According to Sutton herself in an article from Facing South the health insurer delayed treatment.

Read the Facing South article for more information about her treatment and history as a labor activist.

As you may know that I have joined back up in the construction trades.  I am a union electrician and spend lots of time out in the sun and in holes full of filth.   So comfort, durability, and moisture transport is a must.  When you are climbing around machines in the basement of a power plant you want to make it as comfortable as possible.  And your base layer is what makes you the most comfortable.  For my base layer I like WICKERS.COM

This may be a bit personal…  I wear their boxer briefs.  They are comfortable offer a nice elastic waist band and keep me dry and smell free!  I have been wearing them exclusively for the past few months in all types of conditions and can say they get my nod for best boxer brief.  They are more comfortable and stand up to the abuse of hard work.  The bad thing about them is they are a bit pricey.  If you shop in their store on Wednesday they will have promotional products up to 40% off. CLICK HERE for great American base layer undergarments.

This post isn’t about history or so much about social awareness of my fellow American’s as it is an introduction to a series of post I am writing about American Made goods I have bought and used over the past few months.

I plan to do a post about each of the products.  I have no time-line for completion or number of post.  As a disclaimer I have not been paid or even requested to do reviews of these products. So far I plan to do a review of:

• Work Boots
• T-shirts
• Jeans
• Socks
• Tools

You know the basic guy stuff.  My inspiration comes from a fellow blogger Stephanie at On My Mind.  Stephanie runs a website,dedicated to goods “Still Made in the USA.”  Stephanie’s Why Care page states it well the reasons I care and what my intention of the post to come are about:

According to consumer polls, most Americans don’t know or care where products are made, and if asked will say only that they would buy American-made products if the cost were the same or nearly the same as the imported versions.

With our single-minded pursuit of low prices, we have attained unprecedented levels of material possessions, but what have we given up? The answers are all around us if we would but look. The more I read and listen, the more reasons I find to pay attention to where things are made.

The purpose of StillMadeinUSA.com [in my case the corresponding post] is not to stridently criticize, but to gently persuade. The decision to be an informed consumer must come from within. Below I suggest some reasons why consumers should care about looking for products that are made in the U.S.

Stay tuned for more info and post to come. Don’t forget you can sign up to recive post via e-mail.

I am all for fair trade and globalization…  But the dumping of cheaper goods unfairly is dangerous to all involved, especially my family.  There are lots of problems in the US Steel Market all the way down to raw ores and scrap metal – I am not defending that.  But, what the Chinese have done over the past few years is detrimental to the global economy.  Not only in a monetary standpoint – also environmentally (see my Earth Day post “American-made steel is cleaner than steel made in China.”

I found an interesting article on United Press International titled “China dismayed over U.S. probe of steel”

Pres. Obama inherits a two front war in the Middle East.  A weakened economy full of scandal and turmoil that directly effects the falling employment rates.  Many people from around the world will be  looking to the Leader of The Free World for guidance.

So to spare you the obvious problems that face America lets take a look at days gone by with information from the United Steelworkers Rapid Response.  Only history will tell the legacy of Former George W. Bush today’s stats are dim and perhaps indicative of how history will be written.

The Legacy of George W. Bush

Printable format

	When Bush Took Office	Today
Unemployment Rate	4.2%	7.2%
National Debt	$5.7 trillion	$10.6 trillion
Manufacturing Jobs	17.2 million	13.0 million
Americans without Health Care Coverage	40 million	46 million
Employers Offering Some Type of Insurance Coverage	69%	63%
Annual Premium Cost for Family Coverage	$6,230	$12,680
Americans in Poverty	31.6 million	37.3 million
U.S. Trade Deficit	$362 billion	$688 billion
Cost of College6 Public Private	$3,766 $17,377	$6,585 $25,143

1. U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment, Hours, and Earnings from the Current Employment Statistics Survey, Manufacturing Employment, 2000 & 2008.
2. Kaiser Family Foundation, Employer Health Benefits, 2008 Annual Survey.
3. Kaiser Family Foundation, Employer Health Benefits Surveys.
4. U.S. Census Bureau, most recent available data is for 2007.
5. U.S. Census Bureau, data is from a 12-month period of December-November for both timeframes.
6. College Board, Trends in College Pricing, data is for tuition and fees only.

Image from Counton2.com
Statistics eblast original source for USW.org

But rising gas prices are going to hurt others that are already hurting and don’t work in the industry.  So as a socially responsible citizen I try to transfer the funds to companies that make goods here.    So my buy American Attitude is in full swing.

I doubt the projection of $1 a gallon gas is probably not going to happen.  That failure is probably good.

Check out the CNN.com Artilce

Gas-price slide shifts into reverse, rises 12 cents in 3 weeks

(CNN) — The U.S. average price for regular unleaded gasoline rose by nearly 12 cents in the past three weeks, marking the first increase in six months, according to a national survey released Sunday.

“It is the first rise since July 11 last year when prices hit their all-time high,” said Trilby Lundberg, publisher of the survey.

The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline is $1.78, according to the Lundberg Survey, which is based on responses from more than 5,000 service stations nationwide. The latest survey looked at prices January 9.

“The price had to hit bottom sometime,” Lundberg said.

She said part of the reason for the price spike is recent indications of production cuts among OPEC members, which are aimed at driving up oil prices during a time of year when there is a decreased demand for gasoline.

“January historically is the lowest gasoline usage month,” Lundberg said.

Despite the increase, gas prices are still $1.29 lower than they were on January 11, 2008, she said.
Drivers in Billings, Montana, had the cheapest gas on average, paying $1.34. Motorists in Anchorage, Alaska, paid the most, at $2.32.

Birmingham SEO an Alabama Based Search Engine Company

On Wednesday night Birmingham News Source CBS 42 the 10:00 broadcast announced that a boycott of Alabama had been started. The boycott is calling to boycott Alabama made goods and not patron Alabama’s tourism. The website was basing this off the fact that Senator Richard Shelby has made comments that aren’t pro bailout. While we are unsure at this time of these statements we do know that this is an attack on the good hard working people of Alabama.

In response to this atrocious action from a group in Michigan we have launched a response ourselves that is currently in development to help promote the business of Alabama. We started the site Buy Alabama. This site will be used to develop a place where Alabama Business can feature their products. We also plan to in the future open up a store showcasing some of the products to be bought and sold direct from the site. The store is just an idea and no plans are being made. Birmingham SEO will be providing the Search Engine Marketing and Optimization plan for the website for free as a duty to promoting our state.

We also believe as a duty that we help promote the whole of the US and buy American Made. You can find out more on American Made products from Made In The USA. We do not wish to boycott any state and only encourage buying American but Buying Alabama is Buying American.

I am not going to give a link to the group that is calling for the boycott but lets just say it is one crazy nut that doesn’t like Senator Shelby.  Though I know Joe Babisiaz is trying to earn support for bailing out the Big Three.  Which as you know I am fan of.

Message to Joe:

Calling for a ban on Alabama is down right un-American and wrong.  You state on your website “this is not an attack on the hard working people of Alabama”. Then what do you call it an attack on our Senator? The Senator is a hard working Alabamian and the same as attacking the car maker in Alabama. That’s right you may envy we are making good cars in Alabama that aren’t going through Financial Trouble.  But here in Alabama we buy American Made cars. We even buy Detroit made cars.  I can proudly say that most people I know in Alabama want to see the jobs of millions of American’s secure.  We all want secure jobs.  So don’t boycott Alabama buy American and build something Americans can be proud of.

I know you are just a front line worker that is afraid you may loose your job.  Senator Shelby doesn’t want you to loose your job.  He wants to ensure things are in order and bad business mistakes are not rewarded.  The cars you make are of top quality in your job.  But the problem is the decision makers – the management.  If it were up to you – you would build the best and only car on the road I get that.  But build something every kid wants, every grandmother is safe driving in and, something that gets good fuel economy and lowers emissions. Something where the bumper doesn’t fall off.  That is all Senator Shelby is saying.  He isn’t trying to punish you he is trying to right the company.

Senator Shelby is trying to protect Alabama.  He doesn’t want the citizens of Alabama to have to pay for the mistakes of a few greedy managment level automakers.  If true measures are in place that will benefit the overall life of Alabama voters Senator Shelby will support it.  But if measures in place are not there to safeguard us he will not.

There is no reason to call for a boycott of Alabama.  I kindly ask that you end the boycott and your fellow Americans for help in supporting your effort instead of dividing the country.  Because like you said we are all American’s and plenty of Alabamians support the Bailout with oversight.  Without oversight it is just like giving a college kid money  experiments or lab time or Beer and food?  So if there is some oversight we might be able to get something from it.  Like a stable auto market full of good paying jobs.

What I am telling you is your strategy is wrong.  You should be trying to unite everyone to get behind you instead of isolating and picking fights.  We are your brothers and sisters.  Embrace us and we can help.

Though my pocket will certainly enjoy the break in fuel prices, but gas prices this low will effect American Crude oil prices.  Oil and Gas producers likely can’t afford to produce at rates that low long-term.  I don’t want to give out any ideas – some company’s may not be able to weather the cost of production – thus creating another gap.  With prices so low the “Drill-Baby-Drill” days of Sarah Palin wont be feasible.

I’m not saying raise prices of fuel – I am pointing out the cost of inflation.  Also I would like to point out the obvious that when Wall-Street and the Auto Industry get bailed out the Oil and Gas industry will be next.  Just when hope is insight the real work has just begun.  I am no economist but throwing money at Wall-Street and the Auto Industry is only part of the solution – some fundamental change has to be made. When in times of peril we turn to the Government to solve the problem – to paraphrase Sharat (@ravehead) – “recovery will not come from expensive/shiny titles, but from the ranks”.

Deadlock over Detroit bailout may soon end

• Story Highlights
• Pelosi open to idea of tapping advanced technology fund for bailout
• November job loss news led to change in thinking, official says
• Talks on potential help for auto industry to continue through weekend
• Many options remain on the table, officials caution

From Dana Bash – CNN Congressional Correspondent

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Help may soon be on the way to the struggling U.S. auto industry after House Speaker Nancy Pelosi backed off her opposition to using funds from a fuel-efficiency research program for a bailout, two congressional officials said Friday.

News of November job losses “changed everything” for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, an official said.

The significant move from Pelosi signals that the deadlock over rescuing Detroit may be over.

Congressional Republicans and President Bush support the idea of tapping the $25 billion advanced technology fund. Two officials familiar with compromise talks told CNN that the working target is $15 billion to $17 billion in bridge loans, intended to fund the struggling Big Three automakers through March.

However, one senior Democratic congressional source told CNN that House and Senate committee staff will meet over the weekend to write a bill to provide $20 billion to $25 billion in assistance to the U.S. auto companies.

This aide said the “mathematicians were working” at how to reprogram the money by reducing a subsidy to come up with a figure that would be available for loans, despite an earlier report that only $7.5 billion was available from the fund passed last year for fuel efficiency research.

This aide said the bill could be on the House floor as early as Tuesday, but thought it was more likely that the Senate would vote on the bill first.

“They need to get Republicans on board and send an important signal for House members to vote for this,” the aide said.

The officials cautioned that talks are still very fluid and that there are still other options on the table and many details to discuss.

Pelosi released a statement saying that Congress was “considering various short-term funding options” but added that no funds would be released from the research program “unless there is a guarantee that those funds will be replenished in a matter of weeks.”

Pelosi reversed herself because November’s devastating jobs report — more than a half-million jobs lost — “changed everything,” one official said.

The California Democrat spoke by phone with White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten on Friday afternoon to tell him of her change of heart, hours after Bush issued a fresh warning that without help, the automakers may not survive the economic crisis.

A senior administration official had no comment on Pelosi’s move.

A House Democratic leadership aide also said Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel was on Capitol Hill Friday, speaking with House and Senate Democratic leaders. He discussed the automaker bailout among other things, the aide said.

Both Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued statements Friday saying they hope to have legislation ready by next week to pass and send to the White House for the president’s signature, another sign of sudden determination to bridge the deep divide over bailing out Detroit.

“It should never have come to this. The auto companies dug themselves into this hole and for years did nothing to climb out of it,” Reid said in a statement. “But we are not acting for executives’ sake; we are acting on behalf of the workers and their families. This week’s hearings have made clear that we cannot let these companies fail.”

Talks on all sides will continue throughout the weekend.

News of the jobs loss broke just before auto executives testified once again on Capitol Hill to plead for $34 billion from taxpayers.

At the start of the hearing, House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank called the unemployment report evidence that Washington can’t let Detroit collapse.

“In the midst of the worst economic situation since the Great Depression, it would be an unmitigated disaster,” Frank said.

General Motors has warned that it will run out of money needed to stay in business this month without federal help. It says it needs at least $4 billion by the end of the month and another $6 billion in the first quarter as part of up to $16 billion of help it says it will need to survive until 2010.

Chrysler says it is also on the verge of running out of money and needs $4 billion by the end of March, part of $7 billion it is requesting in total.

Ford, which has more cash on hand, said it hopes to avoid borrowing money but wants access to up to $9 billion in loans as a backstop in case problems get worse than expected.

The auto industry CEOs ran into harsh criticism the last time they appeared before the House Committee in November, as lawmakers hammered them on their lack of details on how they would spend the $25 billion then being requested and their decision to each fly to Washington on their own private jets.

This time, the auto industry leaders came with detailed plans submitted this week on how they would return to profitability if they get the federal loans. They also drove hybrid vehicles to Washington and promised to work for $1 a year.

The hearing started an hour after the Labor Department reported the loss of 533,000 jobs in November, the biggest loss in nearly 34 years.

By the end of more than six hours of testimony, it was clear that the panel was far more open to the idea of a bailout than it had been just two weeks ago, even if a solution still seemed elusive.

“I think it’s fair to say the disastrous job report today has heightened the interest in doing something,” Frank said at the conclusion of the hearing. “If we are lucky, we’ll come out with a bill next week that nobody likes. Because any bill that any individual might like won’t pass. But there is a sufficient consensus that we need to so something acceptable to enough members of both houses so that we avert disaster.”

The CEOs’ appearance followed testimony they gave before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday.

Despite the apparent breakthrough, several House Republicans said they remained reluctant to sign on to any bailout. Some suggested that a bankruptcy filing would be a better way for the companies to become competitive, and others said they were concerned about other industries and businesses that might seek help if the automakers get aid.

In the end the Big 3 US Automakers will get assistance and I hope they do.  I just want to make sure it is used correctly and not to line the pockets of the wealthy.

MSNBC.com and Reuters is reporting that GM is Returning 2 Leased Jets from their corporate fleet.

GM to return two leased jets amid criticism

By Poornima Gupta

DETROIT (Reuters) – General Motors Corp will return two of its leased corporate jets amid intense criticism in Washington this week on the luxury travel arrangements of its chief executive even as the company pleads for federal aid.

CEO Rick Wagoner was in the capital to testify on the company’s dire financial situation but his testimony was overshadowed by irate lawmakers who blasted him for flying on a private jet to ask for public funds and failing to make personal sacrifices in exchange for federal assistance.

Chief executives from Ford Motor Co, and Chrysler LLC, who were also there to plead for $25 billion in federal aid, came under fire too for flying to Washington in private jets.

GM spokesman Tom Wilkinson said on Friday GM decided to return the aircraft because of a “really aggressive cutback in travel.”

The company, which is in a cost-cutting mode, is scrutinizing every trip, he said, but declined to disclose the name of the company it leases the airplanes from.

Wilkinson said the decision to return the leased corporate jets was made before this week’s hearings and that the company in September returned two other of the seven jets it had at the beginning of the year.

“There is a perception issue,” Wilkinson said of Wagoner’s travel to Washington on a private jet. “We need to be very sensitive to that going forward.”

He, however, said the company has not decided on what mode of transportation Wagoner would take if had to travel to Washington again.

Wagoner and Ford CEO Alan Mulally are required by their companies to fly by private aircraft for security reasons, according to company documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The policy for Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli is not required to be disclosed because the company is not publicly traded.

Skeptical lawmakers took to task the three CEOs for their luxurious travel arrangements at congressional committee hearings.

“Couldn’t you have downgraded to first class or something, or jet-pooled or something to get here?” Rep. Gary Ackerman, a New York Democrat, asked the executives at a hearing held by the U.S. House Financial Services Committee.

Even Democrats who said they were sympathetic to the automakers’ plight expressed frustration that the executives used private jets while professing ruthless cost-cutting measures.

A Chrysler spokesman said the automaker also leases or charters jets. He, however, declined to comment on whether the company was rethinking the use of private jets for executive travel, saying it was a “private matter.”

Ford did not have an immediate comment on its corporate jet policy.

According to Ford’s proxy, CEO Mulally’s compensation included $752,203 in 2007 for personal use of company aircraft.

About two years ago, the head of Ford’s North American operations, Mark Fields, gave up use of a corporate jet for personal travel to his home in Florida after the arrangement came under criticism at a time when the automaker was losing billions and slashing jobs.

He now flies first class on commercial planes.

(Additional reporting by David Bailey, editing by Dave Zimmerman)

The Boston Herald is reporting that she is using the publicity for fame credit. But in here interview with People Magazine it appears to me that she was more trying to clear her name and apologize to Mrs. Spitzer and CNN.com gave more details and objective reporting of the situation and the interviews.

Prostitute to Spitzer’s wife: ‘I’m sorry’

Story Highlights

• Dupre’s message to Silda Wall Spitzer: “I’m sorry for your pain”
• She says she was stricken by the pained expression on Silda Wall Spitzer’s face
• Dupre, 23, said Spitzer was polite and businesslike when they met

NEW YORK (AP) — The prostitute at the center of the scandal that brought down former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has apologized to his wife.

Ashley Alexandra Dupre also sat down with Diane Sawyer for an ABC “20/20″ segment to be aired Friday.

Ashley Alexandra Dupre tells People magazine that the FBI informed her in early March that it was investigating one of her clients. A few days later, she found out which client when she recognized Spitzer on TV — resigning.

That was March 12, after revelations Spitzer had used Emperors Club VIP, where Dupre worked.

She says she was stricken by the pained expression on Silda Wall Spitzer’s face.

“I try not to revisit that place too often, but when I think about his speech, I think of her face, her eyes, the hurt,” Dupre said.

Her message to Silda Wall Spitzer: “I’m sorry for your pain.”

Dupre, 23, said Spitzer was polite and businesslike when they met. “Some guys, they want to have conversations and really get to know each other. With him, it clearly was not like that,” she said. “It was more of a transaction. Strictly business.”

Dupre, who was known then as Kristen, said she practiced safe sex with all her clients, including Spitzer. On her attorney’s advice, she would not elaborate on their liaison, or say whether Spitzer visited her more than once. She did say that he dressed casually and she did not see his security detail.

Dupre also sat down with Diane Sawyer for an ABC “20/20″ segment to be aired Friday. In that interview, ABC said, she describes how an “upper middle-class, girl next door got into the profession and the psychological journey she continues to experience.”

Four people have pleaded guilty to running the prostitution operation. Last week, federal prosecutors said they wouldn’t bring criminal charges against Spitzer.

Dupre, 23, envisions a future for herself in music, fashion and “writing books” — but not prostitution. “Never again.”

Hillary Clinton to accept Obama’s offer of secretary of state job

President-elect Barack Obama reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration

Hillary Clinton will be Barack Obama’s secretary of state. Photographs: AFP/Getty Images

Hillary Clinton plans to accept the job of secretary of state offered by Barack Obama, who is reaching out to former rivals to build a broad coalition administration, the Guardian has learned.

Obama’s advisers have begun looking into Bill Clinton’s foundation, which distributes millions of dollars to Africa to help with development, to ensure that there is no conflict of interest. But Democrats do not believe that the vetting is likely to be a problem.

Clinton would be well placed to become the country’s dominant voice in foreign affairs, replacing Condoleezza Rice. Since being elected senator for New York, she has specialised in foreign affairs and defence. Although she supported the war in Iraq, she and Obama basically agree on a withdrawal of American troops.

Clinton, who still harbours hopes of a future presidential run, had to weigh up whether she would be better placed by staying in the Senate, which offers a platform for life, or making the more uncertain career move to the secretary of state job.

As part of the coalition-building, Obama today also reached out to his defeated Republican rival, John McCain, to discuss how they could work together to roll back some of the most controversial policies of the Bush years. Putting aside the bitter words thrown about with abandon by both sides during the election campaign, McCain flew to meet Obama at his headquarters in the Kluczynski Federal Building, in downtown Chicago.

Obama, speaking before the meeting, said: “We’re going to have a good conversation about how we can do some work together to fix up the country.” He said he also wanted to thank McCain for his service to the country.

Asked by a reporter whether he would work with Obama, McCain, who has long favoured a bipartisan approach to politics, replied: “Obviously”.

Sources on both sides said Obama did not offer McCain a cabinet job, but focused on how the senator for Arizona could help to guide through Congress legislation that they both strongly favour.

Given Obama’s status as president-in-waiting, the two met in a formal setting, a room decked out with a US flag, and were accompanied by senior advisers. Obama appeared the more relaxed of the two, sitting with legs crossed, smiling broadly and waving to reporters, while McCain sat stiffly, with a seemingly fixed grin.

Although the two clashed during the election campaign over tax policy and withdrawal from Iraq, they have more in common than they have differences. They both favour the closure of the Guantánamo Bay detention centre, an increase in US troops to Afghanistan, immigration reform, stem cell research and measures to tackle climate change, and oppose torture and the widespread use of wire-tapping.

Although Democrats made gains in the Senate in the November 4 elections, they fell short of the 60 seats that would have allowed them to override Republican blocking tactics and will need Republican allies to get Obama’s plans through. This was highlighted today when the Democratic leadership in Congress announced that a broad economic stimulus package Obama sought was not likely to be passed because of Republican opposition.

Obama confirmed at the weekend that he would offer jobs to some Republicans. One of the names that crops up most often is Chuck Hagel, the former Republican senator who is a specialist in foreign affairs and a critic of the Iraq war.

Bill Clinton’s relationship with his foundation may prove to be a bump in the road during Senate Confirmation in addition to the Republican blocking tactics. CNN.com is reporting Bill maybe the biggest problem in filling Obama’s cabinet seats. None-the-less this is a fitting role for Senator Clinton.  With almost two decades of foreign policy experience the Clinton’s would be a welcome face in Embassies around the world.  Bill Clinton may have to abandoned his involvement in international business for the duration of Hilary’s Department of State administration.  Seeing how the conflict of interest is no less than Dick Cheney’s ties to the oil and gas industry all that needs to be established is a clear definite separation.  Since most of Bill’s business ventures are charity based the conflict should be genuine in nature but will still need to be abandoned.

No doubt the successful nature of Bill’s venture stems from name recognition and him being a former President since he is acting in no official US Government manner nothing can really be said.  But if he is the husband of the US Secretary of State it could prove to undermine the intentions of the US State Department.  One way to handle the conflict would be to merge organizations and release managment of all interest to another aide organization.  Or could just be like Dick Cheney and step down as CEO of the organizations and maintain a vested monetary interest which will no doubt cause as much trouble as Cheney.  The best and easiest thing to do would be to end all ties.

According to Joe Weisenthal of ClusterStock:

GM (GM) says we still don’t get it. If we don’t save them, they’re gonna nuke the economy to all hell. In case dire warnings of billions and billions in losses aren’t enough to freak you out, the company has posted a scare-video on YouTube, complete with ominous music and the kind of overwrought imagery you might got during a preview for 60 Minutes.

[sniplet GM-Scare-Video]

In an apparent attempt to save the company GM is reportedly cutting the extravagance according to USA Today.

Reduced office supplies. GM used to stock for every possible stationery need. No longer. “The office supply cabinets have only the bare minimum now — inexpensive pads, a few roller-ball pens and wooden pencils,” spokesman Tom Wilkinson says.

No raises. White-collar workers won’t get bonuses, raises or 401(k) retirement savings matches.

Pricier company cars. As of last summer, executives had to pay $100 more a month to use a company car and can’t rotate to new ones as often.

Make you own opinion – I wonder if Exec’s are joining in the cutbacks.  Probably not.  I bet cutting 1 corporate jet would save the same amount as not buying office supplies.

If you want to talk about politics or anything that is effecting your life in my book you have to vote.  It doesn’t matter so much who you vote for as long as you VOTE.  Every person in America has the right to vote don’t forget that as you enter the poll.  If you get to the poll and they can not find your name then request a provisional ballot.

I voted early or absentee as I will be out of state on election day.  To show you who I voted for in the Presidential election I voted like this:

Notice I did not vote straight party ticket and I did vote in Favor of Alabama’s Rainy Day fund.  I would like to remind everyone in Alabama that tapping into the Alabama Education Fund Rainy Day program will save the Schools.  Many school districts fear that if they do not get funds soon that teachers payroll will be effected.  It is already hard to retain qualified teachers with extremely low salaries but if their checks bounce they will have to seek employment else where.  So Vote Yes on Proposition 1 on the Alabama Ballot to save the Schools.

MOST IMPORTANTLY

GO VOTE!

On October 20th HSLF Announced their independent expenditure:

The Humane Society Legislative Fund launched its first television advertisements today opposing the reelection of U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg in Michigan’s 9th Congressional District. The ads will air over the next two weeks on Detroit broadcast television and Oakland County cable. The group has also sent mailings to thousands of animal welfare supporters and is canvassing door-to-door across the district.

Read More and watch the TV AD running in MI.

My piece of the pie involves the door-to-door canvass. Being outside in the cold Michigan weather sure makes this southern boy’s going home much more exciting.  I look forward to getting home and thawing out before AL’s weather turns colder.

The advertisements are going to be based on content relevant ads that bring in revenue per click and others one I select.  The ones I select will be target to things I think you are interested in.  In order for me to receive revenue it will require you to make a purchase so of course I am only going to put up advertisements you would be interested in.  The banner and content ads are the only type of advertising I plan to us.

There is the thought of sponsored post.  But that would discount the type of post I plan to make.  Speaking of post.  I plan to talk more about politics and a little less this and that.  So for the next few months my theme is going to be Chris Estes on Politics.  I might sneak in a random post or two about just random interesting things.  So get ready and prepare as I plan to bring you coverage of the the National and local races that affect everyone but more specifically the things in my area that matter.  I am going to try and bring fair and balanced information.

Bloggers postings and musings are becoming more and more powerful and I would like for my voice to be heard and addressed.  I have to yet decided on a candidate for president.  Even though I am trending towards one based on the conventions. Within the next few days you are going to witness a change in direction of my blogs change.  As the major changes are in place I will make announcements on how you can utilize the change for you.

My feed url will be changing from a Feedburner URL to a Google Feedburner URL that will need to be updated in your feed aggregator.

Stay Stuned for future updates.

I found this video at I’m Voting Republican.
From their website

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As the political season heats up expect more politics from me. Though I will probably be biased towards making a better America I will post some humor from all angles. If you notice the title of post as “I’m Voting Republican” that is part of the joke. I have not yet made my decision who I am going to vote for. The media and the parties haven’t figured out who is going to be running for president! I have and still don’t know who to vote for. As the political campaigns ramp-up and more campaign jobs open up and me looking for jobs I might be on the campaign trail myself.

Campaign Organizers and Job Recruiters

So for all the campaign job recruiters out there looking for talent. Check out my interactive portfolio. As an expert in social media and web technologies I can really help your candidate online. Remember in 2004 the lines used by the broadcast media networks after political debates, “Broadcasting Live from the Blog Cafe”? How about really leveraging that coverage for gain everyday? Social Media has grown exponentially since 2004 and reaches more and more everyday.

Until next time this is Chris Estes on This and That

As nothing seems to be permanent with me, consider this a regroup and staging for my next adventure. I don’t know what, when, or where that will be. I made my decision because of a few reasons. 1. Family. My family is in Alabama and I realize that they are the most important people to me. 2. Health. Too many restaurants and late nights has taken a toll on me.

The current plan is to pack up and move back within the next few days. I will seek out work in Birmingham for a while and see were life takes me.

The title of this post reminds me of a little song by Ozzy Osborne.