The Bush administration and the neo-cons engineered the mortgage crisis so the special interests could buy up the properties for 10 cents on the dollar, and that's what they're doing. If you voted for the neo-cons and lost your house, you have no reason to complain.
My husband and I traveled to Bonca's last evening for an ice cream, and as I was waiting I peeked in to see the interior, which is just beautiful. I would be proud to have this particular structure in our town -- Owasco.
When we get behind that curtain at the voting machine, and no one knows how we vote --- yeah for Mickey Mouse! He'd make a great president!
If I said I'm voting for a certain person just because he's white, the liberal media would be calling me a racist. But as polls show
almost 100 percent of the blacks are voting for Barack mostly just because he's black, no one in the liberal media dares to call them racist.
This fall I'd like to see some different faces around the area in the election. For instance Nozzolio - he's a nice guy and he's good at cutting the blue ribbon or attending some ceremony, but let's get somebody new around here.
Two Cents will be updated online as new submissions are called or e-mailed. To contribute new Two Cents items, please call 253-5311 ext. 292 or e-mail twocents@lee.net.
Citizen
Hot Jobs
New! Off the Menu
The Citizens' Say
Post your comment - click hereThere are 68 comment(s)
nature lover wrote on Jul 23, 2008 1:00 PM:
FG - in my story it was the female that went on the trip leaving said husband asking elderly father for cash!
I have a penchant for old houses in need of repair. I call them elegant ruin and they seem to talk to me. We have refurbished (not remodeled) a 4 bdrm then this montrous 8 bdrm. I ask because we sunk your quoted amt of bucks into each one. But I know some can qualify for an FHA loan for said repairs which c/b added to the orig mortgage. Now w/Freddie and Fannie being up in the air, was just wondering if one could get a fixer upper nowadays and were being marketed that way.
Grand old houses indeed - more folks should pay attention to them as they are our hx and with no hx we have no future! At sales it irks the crap out of me when the family sells the old velvet album w/CDV's & tins in it because they dont even care about their ancestors!! Shameful.... "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:31 PM:
business is business--its all about money and who can legally get away with charging more or charging less.
the BBB is useless unless it has several complaints.
BUYER BEWARE is always the best policy!
SEARCH & ask questions until you are 100% convinced.
If you still have a gut of doubt--run for the hills. "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:24 PM:
its happened-its the past--what deems important is to stop it or get it back under control.
You can repeat until your face is blue--its GWB or REPs or DEMs or God for all that matters, we are where we are because of officials, business, Nafta, Opec, Nato, the list is endless!
including OURSELVES for placing trust in "the others"
personally I would like to look more in the mirror and ask what I can do and then DO IT!
Placing blame is simple talk---everyone does it..
but acting on it is a whole different subject--most ingore that! "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 12:13 PM:
when I visit I dont throw away nothing at her house without asking first!
She has 5 different trash cans in her house!
last year we came with grand-daughter
(age 1) I told my sis if she didnt label "diapers go here" they would be on the counter with all my other questionables! hahahahaha
here we have 2 small bins enough to put in about 2wks of newspapers, we CAN if we WANT to put them out: one on Mon and one on Thurs. yet most here do not--even I dont.
(I do drive to a school 4 miles away and put papers in their school collection bin) I would rather the school have it than the county.
last week my sis was here--I asked her why was she wasting my water?
she was washing out plastic bottles and soda cans!!
The trailer behind the trash truck is a great idea especially for here where 2 extra trucks per week are mostly NOT used. "
Farmers Gal wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:54 AM:
Just because you are in business to make money, doesn't mean that makes it OK to be unethical. It's one of the reasons we have the Better Business Bureau.
NL -- I also had a friend whose ex took her credit card and racked up huge debt in no time -- and because the card was in her name and they were still legally married at the time he used the card A)he had a legal right to use it and B) she alone was obligated to pay it. A lousy deal (esp since the reason they split up was that he had beaten her so badly -- this time -- that he put her in the hospital) -- but that's the way it stood.
Fixer-uppers? I looked at a few and saw some others listed. One old Greek Revival in King Ferry - huge and once really grand -- but in pretty rough shape. It went to someone for ca. $75,000. When I looked at it, my real estate lady estimated $50,000-$60,000 in repairs (and that's without the home inspection to know all the hidden bits). But, someone with the money could buy it for $75,000, put $60,000 into it, and for $135,000 they'd have a $250,000+ home. I wish whomever bought it the best of luck and bless them for their efforts. If they really fix it up, it can be a truly grand home again. "
nature lover wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:39 AM:
Did u know that regardless of what country oil is barreled in, it is priced in US dollars? With the dollar being at an all time low is the major contributor to prices being so high.
I truly agree that it doesnt matter what party u represent, to be elected to a political seat of any kind is like winning the beauty/lottery/popular contest. They ALL are guilty of not doing what our founding fathers had originally envisioned which viewed politicians as nobel. We c them as crooks. "
1234567890p wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:31 AM:
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 11:03 AM:
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:57 AM:
I did like someones past post about adding the recycle bins/trailers to the ends of trash trucks to limit trucks in use/gas.
especially since in my area, we are NOT mandated to recycle like Auburn is. I see a huge waste as the recycle trucks drive down streets 2ce a week with nearly nothing to stop for!! "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:52 AM:
I partly grew up on Barber St, had the best of friends on West St, and Orchard was the Italian section with smells of pasta daily walking home from school.
I do blame alot on the landlords/property owners--they dont care who they rent to as long as homesite sends them a check!! "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:48 AM:
it is not just one person causing the dollar to fall, gas prices rising, homes foreclosing, food prices jumping, etc..
IT's ALL of them!! "
justventing wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:43 AM:
Quote from the citizen"
In 2003, police were called to Barber Street 129 times, 162 times to nearby West Street, and 492 times to Orchard Street, according to city police statistics."
I wonder how much more it is now?.
People should start paying extra for those calls. "
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:24 AM:
nature lover wrote on Jul 23, 2008 10:23 AM:
With all the scrutiny going on now, is there such a thing as a 'handyman's special/fixer upper' anymore?
Electric cars/hybrids are all kinda of a waste of cash to me right now. Dont quote me but I heard on a news program that it takes something like 42 years to recoup the cost of a Prius. Just like the city of Auburn wanting to buy two new "green" trash trucks. My ? is, do we need 'em? If it aint broke, dont fix it type of thought. Because a new vehicle purchase is just that and there is a whole new starting figure to pay off. "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:49 AM:
I am not 100% convinced that releasing the bans to drill are helpful due to to open leases NOW that are not in use.
(mostly due to ENVIRON groups red tape)
Either way I know reality is it wont be helpful for a long time.
However it DOES put a scare in in the speculators minds!
BUT also any other avenues will be a costly start-up with only the rich and businesses able to afford--the poorer tax payers are maxed now and will hoot until the cows comes home about MORE TAXES!
Additional TAXES would inable the poorer/middle class to make the changes for their personal lives.
I am laughing as to how these electric cars
(which many will pay thousands above retail for)
THINK they are saving dollars, it may not be oil but it is ELECTRIC. Also it is only good for short drives--100 miles.
I can see driving to moms house and needed HER electric to plug in and get back home!!!
I have ONLY electric-with the simples in use I am at 450.00 a month right now--I can imagine what the bill would be like to charge a car!!?? "
cm wrote on Jul 23, 2008 9:35 AM:
Recruiting suckers for high interest rates and arm loans IS their goal.
It is up to the buyer (buyer beware) to
do their homework and be realistic about it.
Do I want to live in a mansion for a year, or am I making a logical purchase for longtime ownership and roof over my head???
there are many organizations now that give FREE home-buying classes, it would be wise for any buyer to visit a class before jumping the gun.
I am in a "credit union" bank--my bank offers the free classes, especially since fore-closures are so common here. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:20 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 23, 2008 7:18 AM:
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:30 AM:
YIKES!!! "
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 4:17 AM:
" The prob w/supply and demand of oil is that the developing countries (China/India) are developed! "
I wouldn't say developed - perhaps developing is more appropriate. "
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 3:12 AM:
Wow, for a conservative media outlet to come up with this, I am encouraged. People are waking up! Well, everyone except for the Coulters, anyhow.
What's it like to be in the minority Coulter? I'll bet you're not a happy camper at this point. "
AJ wrote on Jul 23, 2008 2:43 AM:
Let the banks sink - NO BAILOUTS for the rich! OH - we also need to take back any bonuses for these bums, er, thieves. "
nature lover wrote on Jul 22, 2008 8:29 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:07 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 6:28 PM:
I also must disagree with Andy B -- I think it IS a bank's duty to educate their customers in terms of what they can or cannot afford. But even if you do not think that is so, it absolutely is a bank's duty NOT TO LEND more money to a customer than the customer can afford to repay -- that's just bad lending practices. It behooves the bank to spend enough time with each customer to determine if the customer can TRULY afford to repay the loan. If not, then they should not be lending the money in the first place.
Also, there's bare bones and then there's insane. Saying that a person can "afford" 35% (or more) of their GROSS take home for mortgage and taxes alone is not sane. I have very little debt and will have it paid off in about 3 years (aside from the mortgage I am about to incur) -- but even on bare bones, I could not scratch together 35% for mortgage and taxes alone and still have enough left over for insurance, heat, electric, water, garbage, maintenance, gas, food, clothes, medical, automotive and other simple and reasonable expenses. Their formula is deeply flawed and unreasonable -- which is part of why people are in trouble. They figure banks have been giving loans for generation and should know what is reasonable -- but they don't. "
movedsouth wrote on Jul 22, 2008 5:08 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:55 PM:
Again, this isn't an overnight change.
Putting a man on the moon is far different than changing the entire energy infrastructure for the US as well as changing all of the vehicle manufacturing to accomodate the hypothetical fuel cell engine. You also need to consider that there are well over 200 million existing gas and diesel cars in the US alone...what are you going to do AJ? Tell everyone to get rid of them and buy a new hydrogen vehicle? Good luck with that. "
AJ wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:25 PM:
Now, how's this for your "free" market? (Like the JP Morgan / Bear Stears "Free Market" bailout) Free market my butt..
http://www.auburnpub.com/articles/2008/07/22/ap/washington/d9232qfg0.txt "
chris van note wrote on Jul 22, 2008 4:08 PM:
So your "logic" is just don't explore and drill in the mean time? Brilliant!
Say someone comes up with a workable, manufacturable and practical fuel cell that requires hydrogen. How many years will it take to refurbish our infrastructure to accomodate this? We'll need hydrogen producing plants, a whole new fleet of trucks & train cars for delivery, new storage facilities & piping and hydrogen stations similar to our present day gas stations to deliver the product to the consumer.
Maybe in liberal fantasy land this happens overnight but in reality land that would be a huge undertaking and take years to accomplish. "
AJ wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:53 PM:
OK, you can beam me up now Scotty! "
chris van note wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:39 PM:
Pretty close with that description sport? "
karl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 3:28 PM:
Or should I say as intellectually challenged?
In case you really can't make the connection, Mr Brilliant, what that means in practical terms is that it would make NO DIFFERENCE in the price today at the pump. N
NONE.
ZERO.
ZILCH.
NADA.
Do you understand that now, or do I have to draw you a picture?
McCain is essentially arguing for a proposal that he himself voted AND argued against.
John McCain and Chris Van Coulter--Contradiction we can all see clearly! LOL! "
AJ wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:34 PM:
AJ wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:32 PM:
The dems are doing it again - what a pathetic bunch...
Jack Cafferty: Bill Gives Bush, Admininistration Retroactive Immunity for Possible War Crimes
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/node/34972 "
chris van note wrote on Jul 22, 2008 2:29 PM:
Oooh, the evils of capitalism and a free market economy. "
1234567890p wrote on Jul 22, 2008 1:53 PM:
karl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 12:57 PM:
He's on TV today again pushing this crap about offshore drilling, saying it will make a difference here in America.
JOHN MCCAIN VOTED AGAINST KEEPING THAT POTENTIAL OIL FOR USE HERE IN AMERICA!
That's right--on a vote last year, John "Big Oil" McCain voted to let the oil discovered in offshore drilling to be put on the world markets!
John McCain--duplicity we can track and confirm for all of our amusement. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:56 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:55 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 11:49 AM:
http://sendkarlrovetojail.com/?utm_source=407466 "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:28 AM:
I work with a terrific bunch of people, all very different, but complementary and great team players.
Our departmental motto is: agilus summus ("We are nimble") and our mission statement is written in haiku:
Team Tech Services
Organizes info for
Resources access.
We, your providers,
Acquire, process, pay; support
the love of learning.
Hey, it gets us through the touch times together. "
karl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 10:03 AM:
If this doesn't seriously creep you out...as well as make you sick at what the US Government see fit to spend our tax dollars on, at a time when we're spending 3 BILLION a week in Iraq...
Seriously--watch this; you won't believe it! If I saw this coming at me, I'd pee my pants!
http://www.bostondynamics.com/content/sec.php?section=BigDog "
karl wrote on Jul 22, 2008 9:04 AM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 22, 2008 7:17 AM:
Thought a couple people here might appreciate the sentiment. "
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 7:39 PM:
Radovan Karadzic, one of the world's most wanted scumbags, has finally been arrested for his war crimes!
Stick him in a cell with Cheney!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/876084.stm "
movedsouth wrote on Jul 21, 2008 6:13 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Jul 21, 2008 5:55 PM:
sue123 wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:51 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:47 PM:
The thing is Obama did not support the surge. It was because of the surge that the Iraqis were able to make political gains and improve security. That is why Maliki can talk about the US leaving Iraq. If Obama had his way Saddam would still be putting people in mass graves and Iraq would not have a PM to make such statements at all. "
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:35 PM:
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:34 PM:
Ha ha!
CNN just reported AGAIN that Malaki said he favor's Barack's plan.
It was the Conservative spin machine that tried to suggest that Malaki had been "misunderstood", but Malaki made it a point to reiterate that he favored the US being out by 2010.
Barack Obama--a world leader we can believe in. "
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:22 PM:
Here's the interesting thing--even though the Iraqi's themselves want us te hell out of their country, the Oil Hawks don't want to leave, or even talk about it without the mysterious "benchmarks" again clouding up the matter to their advantage.
Barack will save the prestige of America, and taxpayer's money by ending this farce.
BTW--"surrender" is not the same as "strategic withdrawal", son.
Barack--a Saviour we can believe in. "
chris van note wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:19 PM:
Those darn conservatives and their crazy ideas of personal responsibility...
I guess if you are a progressive liberal, NOTHING is your fault. "
dd wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:17 PM:
dd wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:14 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Jul 21, 2008 4:00 PM:
cm wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:52 PM:
my son qualified for 500grand for a house-he was doing the happy football dance but then added "I am not stupid enough to sink us and lose a house"
They purchased one for 220grand with 40grand down.
Their payments are 1400.00 a month includes taxes and insurance.
They have a fixed rate, and they stayed clear of developments with home owners associations fees.
I give them credit the listened to both us and her dad and did their homework one year in advance!
they are struggling some now-due to room-mate moving out of state and sons business has slowed.
Had they jumped the gun on 500 grand they would have lost the house this year. "
nature lover wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:47 PM:
Andy b wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:08 PM:
chris van note wrote on Jul 21, 2008 3:08 PM:
Got this from CNN (not exactly a bastion of conservatism), here are some excerpts from the article:
But a spokesman for al-Maliki said his remarks "were misunderstood, mistranslated and not conveyed accurately."
Government spokesman Ali al-Dabbagh said the possibility of troop withdrawal was based on the continuance of security improvements, echoing statements that the White House made Friday after a meeting between al-Maliki and U.S. President Bush.
In a statement issued Friday after a conversation between Bush and al-Maliki by closed-circuit television, the White House said that conditions in Iraq would dictate the pace of the negotiations and not "an arbitrary date for withdrawal."
The Democratic candidate says he supports a phased withdrawal of troops, promising to remove all combat brigades from Iraq within 16 months of taking office if he becomes president.
McCain does not think American troops should return to the United States until Iraqi forces are capable of maintaining a safe, democratic state.
He has been a strong advocate of the 2007 "surge" to escalate U.S. troop levels and says troops should stay in Iraq as long as needed.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/19/almaliki.obama/
So lets see, McCain wants us to finish the job and leave a viable, stable and democratic Iraq and Obama just wants to leave.
Obama...surrender you can believe in. "
Farmer's Gal wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:54 PM:
movedsouth wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:46 PM:
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:12 PM:
What a disaster for McCain.
WHen I watch McCain, I want to just reach through the screen and slap him--you KNOW he's lying to you about the war being "won/winnable" but he just sits there looking you straight in the eye and lying to your face!
You just know that the criminal cabal of Repub's have promised to throw the election his way if he'll play the parrot for their failed policies! "
Andy b wrote on Jul 21, 2008 2:09 PM:
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ibd/20080718/bs_ibd_ibd/20080718issues;_ylt=At_sLtn3SEgowIFVGzyAKeNpl88F "
Andy b wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:49 PM:
karl wrote on Jul 21, 2008 1:17 PM:
If you vote for someone JUST BECAUSE THEY"RE BLACK, you're ALSO a Racist.
VOTE COMPETENCY!
VOTE OBAMA! "
1234567890p wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:59 PM:
Unknown... wrote on Jul 21, 2008 12:21 PM: