Headlines
Seen in the Jan 21 Daily Oklahoman: "Altered alfalfa may lessen cattle bloat"
Sunday, January 19, 2003
The Silent Minority
The anti-war protesters have generated a flurry of media attention in the U.S. and worldwide. In the U.S. much of the public and private debate has been over the patriotism, or lack thereof, of the American protesters. Yesterday, CNN had a poll asking viewers if they thought the anti-war protesters were unpatriotic. It's a debate allright, but a near-no-brainer (NNB). First, let's celebrate the fact that in America we can protest publicly and to do so is very American. Are the protesters unpatriotic because they oppose the Administration's policy on going to war. Not a bit.
Are some of the protesters complete idiots? You bet. The ones that are against all war, and globalization, and corporations, and business in general, and just about everything American are so off the wall and predictable that they can't be taken seriously. They aren't excercising their minds. But neither are the nuts that are for war, and for EVERYTHING the US Administration says, and against protesters and protesting. Come on people, THINK!!
I try to have an open mind on this Iraq war thing. I am still in the questioning mode. I still don't really see why invading Iraq is worth it and I wonder whether it is the right thing to do. On the one hand I ask if maybe Bush knows something we don't but he can't tell us. Or, could those who say we want the oil be right? How can any of us really know what's going on? Those of us who remember Vietnam know how our Government lied to us time and again. We know we can't just trust any government or anyone.
There's a lot of us, Americans who don't see the need to attack Iraq, but we aren't so cocksure that we are ready to hit the streets.
The anti-war protesters have generated a flurry of media attention in the U.S. and worldwide. In the U.S. much of the public and private debate has been over the patriotism, or lack thereof, of the American protesters. Yesterday, CNN had a poll asking viewers if they thought the anti-war protesters were unpatriotic. It's a debate allright, but a near-no-brainer (NNB). First, let's celebrate the fact that in America we can protest publicly and to do so is very American. Are the protesters unpatriotic because they oppose the Administration's policy on going to war. Not a bit.
Are some of the protesters complete idiots? You bet. The ones that are against all war, and globalization, and corporations, and business in general, and just about everything American are so off the wall and predictable that they can't be taken seriously. They aren't excercising their minds. But neither are the nuts that are for war, and for EVERYTHING the US Administration says, and against protesters and protesting. Come on people, THINK!!
I try to have an open mind on this Iraq war thing. I am still in the questioning mode. I still don't really see why invading Iraq is worth it and I wonder whether it is the right thing to do. On the one hand I ask if maybe Bush knows something we don't but he can't tell us. Or, could those who say we want the oil be right? How can any of us really know what's going on? Those of us who remember Vietnam know how our Government lied to us time and again. We know we can't just trust any government or anyone.
There's a lot of us, Americans who don't see the need to attack Iraq, but we aren't so cocksure that we are ready to hit the streets.
Meme Central
Why can't you get that tune out of your head? Why do religious and political orientations tend to run in families? Expose yourself to the Meta Meme!!
Why can't you get that tune out of your head? Why do religious and political orientations tend to run in families? Expose yourself to the Meta Meme!!
Friday, January 17, 2003
Where is Frosty Troy's Head At?
Many are asking what has happened to Frosty Troy, publisher of the Oklahoma Observor, to lead him to support Senator Shurden's attempt to gut the anti-cockfighting legislation the people recently passed by initiative petition. Has he gone off the deep end or is this famously anti-Daily Oklahoma writer mad because the D.O. has weighed in on the anti-cockfighting side? Has Frosty become an anti-intellectual Ludite? A supporter of anti-democratic, backroom power politics? Frosty! Tell us it ain't so!!
Frosty is too smart a fellow to siddle up to Frank Shurden. Too smart to not know that the people have spoken through the initiative petition and election process. Too smart to not know what damage cockfighting does both to the people who participate in it and to Oklahoma's image. Well, maybe not.
Many are asking what has happened to Frosty Troy, publisher of the Oklahoma Observor, to lead him to support Senator Shurden's attempt to gut the anti-cockfighting legislation the people recently passed by initiative petition. Has he gone off the deep end or is this famously anti-Daily Oklahoma writer mad because the D.O. has weighed in on the anti-cockfighting side? Has Frosty become an anti-intellectual Ludite? A supporter of anti-democratic, backroom power politics? Frosty! Tell us it ain't so!!
Frosty is too smart a fellow to siddle up to Frank Shurden. Too smart to not know that the people have spoken through the initiative petition and election process. Too smart to not know what damage cockfighting does both to the people who participate in it and to Oklahoma's image. Well, maybe not.
Oklahoma Makes Trivial Pursuit!!!
The following appeared in the Tulsa World's reader call-in column today:
Aren't we Oklahomans proud? The 20th anniversary edition of Trivial Pursuit finally has a question about Oklahoma. It is on card No. 15, and it wants to know what sport was still legal in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana in 2001. Yes, be proud, Oklahoma! Cockfighting made Trivial Pursuit.
The following appeared in the Tulsa World's reader call-in column today:
Aren't we Oklahomans proud? The 20th anniversary edition of Trivial Pursuit finally has a question about Oklahoma. It is on card No. 15, and it wants to know what sport was still legal in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Louisiana in 2001. Yes, be proud, Oklahoma! Cockfighting made Trivial Pursuit.
Drew Edmondson hits Nail on Head
In a Tulsa World editorial today they point out that the cockfighter's continuing effort to overturn the results of an election outlawing their cruel activity in Oklahoma is giving the state a poor image. The worsening image is a result not only that we were one of the last states to ban cockfighting but that some of our rural judges have cooperated with the cockfighters to prevent enforcement of the ban. These gamblers, law breakers, and inhumane characters don't give a damn about Oklahoma.
The World offers a great qoute from our state Attorney General, Drew Edmondson:
"My opinion is that the issue is bigger than cockfighting. It is about the validity of the constitional right to engage in the initiative petition process. The power of the people is what is at issue here."
Right on Mr. Edmondson.
In a Tulsa World editorial today they point out that the cockfighter's continuing effort to overturn the results of an election outlawing their cruel activity in Oklahoma is giving the state a poor image. The worsening image is a result not only that we were one of the last states to ban cockfighting but that some of our rural judges have cooperated with the cockfighters to prevent enforcement of the ban. These gamblers, law breakers, and inhumane characters don't give a damn about Oklahoma.
The World offers a great qoute from our state Attorney General, Drew Edmondson:
"My opinion is that the issue is bigger than cockfighting. It is about the validity of the constitional right to engage in the initiative petition process. The power of the people is what is at issue here."
Right on Mr. Edmondson.
Wednesday, January 15, 2003
Update on Lt Gov
As a followup to the blog from last week - word is that the Lt Governor accepted the forced resignations of three of her former staff people. Now lets see if she denies these former employees unemployment benefits. I hope not. That would be dirty, dirty, dirty.
Word is that her chief of staff , Levy, is already out to undermine Governor Brad Henry. The new Governor seems to be serious about bipartisanship though and Levy needs to give him some room and some time.
While I applaud the bipartisanship let's hope Governor Henry doesn't make the mistake of putting his close friends to work for him. Former Governor Bellmon said the worst thing a Governor can do is hire his friends. Especially his old Senator friends. And that goes for both parties. The new Governor doesn't need a corruption scandal to divert him from the business at hand.
As a followup to the blog from last week - word is that the Lt Governor accepted the forced resignations of three of her former staff people. Now lets see if she denies these former employees unemployment benefits. I hope not. That would be dirty, dirty, dirty.
Word is that her chief of staff , Levy, is already out to undermine Governor Brad Henry. The new Governor seems to be serious about bipartisanship though and Levy needs to give him some room and some time.
While I applaud the bipartisanship let's hope Governor Henry doesn't make the mistake of putting his close friends to work for him. Former Governor Bellmon said the worst thing a Governor can do is hire his friends. Especially his old Senator friends. And that goes for both parties. The new Governor doesn't need a corruption scandal to divert him from the business at hand.
Reverse discrimination
The News: President Bush, stepping into a politically charged affirmative action case, asserted Wednesday that a program of racial preferences for minority applicants at the University of Michigan was "divisive, unfair and impossible to square with the Constitution."
Well, I have to agree with the President on this one and applaud him for doing what is right. I was disgusted by the Senator Lott matter but I'm equally disgusted by reverse discrimination. Many universities and government agencies have indulged in reverse discrimination and it is time it stopped. I once had to change my career because I was told that my race and gender was not being hired and that I might as well go somewhere else. Racial discrimination is wrong, no matter who is being discriminated against. Intergenerational bookkeeping doesn't work and isn't right, period.
The Democrats are all over Bush on this one and even Republicans are jumping on the "affirmative action"bandwagon and criticizing Bush for voicing opposition to racial quotas. I don't agree with Bush on much but this is one time I have to hand it to him.
About the time I think I'm edging toward the Democrat side of political life they remind me why I can't be a supporter. Their frenzy to jump on the politically correct side and to deride Bush for being "anti-Civil Rights" is repulsive. Reminds me why I'm an independent.
The News: President Bush, stepping into a politically charged affirmative action case, asserted Wednesday that a program of racial preferences for minority applicants at the University of Michigan was "divisive, unfair and impossible to square with the Constitution."
Well, I have to agree with the President on this one and applaud him for doing what is right. I was disgusted by the Senator Lott matter but I'm equally disgusted by reverse discrimination. Many universities and government agencies have indulged in reverse discrimination and it is time it stopped. I once had to change my career because I was told that my race and gender was not being hired and that I might as well go somewhere else. Racial discrimination is wrong, no matter who is being discriminated against. Intergenerational bookkeeping doesn't work and isn't right, period.
The Democrats are all over Bush on this one and even Republicans are jumping on the "affirmative action"bandwagon and criticizing Bush for voicing opposition to racial quotas. I don't agree with Bush on much but this is one time I have to hand it to him.
About the time I think I'm edging toward the Democrat side of political life they remind me why I can't be a supporter. Their frenzy to jump on the politically correct side and to deride Bush for being "anti-Civil Rights" is repulsive. Reminds me why I'm an independent.
Tuesday, January 14, 2003
Crossing the Oklahoma
Dustbury has a good point about a state legislator's effort to rename the "North Canadian River" the "Oklahoma River". As he points out, it has to be mowed twice a year.
Dustbury has a good point about a state legislator's effort to rename the "North Canadian River" the "Oklahoma River". As he points out, it has to be mowed twice a year.
Naive Koreans
Flyovercountry illuminates the naive nature of some South Korean young people:
Some people in South Korea think they don’t need U.S. troops anymore:
"If the United States left, I wouldn't mind," says Kim Young Ran, 29. "If North Korea wants nuclear weapons, I think they should have them. The U.S. and so many other countries have them. There's no way North Korea will attack us with their nuclear weapons. I don't think so. We're the same country. You don't bomb and kill your family. We share the same blood."
posted by Chris at 12:08 PM
Young South Korean college students are among the most naive humans on Earth. I've heard the above sentiment from more than one. If you ask these students "who started the Korean War"? - most of them will say it was started by the United States. By the way, that would be an incorrect answer. Many of them actually believe the kindly North Koreans would never kill their brethren in South Korea. I hope they don't have to find out how wrong they are.
Flyovercountry illuminates the naive nature of some South Korean young people:
Some people in South Korea think they don’t need U.S. troops anymore:
"If the United States left, I wouldn't mind," says Kim Young Ran, 29. "If North Korea wants nuclear weapons, I think they should have them. The U.S. and so many other countries have them. There's no way North Korea will attack us with their nuclear weapons. I don't think so. We're the same country. You don't bomb and kill your family. We share the same blood."
posted by Chris at 12:08 PM
Young South Korean college students are among the most naive humans on Earth. I've heard the above sentiment from more than one. If you ask these students "who started the Korean War"? - most of them will say it was started by the United States. By the way, that would be an incorrect answer. Many of them actually believe the kindly North Koreans would never kill their brethren in South Korea. I hope they don't have to find out how wrong they are.
So Who's a Cult?
I watched an NBC Dateline story tonight on the Raelian's claims to have cloned a baby. The interview of the religious group's founder, Rael, was predictably mocking. After all, these people believe that space aliens cloned humanity from themselves. On top of that, Rael has a Jetson idea of fashion and hair style. Their beliefs are so unique that our media refers to the Raelians as a cult. During the Dateline interview Rael's off camera attendant could be heard asking the interviewer to be more respectful of Rael and Rael himself asked if the journalist would be as disrespectful if he was interviewing the Pope or a rabbi. Good question.
Then I surfed on over to TBN and a lady evangelist was in a state of heightened religious frenzy. She was absolutely irrational, frothing, scary. I contrasted this with what I had just seen of the Raelians. At least they seemed composed.
If we step back, and look at these matters from a viewpoint from beyond our own beliefs, can we really afford to ridicule the Raelians? Are their beliefs more bizarre than the beliefs of the major religions? No, I don't think so. No less and no more.
As a footnote to this it is worth noting that the Raelians believe that they must build an embassy called Elohim for our alien ancestors. As many of you will remember, some white supremacist religious group established an encampment near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border in the early 90s and called it Elohim City. There were alledged ties to Elohim City in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bomber/murderer.
I watched an NBC Dateline story tonight on the Raelian's claims to have cloned a baby. The interview of the religious group's founder, Rael, was predictably mocking. After all, these people believe that space aliens cloned humanity from themselves. On top of that, Rael has a Jetson idea of fashion and hair style. Their beliefs are so unique that our media refers to the Raelians as a cult. During the Dateline interview Rael's off camera attendant could be heard asking the interviewer to be more respectful of Rael and Rael himself asked if the journalist would be as disrespectful if he was interviewing the Pope or a rabbi. Good question.
Then I surfed on over to TBN and a lady evangelist was in a state of heightened religious frenzy. She was absolutely irrational, frothing, scary. I contrasted this with what I had just seen of the Raelians. At least they seemed composed.
If we step back, and look at these matters from a viewpoint from beyond our own beliefs, can we really afford to ridicule the Raelians? Are their beliefs more bizarre than the beliefs of the major religions? No, I don't think so. No less and no more.
As a footnote to this it is worth noting that the Raelians believe that they must build an embassy called Elohim for our alien ancestors. As many of you will remember, some white supremacist religious group established an encampment near the Oklahoma-Arkansas border in the early 90s and called it Elohim City. There were alledged ties to Elohim City in the investigation of the Oklahoma City bomber/murderer.
Tuesday, January 07, 2003
What's Going on With Lt Governor Mary Fallin?
Oklahoma's Rasputin Takes Charge of Lt Gov's office
Word from the Capitol is that Lt. Governor Mary Fallin and her chief of staff, Michael Levy, forced all of the staff of her office to submit resignation letters this week. An unknown number were accepted. This method of getting rid of employees denies them unemployment benefits. Nice, if you have no principles.
Levy, like the two chiefs of staff that preceded him, has a reputation for cold political calculation and Machiavellian tactics. Sources at the Capitol say he has alienated most he comes in contact with. Others question why the Lt. Governor has a penchant for selecting overbearing chiefs of staff that seem to have a strange degree of control over her. This seems to be yet another case of a politician so hungry to continue in office that she puts her principles and good gut feelings aside to allow political hacks to control them. Mary Fallin is a good person that has lost her way. OkiePundit hopes she gets back on track.
Oklahoma's Rasputin Takes Charge of Lt Gov's office
Word from the Capitol is that Lt. Governor Mary Fallin and her chief of staff, Michael Levy, forced all of the staff of her office to submit resignation letters this week. An unknown number were accepted. This method of getting rid of employees denies them unemployment benefits. Nice, if you have no principles.
Levy, like the two chiefs of staff that preceded him, has a reputation for cold political calculation and Machiavellian tactics. Sources at the Capitol say he has alienated most he comes in contact with. Others question why the Lt. Governor has a penchant for selecting overbearing chiefs of staff that seem to have a strange degree of control over her. This seems to be yet another case of a politician so hungry to continue in office that she puts her principles and good gut feelings aside to allow political hacks to control them. Mary Fallin is a good person that has lost her way. OkiePundit hopes she gets back on track.
Sunday, January 05, 2003
Senator Goofball
Senator Frank Shurden had the following letter published in the Tulsa World this week:
( Published in the Tulsa World - 1-05-03)
"First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."
-- The Rev. Martin Niemoeller, a Protestant pastor in a German church and a concentration camp survivor of the Holocaust of World War II.
No, I am not a fan of cockfighting.
No, I have no financial interest in any game fowl.
No, I have not received any money from the Game Fowl Breeders Association or any of its members.
Yes, I am a hunter, a fisherman, a cattleman, a fan of rodeos, livestock shows, circuses and zoos.
Yes, if I live (my life has been threatened by animal rights zealots), I will continue to fight and speak out for the rights and freedoms of the minority because I know that my rights and freedoms and yours are next. Frank Shurden, Henryetta
Frank Shurden is a Democratic state senator from Henryetta.
The thought of the Nutty Senator from Henryetta putting on the cloak of persecution and comparing his cockfighter/gambler buddies to the Jews of the Holocaust is both outrageous and pitiful. People who pit animals against each other in forced fights to the death for entertainment and gambling are not deserving of either support or pity. Pornographers get as much sympathy from me.
Frank Shurden is a sad and pitiable case. An embarrassment to the state and its people. He is also a dangerous person that has, most regretably, been empowered by his district to wreck havoc on democratic principles and make a laughing stock of Oklahomans.
Senator Frank Shurden had the following letter published in the Tulsa World this week:
( Published in the Tulsa World - 1-05-03)
"First they came for the Communists, but I was not a Communist so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Socialists and the Trade Unionists, but I was neither, so I did not speak out. Then they came for the Jews, but I was not a Jew so I did not speak out. And when they came for me, there was no one left to speak out for me."
-- The Rev. Martin Niemoeller, a Protestant pastor in a German church and a concentration camp survivor of the Holocaust of World War II.
No, I am not a fan of cockfighting.
No, I have no financial interest in any game fowl.
No, I have not received any money from the Game Fowl Breeders Association or any of its members.
Yes, I am a hunter, a fisherman, a cattleman, a fan of rodeos, livestock shows, circuses and zoos.
Yes, if I live (my life has been threatened by animal rights zealots), I will continue to fight and speak out for the rights and freedoms of the minority because I know that my rights and freedoms and yours are next. Frank Shurden, Henryetta
Frank Shurden is a Democratic state senator from Henryetta.
The thought of the Nutty Senator from Henryetta putting on the cloak of persecution and comparing his cockfighter/gambler buddies to the Jews of the Holocaust is both outrageous and pitiful. People who pit animals against each other in forced fights to the death for entertainment and gambling are not deserving of either support or pity. Pornographers get as much sympathy from me.
Frank Shurden is a sad and pitiable case. An embarrassment to the state and its people. He is also a dangerous person that has, most regretably, been empowered by his district to wreck havoc on democratic principles and make a laughing stock of Oklahomans.
Friday, January 03, 2003
From Hermes to Red Man?
Word on the street is that Governor-elect Brad Henry chews. Tobacco that is. He was recently seen whackin that tobacky agin his pants leg. Hope he doesn't do that in polite company. What a contrast that would be with the quite proper Frank Keating. Frank "Hermes" Keating and First Lady Cathy Keating always represented Oklahoma with diplomacy and style. Let's hope the new residents at the Mansion represent us in cosmopolitan style. We have enough trouble shaking the bumpkin image without our Governor traveling with a spitoon. Will there be a First Spitoon in the Mansion?
Word on the street is that Governor-elect Brad Henry chews. Tobacco that is. He was recently seen whackin that tobacky agin his pants leg. Hope he doesn't do that in polite company. What a contrast that would be with the quite proper Frank Keating. Frank "Hermes" Keating and First Lady Cathy Keating always represented Oklahoma with diplomacy and style. Let's hope the new residents at the Mansion represent us in cosmopolitan style. We have enough trouble shaking the bumpkin image without our Governor traveling with a spitoon. Will there be a First Spitoon in the Mansion?
New Mexico, cockfighters and Lexus
The following is from the Ar-news.org website:
"A bill to ban cockfighting in New Mexico is making promising headway through the Legislature, but is abruptly terminated when state lawmakers, after meeting with generous cockfight lobbyists, suddenly discover cockfighting is an important part of New Mexico's cultural heritage. Three lawmakers put down payments on a new Lexus. New Mexico, having caved once again to the cockfighting lobby, maintains her status as the most stupid state in the nation."
While the cockfighters and the legislators deserve all the ridicule they get, the good people of New Mexico shouldn't be painted as stupid of course. A large majority of Oklahomans had opposed cockfighting in our state for decades while our Legislature and corrupt judiciary ignored the will of the people. The profits from illegal gambling trump the people's will ALMOST all the time after all.
The following is from the Ar-news.org website:
"A bill to ban cockfighting in New Mexico is making promising headway through the Legislature, but is abruptly terminated when state lawmakers, after meeting with generous cockfight lobbyists, suddenly discover cockfighting is an important part of New Mexico's cultural heritage. Three lawmakers put down payments on a new Lexus. New Mexico, having caved once again to the cockfighting lobby, maintains her status as the most stupid state in the nation."
While the cockfighters and the legislators deserve all the ridicule they get, the good people of New Mexico shouldn't be painted as stupid of course. A large majority of Oklahomans had opposed cockfighting in our state for decades while our Legislature and corrupt judiciary ignored the will of the people. The profits from illegal gambling trump the people's will ALMOST all the time after all.
Sunday, December 29, 2002
Oklahoma's College Saving Plan
You've probably read about the college savings plans that most states have now. They are called 529 plans. Oklahoma has one too and according to consumer advocate Clark Howard, Oklahoma's plan is in the top 11 plans in the nation. Clark evaluated each state plan and came up with a list of those that charge no commission and very low management fees. You can see Oklahoma's 529 plan at www.ok4saving.com
You've probably read about the college savings plans that most states have now. They are called 529 plans. Oklahoma has one too and according to consumer advocate Clark Howard, Oklahoma's plan is in the top 11 plans in the nation. Clark evaluated each state plan and came up with a list of those that charge no commission and very low management fees. You can see Oklahoma's 529 plan at www.ok4saving.com
Friday, December 27, 2002
He said, She said Diplomacy
Now that North Korea has admitted that they have already developed nuclear weapons in violation of the agreement of 1994 President Bush must decide how to handle two ends of the Axis of Evil simultaneously. The Administration is mulling over strategies to take on North Korea diplomatically while attacking Iraq with a "vast coalition" that they are cobbling together. I'm surprised the obvious hasn't occurred to them. This is actually a splendid opportunity and should be handled the way any high schooler would. Colin Powell should surprise everyone and make a trip to Baghdad to meet Saddam. After having lunch with the Iraqi dictator he should proceed on to Pyongyang to have dinner with Kim Jong-il, the alien life form that rules North Korea. While at dinner Powell should whisper in Kim's ear that Saddam thinks Kim's hair is positively the goofiest he's ever seen. And besides that, Saddam is telling all the other dictators that Kim can't keep any of his kidnapped Scandinavian hos satisfied. Powell should get Kim really pissed off before shuttling back to Baghdad to tell Saddam that Kim said that his lips were fat like a camel's and show him Kim's Little Red Book of Saddam Jokes that the CIA created in their fake documents lab. Powell should keep this up until Iraq and North Korea attack and annihilate each other. We won't have to fire a missile.
Now that North Korea has admitted that they have already developed nuclear weapons in violation of the agreement of 1994 President Bush must decide how to handle two ends of the Axis of Evil simultaneously. The Administration is mulling over strategies to take on North Korea diplomatically while attacking Iraq with a "vast coalition" that they are cobbling together. I'm surprised the obvious hasn't occurred to them. This is actually a splendid opportunity and should be handled the way any high schooler would. Colin Powell should surprise everyone and make a trip to Baghdad to meet Saddam. After having lunch with the Iraqi dictator he should proceed on to Pyongyang to have dinner with Kim Jong-il, the alien life form that rules North Korea. While at dinner Powell should whisper in Kim's ear that Saddam thinks Kim's hair is positively the goofiest he's ever seen. And besides that, Saddam is telling all the other dictators that Kim can't keep any of his kidnapped Scandinavian hos satisfied. Powell should get Kim really pissed off before shuttling back to Baghdad to tell Saddam that Kim said that his lips were fat like a camel's and show him Kim's Little Red Book of Saddam Jokes that the CIA created in their fake documents lab. Powell should keep this up until Iraq and North Korea attack and annihilate each other. We won't have to fire a missile.
Saturday, December 21, 2002
Christmas Driving
I've done almost all of my Christmas shopping but today I had to do a little last minute shopping. What is it with people behind wheels at this time of year? A minority, a very noticable minority, of them go crazy just before Christmas. They become rude, aggressive, monsters that will risk lives to get a parking place. Even in Oklahoma, where most drivers will stop to let pedestrians cross a street (try that in Dallas!), the normal civility is hard to find at these times.
I've done almost all of my Christmas shopping but today I had to do a little last minute shopping. What is it with people behind wheels at this time of year? A minority, a very noticable minority, of them go crazy just before Christmas. They become rude, aggressive, monsters that will risk lives to get a parking place. Even in Oklahoma, where most drivers will stop to let pedestrians cross a street (try that in Dallas!), the normal civility is hard to find at these times.
Friday, December 20, 2002
BBB to the Rescue?
I recently had a need to enlist the aid of the Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma. I had been ripped off by an auto repair shop in a small town near Oklahoma City and they were refusing to even deal with me. I didn't want to go to the expense of suing the shop so I contacted the BBB on their national website, filled out their online complaint form and waited. The BBB in Oklahoma City was pretty quick about writing the auto shop and asking for their side of the story. The crooks at the auto shop wrote back and denied any responsibility even though I had written statements from a car dealership saying the little shop caused hundreds of dollars of additional damage to my car in their bungled attempt to fix a small problem.
Here's where I thought the BBB would either whip the crooks into shape or at least force them to settle with me - or maybe just humor me a bit. Instead, the BBB did nothing. They did not reply to my letter stating my dissatisfaction with the auto shops refusal to consider a remedy and with the BBB's lack of aggressiveness in the matter. Apparently, the BBB can't do a thing about businesses that rip customers off. The most the BBB does is keep a record of complaints. And that is not reliable. Months after I filed my complaint it still hasn't shown up in the BBB online database on that auto shop. All their database tells one about the company is that it is a member of the BBB! Hmmmm?
If you have a complaint against a business that rips customers off and doesn't care - don't waste your time with the BBB of Central Oklahoma. Where do you go to file a complaint against the BBB?
I recently had a need to enlist the aid of the Better Business Bureau of Central Oklahoma. I had been ripped off by an auto repair shop in a small town near Oklahoma City and they were refusing to even deal with me. I didn't want to go to the expense of suing the shop so I contacted the BBB on their national website, filled out their online complaint form and waited. The BBB in Oklahoma City was pretty quick about writing the auto shop and asking for their side of the story. The crooks at the auto shop wrote back and denied any responsibility even though I had written statements from a car dealership saying the little shop caused hundreds of dollars of additional damage to my car in their bungled attempt to fix a small problem.
Here's where I thought the BBB would either whip the crooks into shape or at least force them to settle with me - or maybe just humor me a bit. Instead, the BBB did nothing. They did not reply to my letter stating my dissatisfaction with the auto shops refusal to consider a remedy and with the BBB's lack of aggressiveness in the matter. Apparently, the BBB can't do a thing about businesses that rip customers off. The most the BBB does is keep a record of complaints. And that is not reliable. Months after I filed my complaint it still hasn't shown up in the BBB online database on that auto shop. All their database tells one about the company is that it is a member of the BBB! Hmmmm?
If you have a complaint against a business that rips customers off and doesn't care - don't waste your time with the BBB of Central Oklahoma. Where do you go to file a complaint against the BBB?