Frequentflier

Of course you're right that technically people are innocent until proven guilty but if Americans really believed that, shouldn't someone's arrest and what they are charged with be kept confidential unless/until they are convicted? I think one reason this information is public is so that the government doesn't arrest and incarcerate people secretly, but perp walks and prosecutor/police press releases never go away even if someone is found innocent. How many times do we recall seeing the arrest on the front page (and nearly constantly repeated on CNN) yet if the person is found innocent that news is in small print on the back page? So IF this guy is found innocent I suspect for the rest of his life when someone Googles his name the arrest for possession of this porn will appear and people will still wonder. Remember the IMF chief arrested in NYC for supposedly sexually assaulting a maid? Several perp walks, lots of press and then the "victim" was determined by the prosecutor to be unreliable and the charges dropped. And for the prosecutor - no negative ramifications for what the case did to the man's reputation or reimbursement of legal fees, etc. The scales of justice aren't balanced at all. The government has unlimited resources and nearly unchecked power. And our elected employees want to give more. I doubt anyone disagrees that if this guy is guilty he should receive a very tough sentence.

Sorry but the "legal scholar" at your school has more to learn or he/she should just admit they aren't much of a scholar. Hastert is guilty of lying to Federal Law Enforcement Officers and structuring cash withdrawals to avoid reporting. Facing up to six months. Had he not agreed to plea there are likely other charges with more potential years (otherwise people have no incentive to plea). He didn't get convicted of just taking his own money out of the bank as the "legal scholar" claims. If he was trusted enough by voters & members of the House to become third in line to the presidency he should have been smart enough to not obstruct reporting Congress put into law and not to lie to Federal agents. Don't want to answer their questions, fine, that's your right. But if you answer it needs to be the truth. Stupid is as stupid does. Its true we don't officially know why he was paying someone $3.5 million in cash. Maybe there is more to come. There are tax consequences for giving someone $3.5 million so I hope gift or other taxes are paid by someone. When Hastert pled guility he admitted the wrongdoing (and that he knew what he was doing was wrong) to the Federal judge. There is a part of the article (linked below) which states "Federal officials told ABC News Hastert's alleged wrongdoing involved the sexual abuse of a male student while Hastert was serving as a high school teacher and wrestling coach decades ago." http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/dennis-hastert-file-guilty-plea/story?id=34788127

Shkreli's problem is he gloated about the price increase, even saying if he were faced with the pricing decision again he would raise the price even higher. His company isn't the only one who has jacked drug prices up dramatically. Difference is the CEO of the other companies weren't arrogant when interviewed and Wall Street/investors rewarded them with higher stock prices.

1. I don't think it's in Uber's best interests to publicize possible net earnings of drivers as those numbers won't be as enticing as the gross figures and without drivers, well, you know.. 2. I've never used Uber. 3. I think Uber filled a need - cleaner vehicles, drivers that are presentable/courteous/customer service driven. None of those qualities are out of the reach of taxi companies if they really wanted market share back. 4. I think Uber drivers should be treated like employees, covered by insurance, FICA taxes paid/withheld, etc. 5. I think it's unfair, as an example, taxi owners in NYC paid millions for medallions (their loans packaged into investments bought by others) because that was the government requirement for the service they wanted to provide and then faced unregulated competition. Should probably be a phase out period. Yes, # 3 issues applies to those taxis.

Hmmm...innocent until proven guilty in America some say? May be technically true but its more complicated. In America when you're arrested there is the perp walk, sometimes press releases and/press conferences along with front page headlines with your full name/photo/sordid assumed to be facts to support guilt. If you're rich (whether guilty or not) you're more likely to get off (found not guilty or hung jury with no retrial) and that outcome is likely on the last page of the paper and not under a big bold headline. If you are poor (as compared to the government which has unlimited money and resources), you're likely toast. Even if you are found not guilty, unless you have big money to fund your life, you're going to have problems getting employed after an employer searches your name (and nearly all do). In America though you can get away with murder, literally. Get a job as a cop and shoot someone - anyone will do. Then utter the words you were taught in the academy or by your peers. "I was afraid for my life" or "He was going for my gun". And of course unless someone wants to/can prove intent then no crime. And video recordings help but juries and judges have found cops not guilty even after seeing video evidence a crime was committed because of no intent or they were afraid. Sure, justice in America is wonderful.

That attitude is crap. Any company that trains their employees to be that way, I hope, is on the roadway to bankruptcy. I also think that good people react appropriately and don't need training on everything. It's like bad cops, no amount of training or rules will fix the deficiency in their DNA.

Colleges & universities are too expensive because of too high wages, benefits and (in too many cases) expensive campuses and building programs. The fact loving parents and other relatives will save for decades and then with students borrow to what seems like no limit allows colleges & universities to raise tuition, room/board and fees to absorb the aforementioned savings and loan proceeds plus government grant money. I don't think there is a shortage of government spending, grants, loan programs or loan forgiveness programs. More government/taxpayer support isn't the answer. Less government money and less loan forgiveness may drive students and their families to choose less expensive colleges/universities and perhaps when schools don't "sell out" and have vacancies they might swap their fire hose spending of cash for a garden hose. If you can't get a loan to buy a $100 k car, you'll buy a less costly vehicle that still provides you the necessary benefits. I had loan payments for 10 years and paid off 100%. Can't pay back, don't borrow. New programs that allow students to better evaluate their choice of colleges before deciding is a good thing - how have previous graduates with different types of degrees done after graduation. And we should, like home ownership, stop telling people they will not realize their full potential without a four year degree. To many, a two year or no year advanced degree might be just fine for them. I can hire a college graduate easier and faster for my business than I can find a good, reliable and fairly priced electrician or plumber.

The HOAs I own in just made sure the rental policy (that all owners have to abide by) includes a minimum term. By doing that they felt it covered the issue whether its Airbnb or VRBO or another business that may not exist today but for which you want your policy to apply. May not hurt to mention Airbnb as an example (the HOAs I'm a part of didn't specifically mention Airbnb or VRBO.

I own a few condos as investments. My leases are a minimum of one year. Every one of the HOAs has a rental policy and AIRBNB wouldn't be allowed (some have minimum rental periods of 6 months or one year). Those policies have been reviewed by local attorneys. I think its completely inappropriate if an escort uses someone's property through AIRBNB to meet clients, unless (unlikely) the owner agreed to it. I don't even allow my tenants to smoke 420 in states where its legal for recreational use - and yes a landlord can prohibit it (as he/she can smoking) in particular because its still illegal at the Federal level. My leases make it very clear that any illegal activity is prohibited and grounds for eviction - something any property owner wants to be able to point to in case their tenant is busted as a way to defend against the government seizing property (which some/many overzealous prosecutors like to do).

I find using the IRS mileage rate of $.575c is an easy way to estimate the cost (including depreciation, gas, maintenance, etc.) of using your vehicle. Sure, if you have a Prius or Bentley you'll calculate a different rate but for a quick analysis "most" people will accept the IRS amount. For me, while I can always use some extra money I'm not going to use my Bentley and become a driver for Uber.

Let's not get a police officer confused with a soldier who volunteers to risk his/her life in a war. "police officers who put their bodies and limbs at risk". Bullshit. Don't like the job, don't think the pay is good (you need a second job), quit. Soldiers don't have that option. Its a job they want for the power that comes with it, and thanks to police unions, nearly no accountability when they step out of line. Even if you believe anyone is an A hole you don't have a right to punch them in the face. And leadership starts at the top. If a street cop acts like an asshole its because of poor hiring practices and low expectations from above. Too often we hear that police are trained that if they need to shoot their gun its to kill. That's an f'ed up policy. I'm curious where you see a rash of "a-holes" beating up cops on duty. Cops are given tasers as a non lethal option. In Denver, one of the cases the city lost was for sheriff deputies using tasers in a manner against regulations (essentially torturing a prisoner) and the stupid shits were on camera. When a deputy is to stupid to act illegally on a camera it shows the hiring practices are way off. Michael Brown was no angel. Did he deserve to die? No. Did the asshole cop escalate the situation by showing disrespect from the beginning, yes. Did leaving Michael Brown uncovered on the street for hours piss people off - white and black people - hell yes. Did the dumbass cops rolling excess military equipment onto the streets and snipers pointing rifles at protesters piss people off - including members of congress - hell yes. The protesters aren't paid or trained, the cops are. So who should be held to the higher standard? Duh. And if Wilson had any class or professionalism he'd be saying today "I'm sorry I had to take another life but I had no choice." Instead of the Missouri stupid response of "I did my job and I'd shoot him again". Other racists will hire the jerk when he quits the department. Here's an encounter between a white cop and a white civilian. And the cop involved was hired even though he cost a previous department he worked for $6 million because he caused an accident that crippled a man for life. So, sure, he'd be a good hire in another department. And the cop is so stupid that when interviewed afterwards his response is "I was concerned. It was a public safety issue," the sergeant said. "If I had to do it all over again ... I'd probably do the same thing. If I knew the camera was there, no, because it does look bad." http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Saratoga-deputy-suspended-as-video-of-slapping-5880169.php

And the police too often don't have a bias against just black people, its a lack of respect for most people. And its extremely difficult to discipline or fire a police officer for even blatant, often illegal, misconduct. There is the case in California where the white son of a former police officer was brutally beaten to death (in front of witnesses and with video). Charged, tried and....acquitted. Another example is in Denver which has such big problems in its police and sheriffs departments that in just the past four months alone over $10 million has been paid out to victims and their families. That doesn't count outside legal fees and there are more cases coming. They struggle against the police union. The only other constituency the police/sheriff/mayor and city council cares less about than those incarcerated are the taxpayers. So while the police have less respect for black people, don't be comfortable because you are white, or rich (more often than not one thinks they are rich). Body cameras may help and many cities are adding them. But the justice system is so skewed towards law enforcement I'm doubtful. And lets not forget how many of those arrested plead guilty because of 1) lack of funds for a good lawyer, 2) sentencing guidelines that are extreme and 3) the pile on of charges for a single crime. Bottom line, whether innocent or not, if you find yourself against the system you're toast. And that's assuming you make it to jail without being the victim of police brutality ("cause they were just protecting them poor selves"). Interesting how the as****e Wilson is now all over tv saying he did his job and he'd do it again. No class whatsoever.

The report you've got incomplete is that he was running away until he felt getting shot. He then turned to surrender and put his hands up. Ferguson bought two cameras that can be worn by its officers but hadn't taken them out of the box "because they don't have the funds to install them". Bullshit. What the cop did to the teenager, whether he robbed the convenience store of $49 in cigars or not, is unconscionable. The kid could have lived from the five shots he received (but apparently the cop was still "scared for his life") but the last through the top of his head killed him. No unarmed teenager, or any human being, should be treated with such disregard and don't think, if behavior like the cops in Ferguson have displayed goes without firings and criminal charges - in addition to Fed supervised reforms, that because one is old, crusty and white or young and white that they wouldn't violate your rights if they had a bad cup of coffee or doughnuts.

Funny Dad. I'm not saying I'm Batman, I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

On the drive to work this morning I heard that thousands of people in Iowa (or some such place) will be without power for several days. When I'm without power in the winter time for 4 hours I'm not pleased. Can't imagine in this cold being without power for days. I feel sorry for those people. Yes, there are generators people can spend $10,000 +/- but I doubt most people have those.

For those of you who are constant complainers about the US government and its agencies (at least two of you know who you are), while it is your right to speak out it is also your right to move to another country. An occasional complaint we all have, but every opportunity you can find to bitch, bitch, bitch, belittle and put down the government of my country is garbage. I believe there are +/- 200 out there to choose from. We may have many laws but unless you are a criminal forbidden to leave the country, don't be shy about packing up and moving. Imagine you'd be happier and I know I would - you can share your views about your new government with us when you get there. I'll venture to guess neither/none of you have any inclination to run for public office and work hard for the change you want. Nope, you like the anonymous screen name and cheap seats. And if you happen to be a gun freak, see how another country welcomes your sick fetish. Funny how you complain yet the bulk of Congressmen running for reelection were sent back - but you need protection from them? As for the government protecting us, the US government has done a fantastic job against terrorism post 9-11. The track record of US airlines and the FAA is one "most" people around the world respects. We could only be better without a few or a lot less crusty bottomed, grumpy, frown ridden faced habitual bitchers.

The stock market likes trading on headlines. I'd like to see a brief and large drop in the share price of Boeing so I can add to my holding and enjoy the ride upward. I could use the extra $$. I'll continue to trust US airlines based on their track record versus other transportation options and I do think the FAA does a good job. There's only 50 delivered so far (24 grounded currently) and 798 on backorder. I would ride on a Dreamliner if that is what's scheduled for a flight I'm on. Wasn't it in 2012 that American Airlines had several maintenance issues on non-787 aircraft, which some thought were related to cost and labor issues? Those worried me more and I avoided AA for a while because of them.

Apologies for using "ignorant" and I've edited the comment accordingly.

I will add that if you can't afford an additional 3 to 4 % on your income over $250 K you aren't rich. I understood the part about President Obama supposedly trying to sock it to the rich quite clearly.

Was it Al Capone the Feds were able to convict on tax evasion more easily than some of his other illegal activities? I think there are several activities that should be legalized, regulated and taxed. While I don't smoke 420 it seems it should be on the list. All forms of companionship should also be regulated and taxed. However, if someone is making money and not paying taxes on it I'm not going to even reach for my violin if they get caught, fined and sent to prison for tax evasion. I've worked since I was 15 and paid taxes all along the way. Never was I guess "smart enough" to have income that wasn't reported on a 1099, W-2 or paid by check in a traceable fashion. So didn't have a choice but to pay anyway. I don't think its at all fair that others who have apparently the self granted "option" not to report income and pay taxes should get away with it. I also find nothing "noble" about someone who says "make it legal" and I'll pay. What's next, "if the government spends money the way I think it should, I'll pay taxes"? This ranks up with the equally dumb comment that "if people like Warren Buffett want to pay more in taxes they can make a voluntary tax payment". Why should I "volunteer" to pay more when others choose to cheat? How far do you think the military would get, or the police or the fire departments if taxes were "voluntary". If you don't want to pay to live in the greatest country (in my opinion) on the earth and benefit from lets say the bulk of it's services (military, fire, police, roads/bridge, safe skies for flying), move somewhere else. If taxes are too high, protest and complain in an adult, responsible and civilized fashion. Choosing to break the law through tax evasion is none of these. I'll add though that Americans should get more permits to protest and should regularly take to the streets to protest the incompetence of Congress.

Good for you young man. As a fellow tax paying citizen I appreciate the teamwork you show by paying along with some of the rest of us

I don't know when your Dad was an auxiliary sheriff but wanted to share with you that moonshine is still made in the confederate states as recently as say a month ago. Very tasty so it's no wonder the "legitimate" companies that make alcohol don't want it legalized and taxed.