landmark sweetheart deal the UAW got from the bankruptcy court – a deal that already has the UAW bosses swimming in $$ from the sale of the “NEW” GM shares; a deal never seen before in US history where union interests had more say than the actual American investors……..  And people wonder why the backlash of Nov. 2010 and will continue through 2012 at least.

2011 – A New Beginning

Wow! So much has happened this year and it’s not even over yet!

Instead of waiting for it to end though, thought I might go over a few of the more interesting aspects of it all……

So I lived long enough (again) to get another year older and hopefully wiser in my ways

2010 seems to be the year of increased political angst; we had overzealous socialist democrats promising utopian paradise for all (eventually), but looks like reality got in the way of that (THANKFULLY)

I’ve been reading again more this year (A good thing) and went back to some “old school” stuff I almost forgot existed which has in turn motivated me to read even more and to finally understand

Sports/schmortz……… same old-sameoldsame………. nothing new this year other than the higher levels of the organizations paying lip service to the public about every social cause  in an attempt to gin up more ticket sales, or possibly PayPer View……For the first time in my life, I am SERIOUSLY considering dropping cable TV, but at this point, it would be only for me, as the wife/daughter still watch; I get everything I need from radio & Internet now

Finally upgraded cell phone after probably 10+ years of cursing them; now have Droid-X and loving it. There is a semi-evil thought in my mind to cancel Internet too and just get everything on the phone……… but wouldn’t work at this stage

I have found a new challenge that inspires me; Philosophy – particularly Aristotelian philosophy and Objectivism (I’m a huge Ayn Rand reader/fan from the 90′s) In fact, I will probably link to a few recommended (By me) books by Rand and similar writers in future blog posts

Technology: Well, IPv4 did NOT kill the Internet yet (Nor did DNS…..lol) and although I still maintain a great desire to excel and rise in the IT world, my current life/job situation is not exactly where I want to be at 44 years old (But having a job at this point in time is not a terrible thing either)

Which brings me to the state of our economy; wow….. seriously?? Government takes roughly $900 BILLION (Yeah, the one with the B) for the initial “stimulus” injection, which ended up pretty much doing the opposite for the country; bailing out institutions as they saw fit, and then something I NEVER saw in my lifetime of following politics: The democrat led House of Reps illegally (In my mind of understanding of how legislation works through Congress) does a “deem/pass” of the Senate version of obamacare so they can get it in before going on a break……… and some people have been scratching their heads as to WHY the Republicans (Let’s cut to the chase – it was the TEA PARTY) had such incredible landslide victories about a week ago.

Next week begins the “LameDuck” session of Congress; this practice or whatever they call it should be rescinded permanently and as soon as possible!  All the lameduck sessions do is give the outgoing (And in many ways relevant to this election cycle) congress a last chance to implement things they either couldn’t or wouldn’t do during a normal session – and leave it for the new incoming members to sort through the wreckage …. NO THANKS!

The state I live in (NC) has seen its democrat controlled General Assembly switch to Republican control (BOTH HOUSES) for the first time since 1898….. NOT 1998, 1898
Now THAT is hope/change I like and can look forward to.  My understanding is that over 20 State legislatures have both houses controlled by Republicans – that’s huge!  And don’t get me started on the Governorships

I am still going to post about technology related things; however, technology at this point in time is not generating the interest that US and world events are right now as related to political upheaval and real hope and change.

Healthcare Follow-up

I sit here mildly chuckling as I read about what was supposed to be our president’s greatest victory with HC reform; that being FREE coverage for pre-existing conditions.  Didn’t happen and never could happen.

The truth?  If you want your  FREE (Yes its still being called that) pre-existing HC coverage, it will start out costing EACH individual-  NOT family-  $12,000 per year, but wait there’s more.

To actually get/receive that coverage, you must pay the first $2500 out of your pocket.   So the MINIMUM COST of this FREE coverage will be$ 14500 per person; hardly the FREE that was promised and I seem to remember this was one of the “anchors” of HC reform.

How’s that “hope & change” working for you?

Some Thoughts on the Impending Healthcare “Reform”

I’ve watched some comments on the obamacare health “reform” and I do have a few thoughts……not in any particular order

* Most obamacare supporters appear to be of the younger generation who in some way feel vindicated that it passed.  Not sure how that helps them NOW…benefits won’t start for FOUR MORE YEARS – but hey, taxpayers get to start paying for it all NOW

* There seems to be a knowledge gap with most Americans and obabmacare supporters; I’ve heard comments that they’d LOVE to pay the extra taxes for the healthcare benefits… one problem with that – how many of them actually PAY ANY INCOME TAXES?  Just out today (Not any secret) that 47% of taxable Americans DO NOT PAY TAXES!  I suppose if I was a non tax paying American with the opportunity to leech off the rest of the “rich” Americans, I might take the bait………… but I would not, as I spent 20 years receiving government healthcare while I was in the military… not fun

* The newest tax idea (VAT) that will likely get passed (Provided the democrats pass it before Nov. of this year) that is designed to provide any “shortfall” necessary to pay for the obamacare.  This is another problem; look at history – past and present where the VAT is implemented (Think EUROPE).  In EVERY CASE, the VAT has continued to rise, the govt. spending has continued to rise, and income tax rates continued, and still continue to rise.  WHAT GIVES??  Oh, and the VAT, once implemented, NEVER GOES AWAY.  That’s the history, look it up before the B&M session………………

* What was inherently WRONG with what we had in the first place? Many obamacare supporters will scream status-quo, and I say ok, SO WHAT?  The US had (Well, we still do have for now) the BEST healthcare in the world….. THE WORLD!  Not debatable; Canadian doctors/nurses (Among many others) and other healthcare professionals come HERE TO THE US for not only JOBS, but for their own medical procedures!!!  Imagine that – in our “CRAPPY” existing healthcare system……………

* Kill the sob stories; everyone has a personal story and my fingers would tire quickly playing the violin for each one; not saying I’m not buying it or I don’t care; I do, but everyone seems to have a story and they all seem to focus on being the most egregious and worthy of changing our healthcare system by the mere statement of the story, as if EVERYONE IN THE US relates to the story……not buying it

* If you think you can just ‘”go with the flow” for now and see where it all goes…….. and separate yourself from what’s happening…… think again.  Unless you actually LIKE paying more for everything – face it, prices/taxes on everything is/are/will be going up with little hope of reduction anytime soon (November 2010 – wherefore art thou….?)

* The CBOs recent announcement is a complete farce…… where was the cost analysis BEFORE obamacare???  Look it up; I’m peeved and not in the mood to explain…

There, I said it and I mean it; I suffered 20+ years of govt/military healthcare so I can say I do have experience.  Did it cost me any “out of pocket” expense?  NO……… but that is NOT THE POINT!  The “CARE” was everything BUT care… and because it was so micromanaged, it took NEARLY 3 YEARS to get a general surgery for my daughter to get covered simply because it was done in the last year of my military career and we were being billed because my wife was employed THREE YEARS AFTER the surgery, and the govt wanted her (Wife) HMO/healthcare to pick up the tab………wow……  I did get that fixed, but it did take about 2 years, and you have to ask; WTH are these people thinking??”

Ok, there you have it; I am officially NOT an obamacare supporter but it’s NOT because I want people to suffer, who in the heck would want that?!?!    I simply want , no, I DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY for the $$ that will be spent.  I know; won’t happen and I agree.  I was in the military and I know how govt. works in many ways and believe me there will be no real accountability at all……

Wow……………………… I just did a re-read and this is very raw… but possibly what I want.  I am genuinely interested in what you think; I will reply to all legitimate questions (Don’t ask) and responses; free your mind.

Almost have to laugh at the spectacle of “Health Care Reform” now…..

I say almost because it will, if passed and obama signs it into law, will have immediate and lasting effects, as in TAX INCREASES for everyone (That is IF you have a job or if you are retired and collecting a pension or otherwise collect an income)

IF this was being reported properly and accurately, there would be a media outcry at the scandalous behavior and actions of the democrat party trying their best to sneak in the senate passed health bill under the cover of darkness and without so much as a peep of opposite party support.

Think about that last statement; a law that will empower govt. to control about 1/4th of the US economy (Plus or minus….. you get it) and NOT ONE republican vote of support, and even worse, 60% PLUS of the American people REJECT this!!  You would think that, given the massive NON-support, that the dems would just drop it,…. but no………

We’ve been treated to over a year of democrat strong armed (Could we say “jack-booted thug”?) tactics to their own members; the Republicans have simply been shut out and ignored, as they have “super-minority” status.

Bottom line here is the Republicans can do NOTHING about this health-care ram down bill; it’s all about the wishy-washy democrats in the House that are controlling the passage of health care for all (Otherwise knows as obamacare)

If you for a SECOND think this impending law won’t affect you; think about this:  In the eyes of the health care reform creators, if you are working, or otherwise receiving $$ in the form of a pension or something else, YOU ARE RICH and will be taxed accordingly….  AND, if you think that all your healthcare woes are over because now you have guaranteed healthcare at a low cost…  think CANADA and the UK and ask some CITIZENS and real healthcare workers just how great socialized medicine works there….

Single-Focused Expert vs Jack-of-All

I’ve been really thinking about this lately; most of my life/career has been following the Jack-of-All………  it just made sense.  Corner yourself in any technology/skill/whatever, and eventually that one thing will become outdated.

I have come up with a new philosophy (Sort of) – Jack-of-Many…… or maybe “several”  Don’t worry, this is more of a realization than anything else.  The realization is that you find your niche, determine what skills/certs/whatever you need to compete; and while you may not be able to “expertize” yourself in all areas, there will be enough to keep you busy while getting smarter.

I realized this concept over time while thinking about going the Cisco certification route, along with doing VMWare VCP, not to mention security with SSCP/CISSP……… What’s a Network Admin to do?  Especially considering that many Network Admins are also managers of people in some way and are likely IT project leaders or coordinators (Same damn thing to me) and now throw in Project Managment certifications………… You could literally waste your life chasing all these certifications keeping up…… BUT, is it all necessary?

I think not; my personal experience with certifications trying to keep up with the industry may be legend one day….lol but anyhow, I had to step back and take a look at where I was headed.  My initial focus was IT in general and I tended to migrate toward higher tech knowledge type things like Microsoft, Cisco, and VMWare certifications.  I have a few MS certs, a VCP cert, and at one time I had a Cisco CCNA cert (Long story…) Not only that, I’ve been trying to expand my IT knowledge base and have been studying SSCP information as I’ve always loved working with computer security related stuff.

Ok, great story right??  What’s it all mean?  Yes, this has a point; I promise I’m getting to it.   I guess the bottom line is you should decide what specific area(s) you want to focus on in your area of expertise and do your best to show you are the SME of those areas, whether through certification or demonstration.

My personal testament on this is that I’m working as a Network Admin (Sure, not the senior or most experienced guy in the place) and I do have some IT knowledge areas where I have sort of been drawn to based on my knowledge/experience and especially the ability to get issues solved, sometimes known as troubleshooting skills. 

Final thoughts:  IT is a HUGE area of knowledge; definately do not try to single focus on all areas – that is a guaranteed FAIL.  Find what you like and are good at and go from there… and Good Luck to you!

Charging Batteries

The weather here in NC has turned pretty awesome recently, after 3 or 4 significant snowfalls (At least for here).  Ate outside for the first time in I don’t remember how long and it’s amazing how nice temperate spring weather can recharge ones’ inner energy.

I’m actually looking forward to diving into some IT study material……  Bring on Summer!!

And about Twitter………

Every day now I’m finding more and more usefulness with Twitter; I follow some amazingly smart Network/Security/Virtualization people and groups, not to mention that many HR departments are starting to use social networking as a viable hiring tool. Maybe I’m not too old after all…….

Motivation – Check!

I believe I have the source/root cause of my recent malaise…….. I was doing it every day and didn’t even realize it. I was becoming stagnant – not progressing in much of anything and it was affecting my mental edge. Don’t ask me how I figured this out; it just came to me as I was trying to think back in my military days when I felt as bleak and that’s about the time it hit me. I pretty much have a couple of choices: make my workday more enjoyable or upgrade.

I’m not really a person that can put on a fake smile and do the false motivation thing, but there are a few things I can try to improve the attitudes of those around me, hopefully making my work environment that much better. Or I can look for a better work environment……….. the economy notwithstanding, the new/better work environment may have to be a long term goal, and one way to move forward toward that goal is to GET CERTIFIED! It was pretty simple all along…..