Mega Companies Conspire Against Employees

As every one's attention is directed towards the alleged misdeeds of Wall Street,a newly revealed scandal is brewing at major corporations in the Hi-Tech and Oil sectors. Companies including Google, Microsoft,Exxon/Mobil, Royal Dutch Shell and BP (British Petroleum) have been colluding with each other to fix the salaries of white collar workers,managers and executives. In the Hi Tech sector they have been accused of agreeing not to higher each other's employees. In the April 26 issue of the Wall Street Journal,it was revealed that the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) has been investigating the Oil Companies for two years.In fact there have even been out of court settlements with a number of employees. The problem with settlements is that the true facts never reach the light of day. Sure, those that bring suit are compensated, but what about the employees who haven't brought suit?Perhaps, the courts should open those agreements to the public, so we can see what these corporate miscreants have been up to.

And, is this behavior limited to Hi-Tech and Oil? What about our friends in Banking,Wall Street,Transportation (Auto Industry,Airlines et al),Big Pharma, Hospitals,and Retail to name a few. I suggest that this is the result of years of lax enforcement under prior administrations and a general Anti-Worker sentiment among large corporations. To this day, even after billions in bail-outs GM and Chrysler blame their problems on the workers and their unions and the wage and benefit agreements that they made with them.In fact, the some companies are still looking for more wage and benefit rollbacks from their employees.

We have plenty of laws against collusion such as the venerable Sherman Anti-Trust act and prohibitions against interlocking corporate directorates. It is time to take these companies to task,in the light of day. Let's make them live up to their lofty claims such as, "Do No Evil,and "Our employees are our most important asset."

Montgomery Parks: Regional Parks - Black Hill Regional Park

Montgomery Parks: Regional Parks - Black Hill Regional Park

Here's a link to the website for the Park. Directions on the right hand side at the top.

Toyota to America: "F" You

They smile, they bow, they scrape, they issue half-hearted apologies ; but the Toyota Motor Corporation, its officers and employees are guilty ( in my belief) of negligently reckless homicide and should be criminally charged. They knew for over a year, that it was not a problem with floor mats or that Americans were too incompetent or ignorant to install the mats correctly, but a design/manufacturing flaw in their widely sold automobiles. People died, that's right they died just as if the feckless executives in Toyota City has pulled out a gun and shot them. Even the Wall Street Journal, typically the staunch supporter of "Big Corporations" carried a fairly critical article about Toyota's actions. (Wall Street Journal Feb. 10, 2010).

We must call on the Attorneys General of the States where the deaths occurred and the States where Toyota produced these "deathmobiles" to begin the process to indict both the company and officers of Toyota, not only here but those officers living in Japan. Civil suits and fines from the government are not enough. The word must go out that corporations cannot continue killing their customers.

They wrote that the atmosphere of secrecy of Toyota and communications breakdowns between the US unit and the home office in Japan were partially to blame. To this lame excuse, the answer should and must be, BULL! Perhaps if they had only one American as an executive at the home office in Japan he or she might have raised the alarm as fellow Americans were dying in their vehicles. But, no, the Japanese once again show their contempt for Americans and their abilities. No American is "worthy" of being at the top in Japan. Even though, the US represents their largest customer. There was another time in history about sixty years ago when the Japanese underestimated the intelligence, skill,bravery and anger of the American people; we all know the terrible price Japan paid for that error in judgement.

The WSJ article in today's issue does a great job in giving the history and time line of this "recall" issue. All of those who care about the deaths of Innocent customers should read it.Here is a link to the story: http://online.wsj.com/public/page/news-business-us.html


Toyota had several meetings with officials from the US National Highway Traffic and Safety Commission (NHTSA). NHTSA implored them to get moving on recognizing and correcting the problems. The role of the NHTSA in this debacle needs some investigating too. They went too easy, accepted too much footdragging and were too politically correct. It was only after the NHTSA threatened the ultimate sanction of ordering Toyota to cease selling its cars, that TMC "voluntarily" shut down production to concentrate 100 percent on the vehicles already out there.

Now come the weak apologies, complete with a TV Commercial touting the 50 year history of Toyota in America and their care and concern for their customers. Where was that care and concern for Americans dying in the cars designed, built and distributed by this automotive giant?

The real issue here is an unpleasant truth, the hubris of large corporations that put the desire for profit and growth above the very lives of their customers. It reminds one of a case from years ago (one we hoped would not be repeated) involving the Ford Motor Company. The issue here was a defect in the design and construction of the gas tank in the Ford Pinto. If the Pinto was hit from behind, with sufficient force,the hapless passengers died a fiery death from the explosion of the gasoline. Through the American legal process, attorneys for the families and survivors, found out that Ford knew of the problem for some time and made the conscious decision to DO NOTHING in order to save a few dollars in the production of the vehicle. Ford Motor Company has never fully recovered from that crime.

There are many cases now pending in the civil courts of America against Toyota, let us prevail upon those juries to award vast sums to the estates of those that perished. You can't make an entity feel bad but you can cripple it with massive punitive awards.

Let us hope that we can reach out to the Japanese people and government to assist us in the investigation and prosecution of the people responsible for these recent deaths. The families of those that died at the hands of the corporate executives deserve nothing less.

Picasa Web Albums - Steve - Varied Photos

Picasa Web Albums - Steve - Varied Photos: "Link to this album"

Looking for A Sweet Snack ? Try the Country Cone Cafe

Come Celebrate National Ice Cream Day July 19, 2009

This is a truly delightful place, it has a 50's - 60's charm that has all but disappeared. The Country Cone Cafe, located at 19705-B Waters Rd. in Germantown,MD 20874, is a family owned and run business.

The reason I am writing about this place is that it represents something that is still good and wholesome in America. A local family serving their friends,neighbors and new customers. Raising a family and contributing to the community, as our small shop owners always have.

Linda and Tony Hose are the proprietors, greeters,cooks,servers, and marketing department, with the occasional assist from their sons. They have been serving up the most delicious soft and hand dipped ice creams for 7 years. They even feature the "Guilt Free" "Only8"(sic) frozen yogurt which has only (of course) 8 calories per ounce. I have eaten it and I think the taste and texture is even better than regular ice cream.

The real deal here is the way your treated. Whether Linda or Tony are behind the counter they greet you not as much like a customer, but a returning friend. On a recent Saturday visit, there was a steady stream of moms and dads,their kids in tow, being greeted just like friends coming to your home. I have never felt more welcome at an eatery than at Country Cone Cafe.

Although the shop has the feel of a decades ago "drive-up" ice cream stand, there is no waiting outside in the heat while waiting for your treat. This cafe has a "walk-in" serving area that is kept nice and cool and has several tables and chairs and even a large TV. There's an outdoor play area for the kids to burn off some calories, while you can sit a spell and enjoy your tasty treat.

Linda and Tony have four sons ages 8 through 21. Their nineteen year old is in the U.S. Marine Corps and was recently married. They also have a dog named Honeybun, as his coat is the color of a Honey bun. The sweets just keep on comin'.

Tony has served as a baseball coach for both the Germantown Athletic Club (GAC) and Upper Montgomery County Athletic Club (UMAC).

The shop is open Daily from Noon til 10:00 PM. They serve a wide variety of hand dipped ice creams with names like "Superman" and "Playdough" as well as the aforementioned Frozen Yogurt,Shakes, Sundaes and Splits.

Take a nostalgic trip to your childhood at Country Cone Cafe, you won't be disappointed.

Goodbye to a Washington Institution ??

Local company Ritz Camera has petitioned the U.S.Bankruptcy Court to sell off or close its remaining 400 stores, according to a story in today's web edition of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Apparently,the chain, which was already in Chapter 11 reorganization,and had closed many of its Ritz locations, felt it did not have sufficient funds to continue operating throughout the summer. In addition the article continued, that there wouldn't be sufficient capital for inventory for the upcoming fall holiday season.

I spoke with Mr. Alex Goldman Media Director of Ritz this afternoon and he stated that they had made the petition today. He indicated that the company was going to try to sell itself to a buyer that would "continue the business as a going concern"

In fact, in a press release issued by RITZ, David Ritz CEO stated:"....I believe that Ritz Camera will continue on.....for a long time to come.

The press release further took issue with recent press reports about the asset sale. "Ritz decision to proceed with an asset sale is a normal and customary means of facilitating an exit from bankruptcy."

Mr.Goldman, in a telephone interview did state that Ritz was negotiating the sale with both "going concern buyers and liquidators"

A sale to a liquidator, would mean the end of the Ritz chain both in the DC area and around the nation. Ritz with headquarters in Beltsville, MD is the largest specialty camera and image chain in the US. Through expansion and acquisitions they operate as Ritz Camera,Wolf Camera,Kits Camera,Inkleys and The Camera Shop.

Ritz Camera has been a family run business and has long served the photo needs of its customers. They provide not only the hardware and software, but more importantly, the advice and counsel on their use. We hope they will find a good " going concern" buyer and continue to serve the customers.

Based on story from the Atlanta Journal Constitution,Interview with Alex Goldman of Ritz and the press release issued by Ritz.

Yearning for Freedom

As events unfold this week in IRAN, we are once again reminded that the people of all lands will yearn to be free. No matter what the regime is , whether it is religious, socialistic or capitalistic, the people will eventually cry out for freedom. What do they want? It is simple; all people desire the right to communicate,to express their ideas,to meet,to learn (what and how they wish to learn), to travel, to work,to marry,to have families, the right to inform their fellow citizens about their government(without fear of reprisal),to have a decent place to live,to worship as they choose.
As it is written in the AMERICAN Declaration of Independence, these rights are "inalienable" and belong to all peoples. These rights come from the "creator". No man or system can nor should take them away. And that is why the founders of the United States defined these rights in their Constitution.
What we are seeing this week in Iran is the little seedling of freedom trying to grow,nurtured and enabled by the modern methods of communication. Yes, Facebook,Twitter, Emails and Blogs,YouTube and all the rest. And how does the ruling regime respond? They cut off the communication,bar "foreign journalists" and turn the water hoses and tear gas on demonstrators.
We have seen it all before, claim the people who yearn for freedom are witches, burn the books,destroy the printing presses,jail and torture people for their ideas or beliefs. Some have gone further, they perform genocide on whole groups of people who are either in their way or they just don't like.
Yes, even in America we saw peaceful demonstrators beaten,gassed,hosed with water cannons,chased,attacked with vicious dogs and yes even murdered. Maybe some of you have forgotten, but it was called the "Civil Rights" movement. But, it was a sign that a corrupt system was failing,desperately trying to hang on to its evil ways. But a voice that was initially small began to grow, people who stood by and said nothing began to join the protest against this wrong. The result was that great change came to America. One of the reasons it changed was the powerful images of these injustices delivered to the people by a free and (for the most part) unfettered press.

So, this morning when I awoke to the news on CNN that the Iranian Government had brought out the tear gas and the water cannons, I knew that Freedom is on the way. The pictures, by the way, came from peoples' cell phones, because the government had barred the journalists.
The end of totalitarianism in IRAN is near. Not maybe today but soon.
We, as a Nation must support this cry for freedom. To paraphrase John F. Kennedy in his famous speech at the Brandenburg gate in Germany: We are all Iranians!

I hope the other dictators and madmen hear the drumbeat of freedom. You can't hide behind a cloak of secrecy and oppression much longer.

Inshallah