The Carlton ViewPoint

The BIG Idea

Richard Carlton — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 01:22:39 GMT

The BIG Idea!

Once in a while, ViewPoint deviates from the norm to open a new or different topic - and this is one of those times. So, be prepared, expect something not likely to appear elsewhere, and enjoy the change of pace.

It is common knowledge that three names have dominated the BIG IDEA scene for months past. Bill Gates for Microsoft, Steve Jobs for Apple, and Mark Zuckerberg for FaceBook. Each, in there own way, have demonstrated that there really is an area of the human brain that can produce an 'idea' that is unique, useful, and incredibly successful. So, the question today is: how do those brain cells collaborate to become real, not just an idea? - and, why do other brains, likely to have similar brain cells, fail to distinguish an idea worthy of a real product?

Assuming you are still with us, ViewPoint shall reveal personal experiences that prove the theory that there really is an area of the brain that can and does function as the creative force necessary to 'give birth' to ideas. We begin as a 16 year old teenager whose curiosity may have been the activator for the brain cells!

Telephones were part of every home. But this young man wondered why any incoming calls were greeted by busy signals and thereby the intended recipient and the phone company both lost out! A bit of research produced the name of an executive at Bell Telephone labs in New Jersey. In short order a letter was sent to that person and with great detail as to why the writer was dismayed by the lack of any ability to intercept an incoming call.

In a week the response came from the head of engineering at Bell. Yes, the reply stated. The observation was correct - but telephone wiring did not allow for additional voice transmission - only a busy signal! The writer was complementary but regretted the inability to do anything unless or until wiring was installed.

It took about five years before the inevitable occured - as WWII was under way - and as a part of the overhaul of communications nationally, "Call Waiting" was installed. No mention was made of the letter from a bygone era! Was it the 'trigger'? - or simply a coincidence?

Of course, it was time for another letter - this time to the publisher of the Times - outlining the benefits of a move with emphasis on giving the readers extra time to check all the ads and go shopping before the weekend ended! And, you know what? - it was answered promptly by Sulzberger who devoted two pages to explaining why the Sunday Times was not only a tradition, but switching to Saturday would entail more problems than necessary. He was gracious in his rebuttal - but totally opposed to a move. One year later, The Sunday Times became the Saturday Times! It has remained that ever since!

These two separate examples of brain waves at work simply illustrate how one can produce and develop an idea - and fail to 'cash' in because there was no real product to be manufactured or marketed. Even the absence of any credit came as no surprise. They may have received hundreds of letters from users and readers!

However, lest we indicate that those days of BIG IDEAS are over and gone, please note two pending now.

One, is the much discussed on ViewPoint over several years, the need to bury all power lines serving the public - city by city, coast to coast. It would be the best way to end the damage and despair wraught by storms, floods, accidents, fires - all costly and time consuming for the consumers and factories, stores, and all resources using and requiring electricity. The President has been approached and acknowledged the letter. He even mentioned the need in a national speech recently. Like the network of coast to coast roads built decades ago under President Eisenhower, money was raised and the project was completed in about ten years. The same could apply to the need to 'bury the power lines'.

Finally, an idea whose time is clearly a positive factor intended to reduce auto/truck accidents nationally and locally. Equip every vehicle intended for road travel, with rear lights similar to current red lights, with a set of three - RED, YELLOW, and GREEN. When the vehicle is in motion a GREEN light is on. When the gas pedal is rested, the YELLOW lights up. RED remains a braking

It would take many years of new production plus some installations on vehicles in use, to make the scene meaningful. Then imagine the positive reactions when travelers see a series of green lights ahead start turning to yellow, then interspersed with red, a DANGER AHEAD warning that does not exist today.

Yes - a letter was sent to the Federal agency responsible for Auto safety - and there was simply a response stating 'letter received'. No action indicated.

And so it goes, folks. Thank you for reading all the way. Remember. Those brain cells are there - but lie dormant for most humans. If they stir into action. Go for the use factor. That is what the BIG THREE did - and you know the rest!

Richard Carlton

February 16, 2012

Issue No.4

What Is Going On Here?

Richard Carlton — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:45:37 GMT

What Is Going On Here?

It doesn't take an advanced degree, or depth of understanding, to recognize a sea change taking place in human behavior as reported by the news media. There is no single source of stories that tell us that we are indeed on a slippery slope - possibly a crisis that moves the whole world closer to the edge of a precipice - a future that threatens the well being of entire populations, of individuals in close proximity to the very stories that are absorbed with the striking departure of otherwise decent human beings for activities that challenge the status quo in one activity after another.

What can we be talking about?

Because it is so current that few can escape the devastating behavior of candidates for national office, begin with the words being bandied about in the so-called debates of recent weeks. Whether it is the 'attack' technique whereby one candidate singles out a competitor, or the response factor that simply exasperates listeners, viewers, and reporters, there is a widening gap between exaggerating and lying. What is one to believe? Is it fair game to mislead, mistake, or distort the issue at hand?

If they make it to the nomination for a presidential run, can they eliminate from their approach to any topic the warped language that made them eligible to win the Presidency? And does that hoist a red flag for every voter to expect the same behavior in office? (circa Richard Nixon).

Turn a page. Has the financial world become the hunting ground for those who have cast aside any moral or ethical behavior in the pursuit of power and money? Banks, Investment companies, Hedge Fund developers and executives, ordinary brokers - all sources of upheavals in executive positions as one after another have departed supposed power posts, albeit, many with departing riches beyond their inflated salaries!

It has become normal, in a sense, for stories to appear weekly, if not daily, of stalwart, upright money managers who have been discovered by authorities to be involved in insider trading. Were they unaware of the potential penalty for illegal actions in their pursuit of the 'fast buck'? Are the several who shall be spending years behind bars just the tip of the proverbial iceberg?

Look around a bit. Has the craze to come up with a new and 'safe' Ponzi scheme run its course for the time being? Not so - if the crafty operators who think they can do better than Madoff have their way. As long as there are wealthy widows, vulnerable investors, and suckers in every community, there will be smooth, smart monied individuals whose pitch is so enticing it is hard to resist when ostensible 'proof' of success is displayed for the unwary who do not realize that their investment will go to pay off the back log of prior 'suckers' plus the operator!

Are all the bankers, brokers and followers guilty of improper use of their power to handle and move money - their only product? No. Take the recent discovery of a church going woman of mid years whose position as an accounts payable person for her church was found to have stashed away over one million dollars over seven years as she paid the bills - and kept a little here and there for herself and her penchant for expensive hobbies!

Sadly, it is only one aspect of the lead paragraph in this ViewPoint. Aberrant behavior is on the increase, as is the legitimate use of fungible funds. Can any person involved in the forthcoming, anticipated public offering of Facebook stock, fail to consider how the millions coming their way might be utilized for further gain - the first step in moving toward the precipice! Or, are the three former traders at Credit Suisse exempt from heavy penalties when they were discovered manipulating mortgages to the tune of millions of dollars? No way. They were caught - they are likely to pay for their foray into the world of easy money.

But it's not just money that is driving the world toward illegal, immoral, unsavory behavior. It would take a series of ViewPoints to even touch on the rampant discoveries of recent times. For example: Church hierarchy abusing young boys; college coaches using their vulnerable boys, and girls, to satisfy their deviant sexual pursuits - and those are only examples. How about small operators of children's preschool businesses whose hidden motivations were the abuse of their wards?

Entire countries, in Africa in particular, have been devastated by tribal differences, by evil leaders, and hundreds of thousands of innocent families have been victimized, torn apart, raped and killed for no reasons beyond the pursuit of some devious challenges to authority or desires.

If this summary of doom and gloom makes you wish their was someplace else to live, we are interested. So far, we are aware only of planet Earth. Maybe we have to find a way to make it a better place. Or else!

Richard Carlton

Issue No. 3....February 2, 2012

One Way To End Unemployment In The USA

Richard Carlton — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:07:16 GMT

One Way To End Unemployment In The USA

Some of the critical aspects of the sick economy are seemingly beyond any form of quick fix. There are no acceptable plans or suggestions to bring the budget of this country into a workable MO which would reduce the deficit without drastic cuts in ordinary expenditures. There is no plan in effect to significantly shrink the deficit over a period of time without regard to the budget. There are ways and means of bringing the country closer to a balance in income and expenses, along with a steady reduction in the awesome debt - but it is the word "taxes" that stops any effort to increase revenue.

The economy remains a stumbling block comprised of many elements one of which has defied the meager attempts to reduce unemployment. Despite the occasional reference to it, none of the candidates for the Republican drive to unseat President Obama, have even mentioned that there is a way - that it has been the basic reason for the problem in the first place - and what has been allowed to happen can be turned around and unemployment in the USA can be restored to a level that would not only create millions of jobs, but pump huge amounts in to the sagging economy at the same time.

Suppose, just imagine, a plan of action that put an end to outsourcing the manufacturing of products in China that are shipped to the USA for sale in tens of thousands of retail stores. Suppose the vast plants in India and the Philippines where communication centers have been set up to respond to calls from the USA regarding products and services were no longer the source of high employment that could be based in this country.

Look around the world at the millions of working people doing what could be done in the USA in restored factories or new plants. So many of these 'offshore' operations have been created by the American companies that found cheap labor, willing hands and minds, and eager young people who might otherwise be the unemployed of the world.

Of course, the ways and means of reversing the flow of jobs is a daunting challenge. But is it impossible? Did it happen by chance in the first place? - or, did we let it happen as the tycoons of American manufacturing saw a way to produce for less, hire more bodies to move the assembly lines, and show great talent in delivering products that found willing buyers in this (and other) countries.

For decades, as American industry grew, not only to the satisfaction of consumers in this country but worldwide sales became an export plus as dollars rolled in from all over theworld. It was the highly regarded American ingenuity that aided and abetted the growth of industries. It was one of America's outstanding accomplishments.

Now, it will take another generation to tackle the problem of doing a reverse flow - of bringing home as many as possible of the plants and factories (and yes, even some talent!), to restore an economy that misses terribly the benefits and virtues of 'home grown' manufactured products.

It happened because we let it happen. The brain power of America' talented Economists and Business leaders can devise a plan to return millions of jobs to the USA. But it will not happen by talking about it. It takes an action by our government to create a think tank worthy of the challenge. It has to start soon. Too many unemployed are waiting. Impatiently!

Richard Carlton

January 20, 2012

Issue No.2

The Only Way To End The Impending Republican Disaster!

Richard Carlton — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 02:09:34 GMT

ViewPoint rarely, if ever, dabbles in political affairs. ViewPoint prefers to observe the scene and report on the obvious - mistakes being made, slips that pass in the night, errors of judgement, and so on. Makes for more interesting reading - and that is why this column may be a groundbreaker for your 'reporter' as the Iowa brou-ha-ha comes to a fitful end this evening.

Considering the stakes at risk here and now, we have decided to act on behalf of the Republican Party, despite the accepted knowledge that ViewPoint's writer is a dyed in polyester supporter of things Democratic. We have paid close attention to the 'debates', read a few million words of repetitious coverage, tried to keep up with the changes in polls indicating who's on first and who's running for home plate! No way! The candidates have demonstrated that not one - NONE! - have Presidential qualifications!

It is a disaster in the making for the Republican Party leaders - and one can only speculate where the 'fathers' of the party have been as these political 'would be's' stepped up the plate to espouse causes unlike anything heard in modern times, offered no new plan of action to replace the Obama years, left unemployment in the dust along with foreclosures for millions, and promised to make over the same Washington that has been targeted again and again.

Have you heard any reference to the role of Commander In Chief of our armed forces? Does any one truly believe that they can step into the most demanding role of a United States of America number one figure - the man or woman who can guide, lead, and achieve success for the young generation that has seen almost a decade of war?

Has the international house of cards built on billions of Euros been mentioned as the most pressing financial sinkhole of the next administration in this country?

Are the resumes of the eight candidates loaded with positive experiences that can and should point to the most obvious and creditable individual who can virtually shout - THAT'S ME!!

It's not too late. The caucases have only begun. There is time and a desperate need to wipe the slate clean. There may be legal and moral impediments to literally removing any one candidate from continuing in the run for Presidential opponent to Obama this year, but there is nothing to stop the Republican leaders (not the Speakers or other current problem makers!) from casting the widest, most intensive net to capture two or three individuals who by definition alone would be 'the people's choice' - hence a Republican winner!

Remember. This is a Democratic ViewPoint. It is common sense. It is essential to raise the significance of the American Presidency. It will galvanize the voters for a most involved election.

It demands urgent meetings of top Republican leaders. The country cries out for proof positive that America looks to new leadership. It will be the political battle of the century!

Richard Carlton

January 3, 2012

Issue No.1

ViewPoint returns!

Richard Carlton — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 21:50:12 GMT

The wind-up of 2011 has been a busy month as ViewPoint made the annual trek from East to West to avoid winter in all its glory back East. Not much of an excuse for absence in the Blog world but it was not completely a washout. In fact, it was an opportunity to do something that has been moving up on the 'pending' list for a long time. If you have had a similar reaction to an ever increasing flow of US Mail requests for funds from all kinds and types of solicitations - many of the usual origin (and particularly around the year end Holidays) - plus a deluge of new requests including many from organizations totally unknown to you perhaps this 'survey' will ring more than XMAS bells!

What ViewPoint did was to save every solicitation piece with the suggested amounts for one month. From Thanksgiving to Christmas we accumulated 44 separate pieces, each addressed to your writer, with no 'resident or occupant' addresses - so we knew that they had obtained a real live recipient to tap.

The results of the survey revealed a minimum request for amounts ranging from $15 to $30 with a handful of oddities starting at $5 and topping out at $160. But that was not the eye-opener worthy of comment. Four (4) suggested $1000, and another four went for $500! Now, that takes real belief in the power of mail solicitation! Too bad our survey was unable to learn how many wrote checks for the top requests.

Our response to the revelation that we were correct in estimating huge increase of mail order solicitation, was to deep six virtually every one. Did ViewPoint's failure to support the multitude of causes seeking funds from strangers have any discernible effect in the finances of any organizations? Doubtful. Not likely. The entire marketing of mail solicitations rests on a percentage of responses equal to, or in excess of, the cost of the mailing.

So, dear reader, make your own decision. Getting off the merry-go-round may free you from endless appeals - although it won't happen after one rejection. But, if 'junk mail' is simply a nuisance, well, live with it - but know that it will surely increase over time - and you may find yourself doing a ViewPoint survey in desperation!

By way of mention, we should note that many included calendars, address stickers,silly 'scratch pads' - and other 'gifts' intended to find your check book! What a waste of money!

Did this ViewPoint find a sore point with many readers? We're interested to know. Next issue will be back in the usual critique with the Republican result in Iowa due for a slam-bang column - with one theme. WIPE THE SLATE CLEAN! Start over with candidates qualified to be President!

And a Happy New Year to all!

Richard Carlton

December 28, 2011

Issue No.26

SEX

Richard Carlton — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:31:16 GMT

SEX

Anyone who has been through a course in Advertising and Marketing knows that there are two words in the English language most likely to draw attention. One is “FREE” - the other is up here on top and probably has caught your attention already. No doubt about it , SEX is a powerful inducement to pause, consider, and stop to find out what is going on here.

ViewPoint is not about to provide any sub rosa examination of the word - but it so dominant in the news at this time that we find it not only necessaary, but essential that the topic be discussed head on. Professional students of the word with all of its many shapes and forms, agree that sex is probably the most driving force of nature known to the world of living flora and fauna. If one looked for some rational understanding why that finding is undoubtedly true, consider only the need for every living inhabitant of this planet to realize that it is sex that enables the species to continue on earth.

So much for this short precis on the word and why it captures more than the human imagination. Begin with the intrusion in the Republican ‘debate’ cycle now showing about every week on TV and the media interest in Herman Cain’s standing as he attempts to dismiss alleged charges of impropriety regarding his relationship with female employees. Mind you - it is not about the veracity of the charges. It is the fact that the topic is out of the box and it is far more interesting to viewers and audiences than opinions on the economy, international relations and so forth. Now, hold right here because sex has trumped sex in another manner.

Penn State has made a dramatic shift from the highly regarded football domination to a rich source of sexual discussion and disgust! Again, no need to plow through the details as we know them today. Just the idea, the notion, the charges that sex has reared its ugly head in an institution best known for prowess on the football field! Why is this a story that demands attention as it unfolds in the glare of television? Is Sandusky more interesting for the public than Madoff? One rips off millions from unsuspecting victims, while the other may, or may not, have comitted a crime more heinous than stealing money! Guess which one is rated more despicable abhorrent, hateful?

There is no end to the public history of sexual arrogance. It has become cause for dismissal from work - it is the constant concern of women who wonder if their choice of wearing apparell can bring on a sexual encounter - it is the disgrace of men who have sex on their minds as a female displays her personna without intent but leads the man to speak, touch, or simply wink - only to face the Human Resurce executive soon after!

What this all comes down to is a frightening increase in the distortion of the way sex was intended originally (whenever that may have been!) and a damaging factor in the relationship between men and women. The almost daily news accounts of rape, attempted rape, unlawful groping, unwanted touching - it all demonizes the wondrous benefits of sex as an unbeatable link between the sexes.

ViewPoint cannot begin to illuminate a condition which has become all too often the opposite of what once was the precursor of lasting love. The piece here today deals only with main stream of humanity. The affect of sex among same sex couples is as wondrous, daring, and ordinary as any sexual pairing - but requires more time and study than ViewPoint can give it.

Lest we leave you this time wondering why the topic is explosive, consider this: SEX gets four small references in Roget’s Thesaurus. LOVE gets six full pages in Bartlett’s Faniliar Quotations.

Which one gets the headlines in the 21st Century?

Richard Carlton

November 15, 2011

Issue No.24

An Urgent Appeal To President Obama

Richard Carlton — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:55:07 GMT

An Urgent Appeal To President Obama

It is essential that you take charge of the Federal Government’s role in providing means and action to develop a master plan to end the dependency of all concerned on the hundred year old method of delivering electric power by above ground poles and wires. There is no other resource for ending this outmoded system. The work must begin now!

Today is the sixth day since the unexpected and powerful nor-easter and snowstorm of the 21st century descended on the East Coast of the United States creating unprecedented havoc for millions in cities, towns, villages, communities, as homes, businesses, public transportation and virtually all those dependent on electric power became helpless victims of a natural disaster unlike any prior event. Even at this moment, hundreds of thousands are still in the dark in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York. The suffering should not be their future as well!

The size and scope of the problem demands direction and collaboration between every power company in the United States and the Federal Government. It is as urgent as any action ever taken by elected officials, short of war. It follows the stupendous and successful Federal action in the Eisenhower administration to build a national network of highways to serve the country in times of peace, and to provide a means of fast and serviceable roads to move troops and equipment as, if, and when that might become necessary in the event of an enemy attack.

It is as audacious as the plan to put a man on the moon when President John F. Kennedy said it can be done, must be done, and that the Federal Government will make certain that it happens - within a time span of ten years! And we did it.

Now is the time to galvanize the country with the most all encompassing plan to provide safety and security for all when the age old M.O. of delivering power be altered forever by burying the cables and wires that carry electricity. Every home, every business, every user of electricity that powers rail transportation will have the knowledge that no weather related activity can or will bring a shuddering halt to what has been taken for granted (erroneously for so many years! ).

For the record, it should be noted that the same pole and steel structures that carry the wires and cables are essential to phone lines and cable TV as well. The master plan will enable entire industries to secure their ability to service their consumers.

President Obama, this is not only an appeal to take the leadership role and appoint individuals to begin the huge task of planning, funding, and commencing a step by step, section by section areas for work to commence ASAP. It is a certainty that this effort to bring sanity to a chaotic system will jump start a return to employment for tens of thousand of individuals whose expertise and willingness to be participants in this massive effort heralds a boost in the economy generally. It has all the elements to restore belief in America as the ‘can do’ country. It takes the heat off the growing protests that take shape as “Occupy Wall Street” or “The Tea Party” by showing our own citizens and the world at large that America is still the engine of progress and a country that can and does believe in its own ability to undertake any project that benefits mankind.

Finally, Mr. President, this is not something that might be ‘floated’ as an idea whose time has come. It should, and can, be hailed as a determination by this administration under your guidance that it can and will be done. Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy did not toy with their plans for forward action. They announced it as a fait accompli. You can do the same.

The above Message to President Obama is a special edition of The Carlton ViewPoint, an online blog published twice monthly by Richard Carlton. This is Issue No.23, November 3, 2011.

An Open Letter To Three Republicanscv

Richard Carlton — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 19:48:25 GMT

An Open Letter to Three Republicans:

To: Messrs Mitch McConnell, John Boehner, Eric Cantor

As a life long Democrat who supports our President Barack Obama, it is my belief that you three leaders of the Republican Party are not only missing the boat, but risk drowning in the aftermath, and will probably be responsible for the most obvious mistake in recent political history. Allow me to explain.

It is well known party principle that President Obama must be defeated in the next election, in 2012. There is nothing unusual, or strange that the party not in power at the top, will do everything in their power as the opposition, to turn the situation around and deliver a candidate of their choosing to the American people as the next President of the United States.

It is not only your duty as party leaders to sift the potential candidates for the most likely winner at the ballot boxes, but to use your best efforts to sound the drum beat that will convince the voting public that change will be an eagerly sought opportunity to bring about the changes in government that Obama had promised and failed to deliver!

Given that opportunity here and now, the manner and means you have chosen to achieve that goal, practically assures your defeat, not only at the level of The White House, but across the board in the Congress! Take it from one who would love to applaud a result as described herein. Listen up, Republican leaders. Read every word and recognize the truth!

From the start of the Obama administration your tactics, antics, temperament and lockstep negativism has labeled you as the ‘party of NO’. Every chance you have had to compromise on issues proposed by the Democrats, virtually by fiat, results in stalemate and frustration - not only by the Democrats in power, but the same people whose votes will be counted a year from now.

Instead of receiving plaudits and nods from the voting public that harbors a change just as you do, the American people have had a clear picture of all the paths your Party chooses - and you are losing ground every time another “NO!” hits the news. Why, oh, why, should voters seek and approve a President who would follow the tactics of the Republican Party as demonstrated for all to see during the Democratic reign for four years.

Try to imagine how beneficial it might have been if the opposition party had made every effort to bring about a ground swell of cooperation - a clear demonstration of intelligent leadership. purveyors of good government, opportunists who use the party in power as a stepping stone to successful leadership in 2012! Does it lessen your chances to bring the Republicans to power if the public adopts a renewed belief in Barack Obama? Not if your Party behavior indicated that the people who know how to compromise, present meaningful suggestions for economic recovery, follow a paved path to end the employment crisis - and seriously consider the uses of taxpayer funds to galvanize the country at large - a package of hope, not stress, for America in years ahead.

This letter will go nowhere! Democrats know that the ‘party of “NO’ has committed to a path of destruction, and they are going to let them fall off the cliff, into the open manhole, in front of the speeding train - choose one, or all!

We can hardly wait. It has to happen. You are making history for sure. It will be known as the years the Republicans chose suicide rather than an image of smart politicians intent on regaining power to show the country and the world, that these are the people who know what the country wants and deserves.

Too bad! It could have been!

Sincerely;

The Carlton ViewPoint

Richard Carlton

October 1, 2011

Issue No. 21

The Plea That Fails!

Richard Carlton — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:23:29 GMT

The Plea That Fails!

Dear Reader:

Once in a blue moon, ViewPoint abandons National, International, and other current topics to come down to earth with a report that just may strike our readers as being timely and likely to strike home. But, it is only fair to warn you that the topic today is banal - but, oh so, disturbing that it cannot be ignored. Since it affects everyone who receives mail (via the postman!) we are confident you will be nodding in agreement - so give it a few minutes. The topic is "Junk Mail" - and there's plenty to say and appreciate. Here goes!

There' a reason we call it 'Junk Mail'

It tends to clog the mail box, and it is our belief that the highest percentage of incoming mail is essentially a request for help - basically dollars. There are countless pleas for money to save children from starvation, to build homes for the homeless, to help a foundation eliminate a disease that has been around for decades, to show your gratitude to veterans who are hospitalized, wounded, unemployed, or simply 'in need'. And, that is only the tip of this paper iceberg!

The range of pleas is without borders. Some are political. Others are from organizations with an axe to grind. Many are from established groups seeking funds to continue their goals - which may be totally unknown to you. You can only marvel at the deluge of pleas filling mail boxes - all in the name of doing something that is nowhere in your thoughts. But that is not the most egregious of the mass attack. It is what we call the incredible gall of so many organization. And, if you are with us at this point, read on!

How many times have you supported a plea for funds by mentally agreeing that the cause is worthy, that the need is probably legitimate, that the organization, or pleabody, has reached the right address - and your check goes out. Then, the galling end. A month, or so, later a form letter of 'thank you' arrives - and included is another request for a new donation! Sometimes the response ignores the initial contribution completely. Bad system? Bad manners? Probably a shot in the dark that you don't even recall sending a check in the first place!

Virtually all the pleabodies enclose a 'gift'. Another sheet of address stickers - and you are lucky if they got it right! Occasionally, the sender attaches a nickel to the message - as if that will galvanize the recipient to dig in for a meaningful contribution.

It is without a doubt one of the most misused channels of communication in this country. Many of the major organization devoted to 'doing good' have been at it for so many years that recipients of their pleas can go back to the years before WWII when they sent their first check - never suspecting that they are still providing funds for a cause that has become a major business with highly paid executives, large expensive buildings to house staffs on hand to create and mail pleas - never seeing the inside of a hospital that continues to seek cures or causes.

In a way, it is a pity that some, many, in fact, are truly reaching out to accomplish some goal that might affect your being, your life! It is way beyond the capability of donors to select the most important - or the most needy. It is also beyond anyone's ability to force these pleabodies from exchanging, or selling, their mailing lists - which is one reason you receive mail from organizations you never heard of !

Is there any way to stop the flow of unwanted mail? Yes. But the national registry that warrants it works, has no effect whatsoever in staunching the flow. So, friends and readers, be aware when you send a check - make a list and keep it in your check book. DO NOT feel obligated to make the follow up donation. If you support some group, foundation, or organization and have been on board for a few years - consider dropping out. Maybe try another source needing funds. Or, simply cut your losses. The dollars might be better used in your own checking account!

One final thought. The problem with so-called 'junk mail' depends a lot on who regularly opens the mail in your establishment. We know some who never open the envelope when it is undoubtedly a money plea. BINGO! Right into the trash. No question. It does reduce the junk mail quantity. We admire their attitude and applaud their intestinal fortitude. And, we thank you for your attention to this diatribe!

Richard Carlton

September 15, 2011

Issue No.20

One More Time!

Richard Carlton — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:12:00 GMT

One More Time!

As this is working its way through cyber space, over five days have passed since Irene took aim at the East Coast of the USA - and scored a direct hit! Not exactly news to any of you, but it is only the tip of the post storm coverage. What is truly devastating is the series of TV pictures that have transfixed millions of viewers with actual camera recordings of homes unfit for human occupancy, flooding that reached record levels, and scenes of desperation as the many who suffered the 'hit' give vent to their feelings of hopelessness.

Those of us fortunate to be TV viewers and not victims of Irene's power, can only give thanks that they are not in front of the cameras recording the disaster. So much is said about the force of nature and the inability of authorities to do more than provide emergency assistance, and possibly some compensation through insurance and government aid via FEMA, that we sit back and overlook the actions that can be taken to ameliorate the endless sequence of national disasters that we face.

Specifically, ViewPoint returns to a plea first broached over 5 years ago when a ViewPoint column was sent to President Obama urging him to use government dollars and industry pressures to jointly begin a program of burying all power lines strung on poles throughout the USA. We used the Eisenhower years in office to recall the massive program of high speed intercity roads that laced the then 48 states into a network of safety and security previously non-existant! It was only when President Eisenhower, with his military background, was able to convince the Congress and other authorities of the inability of this country to move troops and vehicles from one point to another with ease, that the security factor took hold, and funds were appropriated. Imagine, if you can, the state of our armed forces were it not for that action in today's world!

President Obama responded with a polite (form) letter thanking me for my interest in the conditions resulting from downed power lines every time a storm took a toll of electric power in countless homes in the hard hit areas. It was indicated that the information would be passed along (to whom?) - and nothing further was indicated.

Now, for the umpteen times since that letter was read we can only guess at the number of poles toppled, the number of homes without electricity for unmeasured days, the overall cost of everything from replacing spoiled food in homes and restaurants, to the high cost of trained crews patching together a broken network of a power grid that is the lifeline for virtually all of America!

Today, five days after Irene left, almost a half million homes are still without power. Originally the number was in the millions, and the energy industry was working at full speed to bring these millions back to life. Is this a way to continue forever? The estimated cost of Irene's overall damage is over 12 Billions. Add this to all the previous costs of system failures, such as power, or flood dikes, or any man made attempt to harness nature may be 'cheap' by comparison to the annual, semi-annual, and other terms, disasters wrought by Mother Nature!

So, it is wrong to say that there's nothing we can do. There is something. Call or write your Representative in Congress, your Senator, The President. Make it known that you believe that preventative action is possible and the cost will be absorbed as was the immense cost of building the highway network many years ago.

We have said it before\. We headed this Blog "One More Time! Maybe, just maybe, it can be the last time.

Richard Carlton

September 1, 2011

Issue No. 19

Enough Is Too Much!

Richard Carlton — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 22:01:39 GMT

Enough Is Too Much!

At the risk of losing some readers of ViewPoint, it is time, past time, to give vent to the topics of the day. Certainly, the disgraceful behavior of members of Congress who clearly, without any apologies, made it abundantly clear that their main concern as representatives of the people was to dismantle the presidency by unseating Barack Obama.

Now, it doesn't take a high IQ, or even a high school graduation certificate, to know that the United States government has survived for hundreds of years despite every form of antipathy known to man being thrown at a sitting President, Members of the Congress , individual Senators, or Congressmen, yet no amount of low blows, ugly implications, spiteful declarations has, or will, removed a President before an election, or an individual from the Congress absent appropriate charges. So why, why do the many eager candidates for the Republican presidency in 2012, use their time and effort when they have the opportunity to speak, turn to Obama's term in office rather than immediate actions designed to increase employment, end foreclosures, improve the business economy and by so doing, tell the 2012 voters how and why they should be the next President.

Isn't it in their individual best chances for the role to cast a wide net while they have the opportunity? Aren't they aware that they are literally on the wrong track. Just as a speeding train heading into a tunnel knowing that at the other end a train is moving rapidly in their direction on the same track and disaster surely looms. When Michelle Bachman refers to Barack Obama as "Our one term president!" does that mantra create a ground swell of acceptance in her ability to govern this country for four years?

Has she used her platform to hammer home the ways and means she could utilize to change direction in the Oval Office when she is sitting there?

When all the candidates stood up in a debate before a national audience, how many viewers, listeners, or next day readers, could understand which candidate had the best, most incisive, easily understood plan of action slated to begin the day of inauguration for that person? In fact, it boggles the mind to realize that none, not one, of the candidates offers a government headed by that individual which begins with steps to increase employment (not just words - actions!). Can you think of any single decision that current members of the Republican, and Tea Party, would agree on as intransigent, beyond discussion, no way position, other than the words "no new taxes!! Is there one member of either political body, who has the guts to express a thought that maybe taxes have to be raised somewhat in order to get the country running again. What is the background for the Republican belief that raising taxes is a sure way to bring a halt to reducing the unemployment? Is there a history of that kind of reaction in any administration where a tax increase brought employment to a grinding halt?

What we're dealing with here is as devastating and detrimental as the fanatic separation between various tribal cultures in several parts of the undeveloped world and the deadly results of generational beliefs that dominate the positions they take on matters of deep concern to both groups. Compromise is not a spoken thought or word. It must be the way it is because it has always been that way and we won't change! When and why has that become the lief motif of legislators in this country?

The temporary end of the money crisis does not signify a calmer, cooler ability to agree on matters that have been set aside while the incredible gulf in the House nearly brought the House down. Every vital bill that has been tabled has to be back on the floor for action as soon as Congress reassembles. Just as the no-sayers have confounded ordinary attention to governing the country, it is an obstacle that will be resolved when the 2012 elections will see a huge turnover in the House of Representatives. Voters around the country know who held up decisions until the day before deadline. They know that failure to even talk about a tax increase at any level. for any reason, makes about as much sense as disbanding the armed forces as soon as they are all home from the wars!

We do not stand for tax increases unless there is a clear path to economic improvement. Only those who have no idea of where the country gets its money to function at any and all levels, would entertain a verbal position that says - 'find another way!' That kind of nonsense borders on stupidity. Let's try to become a nation of open minds, show a willingness to listen, and a belief that 'compromise' is one of the nicest words in the English language!

Richard Carlton

August 15, 2011

Issue No.18

Summer Countdown

Richard Carlton — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 01:41:09 GMT

Summer Countdown

Before you read, consider this. As we type, the battle of the Congress has not been resolved. That is stated as a fact - not inserted for accuracy. It may explain why the topic today has absolutely nothing to do with the status quo. It is too difficult to keep track of the situation as it changes from hour to hour, sometimes from minute to minute. Meanwhile the ubiquitous electronic clock keeps blinking away millions by millions and Armageddon continues to raise the blood pressure of a watching world. So, relax, unwind, takes a few deep breaths and let's change the subject for the remainder of this page.

It is always hard to believe when someone says, "Can't be! The summer is half over. Where did July go?"

Well, it's true. It began June 21st - ends September 21st - and as we step gingerly into August, the very word "August" sends a signal as obvious as a rocket blast off. August means the countdown to Labor Day has begun - the advent of school and college resumptions is closer than anyone could imagine - and vacation time is dwindling if you failed to book whatever by now!

None of this comes as a surprise. You've gone through this period of disenchantment year after year - and you still can't believe it. You remember May and the early part of June as great weather days - perfect for the beach or golf course, checking the remaining supply of usable sun lotions from last year, and why, oh why, doesn't summer begin earlier?

Don't think it hasn't been broached by interested parties - like educators who think kids should be out playing, not sweating in un-airconditioned classrooms! Political types can give you more reasons than you need to form groups that make hay during hot weather - from selling hot dogs at board walk enterprises, to launching the annual monster campaign to sell air conditioners for home and office.

Summer is SUN! You know how cautious the medical world views exposure to sun rays. And, it is quite true that improper exposure to midday sun can lead to harmful damage to skin and all the human elements sub derma. But you also know how good it feels to bake in the sun after a damp and chilly March and April. You also see all the ads heralding places to go where sun is king! Beaches, cruises, golf and tennis areas, parks and roof tops, name it and you are sure to see and accept the human need for the one and only planet that delivers fun, enjoyment, good health, and even dollars of profits - good ' 'ole Sol, our dependable Sun!

Let's give it a shot. Try for a movement that changes the seasons to suit the human race. Start "Summer" in May, Memorial Day, end it Labor Day. The number of days will remain similar to the current method. But the anticipation and delivery of sunny days earlier will bring warmth to the soul as well as the body. Moods improve when the sun shines, and people tend to be more satisfied with

life in general. And, Boy! - Man! - we sure can use a large dose of something good for the citizenry as well as the country - and at no additional cost - not even a tax (unless... well, skip that notion!).

Get this going on FaceBook or Twitter and by dawn tomorrow millions will be cheering the idea. Then, you can say you helped bring about a true revolution in the way we behave. It's time to hit the keys!

Richard Carlton

July 31, 2011

Issue No. 17

Government: As We Know It!

Richard Carlton — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:27:53 GMT

Government: As We Know It!

To our most patient readers. Relax, this is not about deficits, budgets, the economy, or Washington, home of the free, the brave, the befuddled! No. This is ViewPoint's concern about the way governments manage to survive.

In a moment of oversimplification, we start by thinking about government as a choice between Dictatorship (one man rule!) - and Democracy (which includes all forms of government wherein citizens, the people, have a voice in the management of their homeland). Now, we move quickly to observe the current demands by millions of North African citizens who live under Dictatorship of one form or another, and their urgent cry for change. What remains to be seen is the outcome of the rebel challenges and the dramatic shift from one man rule, to government by committee.

And this is really where this ViewPoint begins. It is as clear as a bell that any decision making body, be it local, or national, must face disagreement on any topic, at any time they are in formal session. There is simply no way for a group of members of the body in session to immediately agree on the topic before them. It is as certain as the conundrum of the ultimate force vs the immovable object. Or, as you must have learned long ago, a horse under discussion can turn out to be a camel!

Thus, it should be no surprise to any voter in these United States that the dead lock in Washington over financial matters is not only inevitable - but quite natural! The differences are as unique as the speakers who put forth their own rationale for resistance. It could be as remote from the topic on the table as the unknown group that finally compromised in designing the horse as a camel! Never mind that the country is about to go into default, or that the enemy fleet is only hours away, or that furious citizens are massing for an attack on our Congress. No. The hold outs, the deep thinkers, the true believers who have only one link to the brain - and it's my way or no way!

As long as committees are formed and and perform with humans as the body in question, we shall have dissension. Juries face that truth every day. School boards know it well. And the Congress of the USA has lived with the problem for every

session irregardless of Party, or President.

Readers of this column are more likely to be voting citizens than elected officials.

Both know that there is only one way to deal with the dissent. Vote the individual OUT in the next election! Sure, that may mean the conditions facing the country, or even the local voter, have to wait - months, perhaps years, before new members takes their seats and demonstrate a different attitude more to the satisfaction of the voters. It is the ultimate test of democracy as we know it!

So, advice from the soothsayer on this page. Make your opinions known by any means available. But grit your teeth, hold tight to the reins you hold, and remember that the dissension you hear and hate, is essential to a functioning government that relies on voters. If there is a better way, it has been tried and failed every time.

If the day ever comes when all voters arrive at the same conclusion at the polls and elect govern, and move forward in unanimous lockstep - that'l be the day all horses will turn into camels and the miracle of government will have arrived and all citizens will have a new way to survive called the Dictatorship of The People!

Richard Carlton

July 17, 2011

Issue No 16

The Verdict, The Aftermath, The ViewPoint

Richard Carlton — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:38:56 GMT

The Verdict, The Aftermath, The ViewPoint

A little late for the first of the month issue (blame the Fourth Holiday!), but time enough for ViewPoint to do what ViewPoint is supposed to do - use this Blog to offer an opinion - not a review of facts!So, let's begin with the Casey Anthony trial and verdict.

Along with the huge negative response from the public at large (over70% disagreed with the verdicts!), there remains a vast number of unanswered questions that have not been reported to the media - or, at least, not made public. You probably have thought about these open areas that leave open the truth as to what really happened to the little girl, and, of course, is there someone who either committed the crime, or assisted in some way, and is free to get on with his or her life without fear of culpability charges in the future.

It may help somewhat to consider the unanswered items. And, remember, there is no transcript of the trial available now, possibly not in the years ahead. Thus, even though ViewPoint has them down as 'unanswered', it is possible that some reference was made at the trial.

When and where was Caylee murdered - or, did she actually drown in the swimming pool she loved?

When did Casey Anthony know that her child was dead? - why didn't she call for help, police, medical, family, neighbor? If she was not involved in her death, when did she realize that she was missing?

Why did Casey wait a month to report her missing? What was she doing during that month? Was she in a normal mode, state of mind, behavior?

When Casey finally reported to the police that Caylee was misssing, why would she deliberately misinform them about where they would find the body, and why did she lie about where she worked? (She was convicted of lying several times.)

There have been reports that Caylee was given chloroform before death - that her body was in the trunk of her car for the missing month, yet no substance seemed to have been made during the trial that a decaying human body would have alerted anyone of the fact that a corpse was nearby.

Reference has been made that Casey was an 'absentee' mother - given to multiple boyfriends, barhopping, and pursuit of a life of pure pleasure. True or false? Was this mentioned during the trial - by whom?

Casey's parents sat through the trial. Except for a briefing before the court, they appeared to be stone faced and unconcerned about what they heard about their murdered grandchild, although the father broke down during questioning.

While it is of no consideration vis a vis the trial, it is strange that during court appearances Casey looked like a calm, cool ordinary girlish person. Her visual appearance the day after the verdict was handed down, she came on as a pretty, stylish, happy, well coiffed, young lady without a care in the world. It was night and day. Casey the unhappy waif - then, Casey the eye catching female drawing card!

The open items may be revealed at some point - but even then, one can expect explanations and revelations that will still leave open the sad fact that Caylee remains dead with no proof of how she died, nor any evidence of who may have killed her. The law is quite specific about the need for evidence, for proof of involvement by the accused, for many reasons that presumably led the jury to fine her not guilty. Not innocent, mind you. Simply, not guilty. The difference has been the basis for countless novels, movies, law books, and trial decisions.

ViewPoint believes that the prosecution failed to dwell on all of the above omissions. In a move to save her life, the defense could have pleaded insanity, given all the missing facts that seem to have been pointing toward her guilt. These are conjectures not supported by any courtroom evidence. Perhaps Casey's refusal to take the stand indicates that her knowledge of her daughter's murder might inadvertently have come through her silent attendance at her own trial! The best guess is that we shall never know. Casey Anthony played the role of her life, without histrionics, in absolute confidence that absent facts will not be revealed in court, that any display of emotion could be misinterpreted, that she may well be the only living person who knows the whole story and there's no good reason to ruin the life style she craved, sought, and achieved!

Richard Carlton

July 8, 2011

Issue No.15

What Makes Males Do What They Do?

Richard Carlton — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 01:13:15 GMT

What Makes Males Do What They Do?

Leave it to The New York Times to be one of the few, if not the only, family newspaper in the USA to dig right in with an editorial piece entitled "Digital Flirting: Easy To Do, Easy To Get Caught". Of course, the origin of this informative peak behind the headlines is Representative Anthony Weiner, NY Democrat - but relax, it's not really about this goof ball whose TV coverage has dominated the news for a week or more. In fact, his name shows up only one more time as various 'experts' try to explain the title of this once-in-a-blue-moon ViewPoint.

Since we chose to be the source of limited information, usually absent from stories that might otherwise make the headlines, we begin with a personal introduction to the existence of 'the urge' as recalled by a 15 year old schoolboy. It happened in the locker room, by the window, with some dozen young males practically fighting to get a view from that window. The object of this chaos: a building across the street where occupants of a woman's hotel, were dressing for the day - in full view of any onlookers - and apparently unaware that a boy's school was directly across the way. It was only when the show became ho-hum as the women in the several available windows added final touches and began to leave that this youngster had the opportunity to go to the window and see what the show was all about. A lone watcher remained, maybe hoping for one more occupant to be a late ariser and star of a closing performance that the word was spoken. "Geez, yu shoulda seen these babes with no bras, no nuttin -and some even close enough to da window to watch 'wm slip into panties, or somepin!"

Too late. The show was over. But, not really. As the long trip home began that afternoon the dots and dashes that comprise the brain, went over it again and again. "Hey, stupid, there's an apartment right across the alley from the window in MY room - and if I can remember anything , it is occupied by an attractive young woman - who probably goes to work about the time I'm getting my act together - and I have BINOCULARS!"

Well. this story is long enough, but you can believe that those binoculars were put to use more times than I can count. The piece de resistance was my discovery that If I hung around near the window with no lights on the room, late in the evening, there might be, and there was, a second show of the day!

ViewPoint makes no claim that somehow a fifteen year old's experience emulated male entry into the world of female display, or that an impulse to pick up the binoculars every single day, somehow was more than natural - it was THRILLING!

Now, before we run out of time, jump ahead ten years, try 40 years, or yesterday. It is still a fixation when the female of the moment, or second, is undressed, maybe naked, probably someone unknown to me. The difference, the humongous difference, is that men of all ages, all professions, all married, unmarried, dating, just looking - are hard wired like this one writing this piece.

Almost every Broadway Musical has female performers, chorus girls, whose attire generally resembles the ladies across from the school! They are dressed that way so that the men in the audience can get their 'kicks' while the chorus girls do theirs!

For the deprived, maybe depraved too, the internet has opened the world to every conceivable image of the female figure. Movies make no pretensions anymore about nudity, male or female - if the scene calls for it. Men still turn their heads when a buxom blonde passes on the street. Workmen on lunch break sit by their tools and equipment, hooting, holloring, whistling their appreciation as women of all kinds pass by.

So, Representative Weiner did what he probably has been doing since he was fifteen! He just got caught. Really dumb. Stupid, in fact! But, in his defence - he really cannot help it. He's hard wired!!!