Shutting Detroit Down Video By John Rich

Maybe our politicians should take a step back, spend a few minutes watching this video, and really pay close attention to the words that are being sung. This song is not only catchy (let me tell you…I’ve been repeating the chorus to myself for a few hours now) but it’s the reality of the times we are living in. Depending on your current financial condition, you may be unaware of the struggle that others are going through. If you have heard the song (which many of you probably have), its written and sung by John Rich who just happens to be a famous country singer (once again, I’m sure that you already knew that but hey...not everyone’s a fan of country). He has been making his rounds on different talk shows, news programs, as well as making a special appearance at the Atlanta, GA tea party with Sean Hannity. His dedication to his country is inspiring and I hope other celebrities take notice. Additionally, I think it’s important to take note of the lyrics as they are bipartisan (I can’t imagine how anyone could say anything bad about this song but take my word for it, they will find something to attack…they always do). It’s not about left or right, it’s about the people that are being affected by this current economic climate and the politicians who don’t understand. It’s about the people that are losing their jobs; it’s about unnecessary spending on the government’s part which consequently will raise taxes on the hardest working people. Let’s face it folks, it would be silly to think that only the "rich" will be responsible for paying back our deficit, which thanks to this current President will be ridiculously high. Despite the fact that there are not enough rich people to pay for all this, personally (as I hope you agree) I am not in favor of punishing the rich for their success, that’s simply not how I was raised. You know, for people that are overly obsessed with “fairness”, how does overtaxing the rich sound fair? It’s neither fair nor logical.

Anyway, I will stop myself before I go any further and just say that I hope you enjoy this video as it is truly touching. I will warn you that it is sad but I think it’s good to publicize the reality of many people’s current situation.

Oh and by the way, I forgot to mention that there is a special celeb appearance in the video!

Enjoy.

Cafe No-Pricing Policy

I usually flock towards Starbucks when I’m really thirsty and in need of something cool, icy, and very sweet! My choice in drink varies from time to time but lately it’s been a grande frapuccino which costs about $4.00. What if I could choose what to pay for it? What if I was asked to pay what I thought was “fair”? I don’t think Starbucks is going to adopt this policy anytime soon but a café in Ohio has not only implemented this business plan but has also been quite successful doing so.
The café did away with pricing and allows the customer to pay want they want. According to its owner, Java Street Cafes sales and customer count has gone up between 50-100% daily. The best part of the story…the café may hire more staff because of its recent success...(Video from CNN about the cafe added at the bottom). It’s definitely nice to hear about a business doing well and hiring since all of the news seems to be about the recession, bailouts, and job loss.
I will also use this opportunity to address another point. Where’s the assistance for small businesses? If small businesses generate 60-80% of net new jobs annually, then why don’t we provide relief for the business community?
I’m upset about the AIG bonuses also but I’m outraged about the lack of concern for small business owners!
(As for my Starbucks, I already think $4 bucks is a bit hefty for a drink! If I had to pay what was fair…I know I wouldn’t pay over that amount but I wouldn’t pay less than $3. I guess it would depend on the service I received. Actually, this is far more difficult than I ever imagined! You don’t want to come off looking super cheap but you don’t want to pay too much!)