Ever have "one of those days"? You know, a day where staying in bed should have been your only option. Well, today is the second such day for me. I knew better, and still got up and came to work. Awesome! If all goes well, my ass will be tucked in nice and early this evening, and my daughter will by reading me a bedtime story instead of the other way around. Anyways, have any of you heard about this...
Remember how the government reformed how the banks operated in an effort to protect us more? They were supposed to do away with overdraft charges and things of that nature. Well, the rat bastards in the banking industry have found new ways to make up for those charges, and it is hitting harder than before. Before, in a typical month, we might incur one or two overdraft charges over the course of a month (I'm talking about at the office, over 40 or so bank accounts, with money constantly coming in and out), for a total of about $70 a month. Now, those crooks are hitting us for everything under the sun. You did a deposit with one of our tellers, we are going to charge you $2.00 per deposit. Oh, you did an ATM deposit, we are going to charge you $1.75 for that. What's that, you did a night drop deposit. Well that's going to cost you $1.25. They are now taking money out of your account when you put money into your account?! How is that even legal? I'm not complaining about the elimination of overdraft fees, that was one of the most backwards approaches ever. Charging a person $35 for not having the money in their account isn't going to solve anything, they don't have the money! How about just not letting it go through. But now, what they are doing now is highway robbery. We are paying in excess of $1000 a month in "analysis fees". I guess you have to pay those big salaries and bonuses somehow, right?
The Maine Legislature is tossing around the idea of getting rid of bottle deposits in Maine. You know, getting rid of a program that encourages us to all recycle our empty bottles and cans. A program that keeps bottles and cans from completely littering the sides of the road, and employees about 1200 people at nearly 800 redemption centers around the state. Another great move in the continuing effort to get more Mainers working, right? No, not at all. Not even close. In fact, this doesn't really make any sense to me.
Speaking of things that don't make sense, the state legislature is working on a bill that would loosen the seat belt law. The proposal would alter the law so that you would not get pulled over for simply not wearing a seat belt, you would have to get pulled over for something else first. What happened to click it or ticket? Why not encourage everyone to be safer by threatening a $50 fine for not wearing a seat belt? I know, I know, government intrusion is a terrible thing. Big brother doesn't need to be all up in my business. I've heard that way more than I ever thought possible. However, I counter that with, when it is for the greater good, like protecting our citizens, why is it such a bad idea?
Oh, and about the citizens of Maine, turns out they are really not being put first, ahead of politics. Governor LePage has stated that "If that budget is altered it is not my budget, it is the Legislature's budget. If they alter the pension, if they alter the tax breaks, if they alter the welfare reforms, those are the show stoppers." Quick note to Governor LePage, this isn't your budget, it is the State of Maine's budget. You were elected by 38% of the state, but you are ultimately responsible for the well being of 100% of us. If we are going to share in the sacrifice, then let's all share in the sacrifice, not just the poor and middle class. I'm hopeful that house Republicans will stand up against Governor LePage, alongside Democrats and do what is right for the people of Maine, not corporations and out of state interests.
I'm going to play "Regulate" on iTunes on repeat, in honor of the late Nate Dogg, and slug through the rest of the day. He changed the music world for me. Regulate is still one of my top three favorite songs of all time. Rest in peace Nate Dogg. I'm just saying...
About Me
- Mark
- I've always wondered if people actually read this stuff. I never do when I'm on other pages. Well, in case, for some strange reason, you find it necessary, I'll give you a little knowledge. I was born in The County. For those of you who don't konw better, that would be Aroostook County. For those of you who do, your jokes won't work on me, they are lame. I'm the son of an investment banker that squandered his every penny on tuna fish sandwiches in the late 80's, and my mother was the lead singer for the Bangles. Neither of those is true, but again, I'm convinced nobody is reading this anyways. I met my wife at a carnival, and we were married by the bearded lady in front of the entire clown brigade. I have a daughter who is training for the 2012 Olympics where she will compete in the Triple Jump and Javelin. We live in a nice little shanty in the woods and are hoping to one day have running water. Any questions?
