I read news about commotions caused by a number of UCI students during the speech of Israel Ambassador to the US and how the police arrested and cited 11 protesters. I can easily noticed that many American Muslims are supporting the acts of those people. In fact, the video feed shows many female students were actually involved and seems supportive of the actions of their male compatriots. The commotion itself is probably not very surprising (knowing the state of Israel-Arab relationship), what's more surprising to me is the response from the readers.
Most Muslim readers (which I assume also live in Orange County or at least in the States) appear to be supportive of the actions of those Muslim students. Not very surprising. What made me more appalled was the fact that they blamed others for it. True, Israel was not exactly the nicest neighbor to have in the Middle East but honestly Israel is probably just doing their best to survive among continuous attacks from its "not so friendly" neighbors too. It is our human nature to deflect any charges against us and start blaming those who bring the charge or others for it.
However, the most alarming part for me is the fact that many young Muslims in America are very "confused" or petty much "brainwashed" by their blind fanatic religious belief, while proudly claiming themselves to be "American" and exercising their "freedom of speech." It is kind of funny that these "smart" morons seems to forget that they did not have that kind of privilege in their home countries. Look at how Iranian regime crackdowns on their own citizens' protests, even though they are all Shiite Muslims. It's pretty harsh, isn't it? Executions and tortures in jail, public killing and attacks by militia. Think of what would happen if Assyrian or Jewish people are the ones protesting, wouldn't they receive even harsher punishments?
Honestly, freedom of speech is the product of Western civilization which is strongly influenced by its Judeo-Christian tradition, and it will not work well in countries who does not respect pluralism in its society. Sadly, these guys are trying to use the freedom of speech excuse to insult and attack people that they simply dislike for no reason. If these guys were Christians in a Muslim country, they would have been badly beaten at least. Some of them will probably lose their lives too.
Wake up guys, do you realize that you are trying to exercise your "freedom of speech" to promote and propagate the creation of a religion dominated environment with limited or no freedom at all? Unbelievable!
Here is my response to the news (Hopefully it does not get deleted too quickly):
=================================================================================
I grew up as a minority - Christian - in a Muslim majority country, and sadly it was not pleasant (to say it very mildly) being a minority there. Freedom of religion was restricted and any dissension was being persecuted harshly. I liked America for being able to become a melting pot made of people (or descendants of people) from all over the world regardless of their race, nationality and/or religion.
I noticed that more and more young American Muslims who are clearly trying to separate themselves from the rest. Look at the story of Pakistani Americans who were training and fighting to perform jihad in Pakistan and Afghanistan. It saddens me. I believe the legacy of this country as a great melting pot will soon end if more and more young (and often more educated) Muslims are acting and thinking like most of you guys here. I believe you should not live in the US if you don't like the US policies and/or diversity. What's wrong with freedom of speech? If you guys disagree with him, talk to him verbally, bring up your argumentation and don't just act like fools.
It is sad and alarming to see how Islamic extremism grew and nurtured in our colleges (maybe there are professors or faculties who actually taught, nurtured or supported them). The future of America the way we look in the past seems kind of dimmed. America is great when all people from all corners of the world work together for the same goal, yet it will crumble when we are not united. Sadly, America is getting more and more polarized with the advent and rise of younger generation American Muslims like these guys (and many of the commentators). Honestly, I think the government should start monitoring OC’s worship places like the Malaysian ISA did. With the rise of these radical young Muslims, the problem is no longer about privacy, I am afraid it’s much greater than that.
If you call yourself American (Whether Iranian, Yemeni, Pakistani or whatever country you're from), stir away from the radical teaching you have been getting (whether from your parents, teachers or other people). I wish you would try to see America from outside your closed-mind. If you already decided that Israel is Evil and America is the Great Evil, I am sure we will not see the end of the war and sadness which took place in Middle East.
It is mind boggling for me, how you could consider yourself "..... (put your country’s name here) Americans" yet you still cannot get over your parents obsessions of unrealistic utopia hidden in the name of Islam. Yes, you guys could dream of the great Caliphate under Dar-ul Islam, but is it realistic? Did you not know how many people died in the war prior to the “time of peace” that you guys are aiming for? Countless Jews and Christians was beheaded and poisoned during the war, even the prisoners of war. Well, you did not care anyway, since the bloods of non-Muslim worth nothing for you guys. It was you who cry out the loudest when one of your kin was being hurt (even if it’s mildly), yet you tend to close your eyes when non-Muslims are being hurt or killed by the actions of Muslims. Are we (non-Muslim) dogs or lower than dogs?
I totally agree with some non-Muslim posters above that if a non-Muslim would have interrupted a sermon or a message from a Muslim, he/she will be persecuted greatly (some may be beheaded but not always), and I can name quite a few people who had actually experienced it (even though the country was somewhat more democratic and western/liberal leaning). It could even prompt backlash to religious places (churches) and/or businesses owned by minority.
And I like one comment which appears to be unrelated yet it rings so true, "Did you like Lebanon after the war?" So, to all of you, American Muslims, don't simply blame your problems to Israel or America, look into the mirror first before you start nitpicking others' blemishes. It seems that your religion had taken over the better part of your brain. And if you don't like it here, feel free to leave. Maybe your minds will be opened once you lived the harsh reality of your homeland.
God bless y’all!
==================================================================================
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Deconstructing the Capitalism of the Western World (2)
While investment banks and hedge fund firms are undeniably important parts of the capitalistic economy, their existence in the history had shown the main weaknesses of the great capitalism tenet: the often underestimated human factors and perhaps the hard to predict but important external factors such as luck and timing. The fall of Long Term Capital Management, in which Myron Scholes (one of the Nobel laureates behind the famous Black and Scholes theorem) was one of the board members, due to 1997-1998 Asian and Russian economic crisis showed the risk involved in investment banking and hedge funds bets regardless of the firms' credentials and the amount of money commanded.
Critics of hedge funds and investment firms often accused large investment firms and hedge funds firms of bullying and simply gambling using their vast amount of money. Recent comment by Greece's finance minister, George Papaconstantinou, even claimed that "any country is prey and will be prey to speculative forces." (Aoife White, "Greek Finance Minister Begs For Bailout Details, Says Markets Are 'Attacking' Greece", Huffington Posts, 02/15/10). Indeed, the history has proved again and again that combined forces of speculating bankers, investment firms and hedge funds can truly bring down the well-being of any country especially the weaker ones (like Indonesia and Thailand during 1998 Asian crisis)
The most damaging and dangerous part of investment banks' role in the capitalistic economy is the fact that these firms are not regulated and running their operations beyond any country's borders. In reality, there is no way these firms can be regulated since they are private firms which can work beyond any individual country's jurisdictions. Even when any country try to regulate them, these firms can simply moved their operation to any other country or even to small and less regulated offshore financial centers, such as Cayman Islands and British Virgin Island.
Take a look at Cayman Islands for example. The OECD (Office of Economic Cooperation and Development) once tried to reign on this unregulated tax haven and money laundering center in the 1990s but to no avail. (Natasha L. Rogoff, "Haven of Havoc?" PBS) In 2003, European Union and UK also tried to impose their influence upon Cayman Islands only to secure vague and non-committal self-imposed" rule from the regime.
So, what can be done?
Critics of hedge funds and investment firms often accused large investment firms and hedge funds firms of bullying and simply gambling using their vast amount of money. Recent comment by Greece's finance minister, George Papaconstantinou, even claimed that "any country is prey and will be prey to speculative forces." (Aoife White, "Greek Finance Minister Begs For Bailout Details, Says Markets Are 'Attacking' Greece", Huffington Posts, 02/15/10). Indeed, the history has proved again and again that combined forces of speculating bankers, investment firms and hedge funds can truly bring down the well-being of any country especially the weaker ones (like Indonesia and Thailand during 1998 Asian crisis)
The most damaging and dangerous part of investment banks' role in the capitalistic economy is the fact that these firms are not regulated and running their operations beyond any country's borders. In reality, there is no way these firms can be regulated since they are private firms which can work beyond any individual country's jurisdictions. Even when any country try to regulate them, these firms can simply moved their operation to any other country or even to small and less regulated offshore financial centers, such as Cayman Islands and British Virgin Island.
Take a look at Cayman Islands for example. The OECD (Office of Economic Cooperation and Development) once tried to reign on this unregulated tax haven and money laundering center in the 1990s but to no avail. (Natasha L. Rogoff, "Haven of Havoc?" PBS) In 2003, European Union and UK also tried to impose their influence upon Cayman Islands only to secure vague and non-committal self-imposed" rule from the regime.
So, what can be done?
Deconstructing the Capitalism of the Western World (1)
I recently stumbled into an article about how bankers and financiers often reap more money compared to other occupations even though they are not necessarily smarter than their compatriots from other fields (Stephen J.Rose, "Why Financiers Make So Much Money," Forbes, 02/09/2010). I had to admit that I am in agreement with Rose's main reasoning, simply because these guys actually control the economy.
Indeed, even though financiers may appear to be simply gambling on others' wealth, their power and influence cannot be underestimated.
Sadly, financiers actually receive their power from us, regular people who give them power to work on our money and make them multiply faster and grow bigger. In other word, financiers are inseparable from the world's economy because of people's desire to make more and more money. Financiers can get the access to all the money they have because we simply had trusted them to handle and manage our money. It all started when we left the old fashioned way of keeping our money under the pillow because we realize that they do not grow while we keep them, and that's why we could not refuse when the financiers offer us meager interests for storing our wealth in their care. But it did not stop there, some people who possessed large amount of wealth are still discontent by the fact that their money is only generating a low interest rate, and why we became eager to invest in more complex financial products when financiers offer us multiple options to grow our money faster, whether they be through simple lending, stock market to the complex CDO.
Amid the recent US housing bubble crises which also dragged the world economy lower, financial powerhouses like Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan are actually playing a large role in the fall, even though they vehemently denied it. At the height of the housing bubble, Merrill Lynch was being investigated for pushing homeowners to draw money from their Home Equity loan to bet on the stock market (Ann Davis, "Betting the House on the Stock Market," WSJ, 12/9/2004). After the housing market crash, Goldman Sachs was also found to be selling the housing market CDOs while secretly betting against it. (Greg Gordon, "How Goldman secretly bet on US housing crash," McClatchy Newspapers, 11/1/2009) Wall Street executives and traders claimed that they were simply following a good financial practice by hedging their trading positions by betting against it, but many doubts that their move was a mere luck. JP Morgan Chase was also accused of playing a large role in the fall of Lehman Brothers by withholding $19 billion transfer to Lehman which some argued would have averted the demise of Lehman Bros which started the domino effect in the collapse of the world stock markets. (F. William Engdahl, "Paulson Panics as UK, Germany Find Own Solution," Financial Sense, 10/20/2008)
The revelation of these conspiracy added to the public anger toward big banks and financial institutions, it caused waves of uproar in the US which prompted some politicians to propose resolutions aimed to investigate the financial powerhouses' role and how to limit their unbridled power and influence. However, the efforts were soon died down as US government, lawmakers and common citizens were overwhelmed by many other more pressing issues such as the ongoing recession, persistently high unemployment rate, continuing foreclosures, endless health care reform debates, partisanship political rivalries, increase of world terrorism activities and Haiti's disaster. To be honest, looking at the way our politicians handle the matters, skeptics are more convinced that the financiers may have already penetrated and controlled both the House and the Senate and perhaps the President too. After all, money and influence are what the Wall Street is best known for.
However, the extent of the true role of private financial giants in this recession did not stop there. From investigation surrounding the recent Greece debt problems which shook the Euro Zone quite hard, Goldman Sachs was also said to be involved in a scenario to cover-up the severity of Greece's debt problem by offering to provide derivative deals to take off the debts from the book by offering cross currency swap with fictional exchange rate (Beat Balzli, "How Goldman Sachs Helped Greece to Mask its True Debt," Spiegel, 02/08/2010). Gary Cohn, Goldman president was reportedly traveling to Greece in early November to offer complex financial derivative products to defer Greece debts, less than three month before the news of Greece debt problems exploded. (Louise Story, et al., "Wall St. Helped Greece to Mask Debt Fueling Europe’s Crisis," New York Times, 02/14/2010).
So what's else? Is there something else that we still did not know of?
Indeed, even though financiers may appear to be simply gambling on others' wealth, their power and influence cannot be underestimated.
Sadly, financiers actually receive their power from us, regular people who give them power to work on our money and make them multiply faster and grow bigger. In other word, financiers are inseparable from the world's economy because of people's desire to make more and more money. Financiers can get the access to all the money they have because we simply had trusted them to handle and manage our money. It all started when we left the old fashioned way of keeping our money under the pillow because we realize that they do not grow while we keep them, and that's why we could not refuse when the financiers offer us meager interests for storing our wealth in their care. But it did not stop there, some people who possessed large amount of wealth are still discontent by the fact that their money is only generating a low interest rate, and why we became eager to invest in more complex financial products when financiers offer us multiple options to grow our money faster, whether they be through simple lending, stock market to the complex CDO.
Amid the recent US housing bubble crises which also dragged the world economy lower, financial powerhouses like Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch and JP Morgan are actually playing a large role in the fall, even though they vehemently denied it. At the height of the housing bubble, Merrill Lynch was being investigated for pushing homeowners to draw money from their Home Equity loan to bet on the stock market (Ann Davis, "Betting the House on the Stock Market," WSJ, 12/9/2004). After the housing market crash, Goldman Sachs was also found to be selling the housing market CDOs while secretly betting against it. (Greg Gordon, "How Goldman secretly bet on US housing crash," McClatchy Newspapers, 11/1/2009) Wall Street executives and traders claimed that they were simply following a good financial practice by hedging their trading positions by betting against it, but many doubts that their move was a mere luck. JP Morgan Chase was also accused of playing a large role in the fall of Lehman Brothers by withholding $19 billion transfer to Lehman which some argued would have averted the demise of Lehman Bros which started the domino effect in the collapse of the world stock markets. (F. William Engdahl, "Paulson Panics as UK, Germany Find Own Solution," Financial Sense, 10/20/2008)
The revelation of these conspiracy added to the public anger toward big banks and financial institutions, it caused waves of uproar in the US which prompted some politicians to propose resolutions aimed to investigate the financial powerhouses' role and how to limit their unbridled power and influence. However, the efforts were soon died down as US government, lawmakers and common citizens were overwhelmed by many other more pressing issues such as the ongoing recession, persistently high unemployment rate, continuing foreclosures, endless health care reform debates, partisanship political rivalries, increase of world terrorism activities and Haiti's disaster. To be honest, looking at the way our politicians handle the matters, skeptics are more convinced that the financiers may have already penetrated and controlled both the House and the Senate and perhaps the President too. After all, money and influence are what the Wall Street is best known for.
However, the extent of the true role of private financial giants in this recession did not stop there. From investigation surrounding the recent Greece debt problems which shook the Euro Zone quite hard, Goldman Sachs was also said to be involved in a scenario to cover-up the severity of Greece's debt problem by offering to provide derivative deals to take off the debts from the book by offering cross currency swap with fictional exchange rate (Beat Balzli, "How Goldman Sachs Helped Greece to Mask its True Debt," Spiegel, 02/08/2010). Gary Cohn, Goldman president was reportedly traveling to Greece in early November to offer complex financial derivative products to defer Greece debts, less than three month before the news of Greece debt problems exploded. (Louise Story, et al., "Wall St. Helped Greece to Mask Debt Fueling Europe’s Crisis," New York Times, 02/14/2010).
So what's else? Is there something else that we still did not know of?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Calculated Sanity
We human are interesting beings. We are easy to forget the goodness of others, while remembering every small mistakes others are making. We easily demand forgiveness, yet we insist in refusing to admit our mistakes. We easily blame others for any problem and deflect any blame cast upon us. If we stumble because of the stone, we blame the stone for being in our way instead of our own inability to avoid hitting the stone. Even after we fall, rise up, stumble, crawl up, we remain the same being that we are: people with short term memory who refuse to learn from our past mistakes. We demand perfection from others yet we often set the bar lower for ourselves. If anyone asks the reason, we simply blame it to our sinful nature, our pride, or one of our other stupid and often arrogant characteristics.
As I typed this, I wonder how much I had regretted my past when I was doing much better financially. I remembered how I often looked back into my childhood and asked why I did not have this or that. I was not very grateful toward my parents. True, I was raised in a large family where everybody did not have much, yet we at least eat three times a day. We hardly ate any lavish meals, everybody just ate a little yet it was enough to fill our stomachs.
As I grew older and learned to become independent myself, I realized that it was not an easy feat to do the same thing that my parents had done. Sometimes I could not even make enough money to bring food to the table and other times I wonder if I could even keep the table and the roof where I currently lived in. Despite all of these, I still refused to ask help from others. Why? Maybe because of my pride... Maybe because I am afraid of rejection... I don't know.
I heard the word "calculated sanity" during pastor Bill's prayer last Sunday, and that words echoed deeply in my heart in the past week. I did not know if pastor Bill was referring to me directly or to anybody else in the church but I am sure many people, many believers are living in the same way of style I am currently living, a calculated sanity.
God, help me.... Forgive me for being too stubborn and stiff-necked that I often refused to ask for helps from others. Bless me God, purify my heart so that it may be like Yours. Teach me to live my life the way You wanted me to be. Help me to obey and follow You faithfully and not begrudgingly. Take away my pride, calculated sanity and my unfaithfulness. Help me day by day Lord... Hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second.
As I typed this, I wonder how much I had regretted my past when I was doing much better financially. I remembered how I often looked back into my childhood and asked why I did not have this or that. I was not very grateful toward my parents. True, I was raised in a large family where everybody did not have much, yet we at least eat three times a day. We hardly ate any lavish meals, everybody just ate a little yet it was enough to fill our stomachs.
As I grew older and learned to become independent myself, I realized that it was not an easy feat to do the same thing that my parents had done. Sometimes I could not even make enough money to bring food to the table and other times I wonder if I could even keep the table and the roof where I currently lived in. Despite all of these, I still refused to ask help from others. Why? Maybe because of my pride... Maybe because I am afraid of rejection... I don't know.
I heard the word "calculated sanity" during pastor Bill's prayer last Sunday, and that words echoed deeply in my heart in the past week. I did not know if pastor Bill was referring to me directly or to anybody else in the church but I am sure many people, many believers are living in the same way of style I am currently living, a calculated sanity.
God, help me.... Forgive me for being too stubborn and stiff-necked that I often refused to ask for helps from others. Bless me God, purify my heart so that it may be like Yours. Teach me to live my life the way You wanted me to be. Help me to obey and follow You faithfully and not begrudgingly. Take away my pride, calculated sanity and my unfaithfulness. Help me day by day Lord... Hour by hour, minute by minute, second by second.
Monday, December 28, 2009
TRAVEL BY AIR: ARRIVE EARLY!
As we all may know, the security at the airport is being tightened again due to the failed terrorist attack aboard Northwest Airlines flight 253 by a Nigerian national, Umar Farouk Abdulmuntallab.
Because the attempted terrorism act involves liquid explosives hidden in the area around male private area, the new security measures by TSA is expected to address that. There were rumors spreading around about the excessive pat down procedures, limitation of the number of carry-on allowed, to the limitation of usage of electronic devices in a portion of the flight segment (which means no laptop, portable DVD players, MP3 and other similar devices are allowed to be used).
After all the confusions and rumors, I finally managed to find an internet posting which claimed to have acquired the leaked US Dept of Homeland Security's notices to TSA, effective from Dec 25, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009.
Here is the copy of the leaked notice:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
(From http://gizmodo.com/5435188/leaked-homeland-securitys-post-underwear-bomb-airplane-rules, retrieved on December 28, 2009 at 3:45 PM)
Now, what should you do if you plan to travel in the coming week:
1. Arrive early, the TSA suggested at least one and half hour earlier (than what it was) for international flight heading to the US, and an unspecified time for domestic flights (I assume about 30 minutes earlier than what it was).
2. Be prepared to go through longer lines and more intensive screening. Follow the direction of the TSA agent and do not complain or whine too much since you may have to endure a longer screening that way. (I've been there and done that... so I learned my mistake)
3. Be sure not to carry too many bottle of liquids in your carry-on since you may have to endure a longer screening time. It's probably best to keep all your liquid essentials (from shampoo, body wash, lotions etc.) stowed away in your checked baggage if you have one (and specially if you don't have to pay for one).
And lastly, be safe and pray that you don't meet an overzealous TSA agent who performed excessive patting a little too close to your sensitive area.
Because the attempted terrorism act involves liquid explosives hidden in the area around male private area, the new security measures by TSA is expected to address that. There were rumors spreading around about the excessive pat down procedures, limitation of the number of carry-on allowed, to the limitation of usage of electronic devices in a portion of the flight segment (which means no laptop, portable DVD players, MP3 and other similar devices are allowed to be used).
After all the confusions and rumors, I finally managed to find an internet posting which claimed to have acquired the leaked US Dept of Homeland Security's notices to TSA, effective from Dec 25, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009.
Here is the copy of the leaked notice:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
(From http://gizmodo.com/5435188/leaked-homeland-securitys-post-underwear-bomb-airplane-rules, retrieved on December 28, 2009 at 3:45 PM)
Now, what should you do if you plan to travel in the coming week:
1. Arrive early, the TSA suggested at least one and half hour earlier (than what it was) for international flight heading to the US, and an unspecified time for domestic flights (I assume about 30 minutes earlier than what it was).
2. Be prepared to go through longer lines and more intensive screening. Follow the direction of the TSA agent and do not complain or whine too much since you may have to endure a longer screening that way. (I've been there and done that... so I learned my mistake)
3. Be sure not to carry too many bottle of liquids in your carry-on since you may have to endure a longer screening time. It's probably best to keep all your liquid essentials (from shampoo, body wash, lotions etc.) stowed away in your checked baggage if you have one (and specially if you don't have to pay for one).
And lastly, be safe and pray that you don't meet an overzealous TSA agent who performed excessive patting a little too close to your sensitive area.
We will never forget (And I personally am included)
When I read the news about the failed "crotchbomb" by a Nigerian national, Umar Farouk Abdulmuntallab, I was just getting ready to sleep after searching for the latest update of the anime movie that I followed online.
I immediately thanked God that he failed to detonate the bomb in that Northwest Airlines flight 253. I personally commend the spontaneous response and the brave acts of passengers in that flight which managed to subdue the perpetrator quickly and therefore prevented another humanitarian tragedy.
This latest attempt of terrorist act is another reminder that terrorism threat in the air is real and active despite all the money, time and efforts spent by the US government, the TSA, and authorities in other airports all around the world to prevent it from happening again. The fact that a sizable liquid explosive pouch was managed to be smuggled inside a plane is more than enough proof to say that all those efforts by the authorities around the world were not sufficient to guarantee the safety of the air travelers.
I personally don't mind the extra security, however many other business travelers (especially those who always seem to be in a hurry and those who have whiny and spoiled kids with them) may not like being searched and patted down more intensively (and sometimes intrusively, especially when we cannot tell them: "Hey, watch where you're touching!"). Now, (again, always right after something happened) we can surely expect a stricter check point, a longer line and more whines as people slowly (and begrudgingly) moving along the long lines in the airport gates. And don't forget, more hassles or intrusive checks.
One time, I have the "privilege" of being pulled from the lines by an TSA agent in an airport to undergo some security measure, not long after 9/11 took place. At that time, I was 30 minutes away from my flight departure time and I just barely managed to be in front of the line before the security check point when I saw the lady (TSA agent) scribbled something on my boarding ticket. And I suddenly realized, "This is definitely not a good sign and I could miss my flight"
I was right, when I showed my ticket and ID to the male agent at the security gate, he told me that I needed to step aside and follow him to go through additional checks. I politely asked the agent of how long the check will take since I would have barely made my flight even without the check, and he stiffly replied, "Sir, we will let you go once we finished the mandated security check on you and your belongings." And I suddenly realized that I may have talked too much. Man, it will cost me greatly, I assume.
The agent asked me to stretch my arms and keep my legs away from each other about one and a half foot apart. He then began patting down my arms and legs and ran his metal detector along my body. As expected, it beeped when it passed just below my belly (Of course, it's not because I carried a crotch bomb, it's just because of my belt comes with metal buckle). The agent told me to take off my belt, and I seriously wanted to joke with him but I realized that he was not in the mood for joking so I clamped my mouth shut. After I took off my belt then there was no more beep, then he asked me to sit and wait for my belonging to be inspected. At that time, I noticed that the agent wiped clean cloths along the edges of my roller bag (which I later found out to be a part of a security test conducted by a "puffer" to detect the trace of explosives).
He even opened my laptop bag, ran another cloth wipes (I truly wished the would wiped out the whole laptop instead of just the edges since my laptop can surely benefit from a full wiping). He then turned on my laptop (I guess to make sure it's not an IED). Well, the process took almost 30 minutes and he finally released me.
As I expected, that TSA search cost me my flight, because I missed my flight because of the extra pat downs (Hopefully, it's without any accident such as "Ouch, not the groin!") Ok, that's a little out of bound, I was just kidding... Once again, I do not mind the extra security measures but I honestly felt somewhat vindicated after the checks, I even joked to myself: "The agent must have thought that I looked like Osama bin Laden, even though I believe I looked more like Hu Jintao than Osama." Well, it may be just my tough luck!
I honestly missed the times when the security of the airport were very lax (just before 9/11 tragedy) but then again, I don't really mind an extra security measure for the safety of all travelers as long as it's done professionally and in a timely manner. And also, if I am allowed to ask, I would personally request to not pat down the area between the leg too much.... j/k
Good luck to you all who travels, have a safe trip and remember to come early. And also the best of luck for all TSA agents whose job is to pat down the selected travelers.
Be safe everyone!!! In a worst case scenario, we just have to learn to jump on those stupid terrorists. I am sure I am heavy enough for it.
I immediately thanked God that he failed to detonate the bomb in that Northwest Airlines flight 253. I personally commend the spontaneous response and the brave acts of passengers in that flight which managed to subdue the perpetrator quickly and therefore prevented another humanitarian tragedy.
This latest attempt of terrorist act is another reminder that terrorism threat in the air is real and active despite all the money, time and efforts spent by the US government, the TSA, and authorities in other airports all around the world to prevent it from happening again. The fact that a sizable liquid explosive pouch was managed to be smuggled inside a plane is more than enough proof to say that all those efforts by the authorities around the world were not sufficient to guarantee the safety of the air travelers.
I personally don't mind the extra security, however many other business travelers (especially those who always seem to be in a hurry and those who have whiny and spoiled kids with them) may not like being searched and patted down more intensively (and sometimes intrusively, especially when we cannot tell them: "Hey, watch where you're touching!"). Now, (again, always right after something happened) we can surely expect a stricter check point, a longer line and more whines as people slowly (and begrudgingly) moving along the long lines in the airport gates. And don't forget, more hassles or intrusive checks.
One time, I have the "privilege" of being pulled from the lines by an TSA agent in an airport to undergo some security measure, not long after 9/11 took place. At that time, I was 30 minutes away from my flight departure time and I just barely managed to be in front of the line before the security check point when I saw the lady (TSA agent) scribbled something on my boarding ticket. And I suddenly realized, "This is definitely not a good sign and I could miss my flight"
I was right, when I showed my ticket and ID to the male agent at the security gate, he told me that I needed to step aside and follow him to go through additional checks. I politely asked the agent of how long the check will take since I would have barely made my flight even without the check, and he stiffly replied, "Sir, we will let you go once we finished the mandated security check on you and your belongings." And I suddenly realized that I may have talked too much. Man, it will cost me greatly, I assume.
The agent asked me to stretch my arms and keep my legs away from each other about one and a half foot apart. He then began patting down my arms and legs and ran his metal detector along my body. As expected, it beeped when it passed just below my belly (Of course, it's not because I carried a crotch bomb, it's just because of my belt comes with metal buckle). The agent told me to take off my belt, and I seriously wanted to joke with him but I realized that he was not in the mood for joking so I clamped my mouth shut. After I took off my belt then there was no more beep, then he asked me to sit and wait for my belonging to be inspected. At that time, I noticed that the agent wiped clean cloths along the edges of my roller bag (which I later found out to be a part of a security test conducted by a "puffer" to detect the trace of explosives).
He even opened my laptop bag, ran another cloth wipes (I truly wished the would wiped out the whole laptop instead of just the edges since my laptop can surely benefit from a full wiping). He then turned on my laptop (I guess to make sure it's not an IED). Well, the process took almost 30 minutes and he finally released me.
As I expected, that TSA search cost me my flight, because I missed my flight because of the extra pat downs (Hopefully, it's without any accident such as "Ouch, not the groin!") Ok, that's a little out of bound, I was just kidding... Once again, I do not mind the extra security measures but I honestly felt somewhat vindicated after the checks, I even joked to myself: "The agent must have thought that I looked like Osama bin Laden, even though I believe I looked more like Hu Jintao than Osama." Well, it may be just my tough luck!
I honestly missed the times when the security of the airport were very lax (just before 9/11 tragedy) but then again, I don't really mind an extra security measure for the safety of all travelers as long as it's done professionally and in a timely manner. And also, if I am allowed to ask, I would personally request to not pat down the area between the leg too much.... j/k
Good luck to you all who travels, have a safe trip and remember to come early. And also the best of luck for all TSA agents whose job is to pat down the selected travelers.
Be safe everyone!!! In a worst case scenario, we just have to learn to jump on those stupid terrorists. I am sure I am heavy enough for it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Trickery or Reality
I was on my way to the parking lot at LAXs P4 parking, and suddenly an old lady waved her hand and called me, "Excuse me!" I turned toward her direction and I asked her, "Do you call me, ma'am?" And with a gentle face she replied, "Yes, could you come over?" As I approached her, suddenly an airport police officer passed by. Seeing the old lady waving her hand at me, he them asked her, "Is there anything I can help you with, ma'am?" And surprisingly, I saw that her expression changes, she looked at the officer with a stern face and said, "No!" as if she was just telling him to go away. The officer left in a breeze.
She began to tell me a story while showing her CA senior citizen identification. According to the ID that she showed me, ber name was Brenda S (I abbreviated her last name just in case if she was actually using someone else's ID). In short, basically she claimed that she needed some money and kind of short $16 for towing cost of her broken down car. Personally I thought she could ask the officer and he could probably help her better, but I don't know. She probably just tried to scam me (and I was fully aware of that), but I believe it's a good time to exercise my faith. I believe God had given me so much even while He knows that I will not always be faithful to Him, yet He still loves me and gave His One and Only Son to die for me.
I also remember that many people had helped me in the past without demanding anything in return, and I felt compelled to do something even though I may be scammed (I didn't mind and I didn't care). I was also reminded about my past experience how I often refused to help those who plead for help simply because I distrust them. Every single time I did that, I always regretted that I did not give them any money at all, what if they really needed help?
I was completely aware of the situation, and I know about the risks. I have heard stories about people who did some scams using tricks like this or similar, but I did not care. It was not easy, I had to admit. As a very rational guy, I have doubts that that lady probably did not really need any help at all after witnessing how she turned away the offer from the officer, I immediately thought she probably just needed some money. I forced my mind to cast away all negative assumptions and prejudices that I had, and I voluntarily allowed myself to be tricked. I said to myself, "It's OK if I am being tricked, it's still better than if what she said was true and I did not help while I actually could help (at least a little)."
I reached into my wallet and began to count how much money I had in my wallet. Luckily I had some money that night (more than enough to pay for the parking for sure). I politely told her that I don't have much money but I am willing to help her (even though I know she may just be tricking me). I spared some money to pay for the parking and I gave her the rest. She thanked me and left.
Personally, I am sad. Firstly, I am sad that I can't even give her $16 that she asked, even though I had more than that but I kept some to pay for the expensive airport parking and for my own personal emergency. (Just recently, I went through a blown out tire in the middle of a busy I-60, it was not pleasant, and if it was not because one nice customer's help, I probably would have to pay a lot of money for the tow trucks). Secondly, I am sad because I see these poor people more and more every single day. Whether they be on busy intersections, freeway exit ramps, even in front of the supermarkets or stores. I have never seen them there when the economy was doing well. I guess these are just signs of the times: More and more poor and needy people.
Seeing all these, I could not help but trying to cast the blame to anyone else, but I realized have no one to blame but myself. If I, who claimed to have known God and possessed conscience about this matter, could not be moved with compassion for them, how would those who did not even know God or those who have muted their inner conscience. No wonder the world is in a big mess right now. With more than 6 billion people who are more or less as messy and complicated as I am, the world is surely a dangerous place to live.
However, I was (somewhat) surprised when I noticed that she did not even complain, although her thank you tones indicated that she was not overly excited (I don't know maybe she already got money from others, or maybe I was just one of her victims that night). But I am perfectly fine with that, I remember that I once give a small amount of money to a beggar and he just looked at me as if he was saying, "Huh, that's it?" I wish that she really needs the money, and that she can use it wisely. Nevertheless, I sure wish her the best since she is an old lady so she probably needed the money more than me.
Regardless if it was trickery or not, I am personally glad that I went through the incident for two things. First, that I was privileged to help her (regardless if the case was true or not). Secondly, I am actually very glad that I was privileged to exercise my faith, hope and love by helping others without any prejudice or negative thinking. And that alone is worth more than all the money in the world.
God bless you, Brenda (or whoever you are), I hope you are doing OK where ever you are. I hope you did not trick me, but I don't really mind even if you did. I truly wish that the money I gave you can be helpful. It was a hard earned money, as I did not have much money myself. Anyway, thank you for giving me a chance to exercise my faith, to learn to give even while I am still lacking myself.
She began to tell me a story while showing her CA senior citizen identification. According to the ID that she showed me, ber name was Brenda S (I abbreviated her last name just in case if she was actually using someone else's ID). In short, basically she claimed that she needed some money and kind of short $16 for towing cost of her broken down car. Personally I thought she could ask the officer and he could probably help her better, but I don't know. She probably just tried to scam me (and I was fully aware of that), but I believe it's a good time to exercise my faith. I believe God had given me so much even while He knows that I will not always be faithful to Him, yet He still loves me and gave His One and Only Son to die for me.
I also remember that many people had helped me in the past without demanding anything in return, and I felt compelled to do something even though I may be scammed (I didn't mind and I didn't care). I was also reminded about my past experience how I often refused to help those who plead for help simply because I distrust them. Every single time I did that, I always regretted that I did not give them any money at all, what if they really needed help?
I was completely aware of the situation, and I know about the risks. I have heard stories about people who did some scams using tricks like this or similar, but I did not care. It was not easy, I had to admit. As a very rational guy, I have doubts that that lady probably did not really need any help at all after witnessing how she turned away the offer from the officer, I immediately thought she probably just needed some money. I forced my mind to cast away all negative assumptions and prejudices that I had, and I voluntarily allowed myself to be tricked. I said to myself, "It's OK if I am being tricked, it's still better than if what she said was true and I did not help while I actually could help (at least a little)."
I reached into my wallet and began to count how much money I had in my wallet. Luckily I had some money that night (more than enough to pay for the parking for sure). I politely told her that I don't have much money but I am willing to help her (even though I know she may just be tricking me). I spared some money to pay for the parking and I gave her the rest. She thanked me and left.
Personally, I am sad. Firstly, I am sad that I can't even give her $16 that she asked, even though I had more than that but I kept some to pay for the expensive airport parking and for my own personal emergency. (Just recently, I went through a blown out tire in the middle of a busy I-60, it was not pleasant, and if it was not because one nice customer's help, I probably would have to pay a lot of money for the tow trucks). Secondly, I am sad because I see these poor people more and more every single day. Whether they be on busy intersections, freeway exit ramps, even in front of the supermarkets or stores. I have never seen them there when the economy was doing well. I guess these are just signs of the times: More and more poor and needy people.
Seeing all these, I could not help but trying to cast the blame to anyone else, but I realized have no one to blame but myself. If I, who claimed to have known God and possessed conscience about this matter, could not be moved with compassion for them, how would those who did not even know God or those who have muted their inner conscience. No wonder the world is in a big mess right now. With more than 6 billion people who are more or less as messy and complicated as I am, the world is surely a dangerous place to live.
However, I was (somewhat) surprised when I noticed that she did not even complain, although her thank you tones indicated that she was not overly excited (I don't know maybe she already got money from others, or maybe I was just one of her victims that night). But I am perfectly fine with that, I remember that I once give a small amount of money to a beggar and he just looked at me as if he was saying, "Huh, that's it?" I wish that she really needs the money, and that she can use it wisely. Nevertheless, I sure wish her the best since she is an old lady so she probably needed the money more than me.
Regardless if it was trickery or not, I am personally glad that I went through the incident for two things. First, that I was privileged to help her (regardless if the case was true or not). Secondly, I am actually very glad that I was privileged to exercise my faith, hope and love by helping others without any prejudice or negative thinking. And that alone is worth more than all the money in the world.
God bless you, Brenda (or whoever you are), I hope you are doing OK where ever you are. I hope you did not trick me, but I don't really mind even if you did. I truly wish that the money I gave you can be helpful. It was a hard earned money, as I did not have much money myself. Anyway, thank you for giving me a chance to exercise my faith, to learn to give even while I am still lacking myself.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Justice and Equality
About justice and equality, I liked how Bono phrased it, "Only love can do it."
I admit that I was not a Bono fan (Note: I still am not truly a "fan" but I admired some of his perspectives) before I moved to So-Cal. In fact, I used to despise Bono just like many other Christian conservatives because Bono was a rock star and due to his so-called "socialist" approach. But now, I started to open my eyes to the ugly reality of this world... Inequality and injustice. I am not supporting or trying to vindicate either Democratic or Republican party, but I began to see the pluses and minuses of both parties in a more balanced way.
Republicans often only care about moral values while they grossly neglected the poor and the needy. They're not much different from the Pharisees of Jesus' days. On the other hand, the Democrats are so concerned about these issues of poverty, rights to assemble (unions), immigration, and other commonly called "liberal" agenda while trashing everything else regardless of their absolutism.
Honestly, I now think that if Jesus were once again to be "reincarnated" (meaning "physically taking human flesh and body again) in this world today, perhaps most Conservatives will call him "Socialist" while He was merely being compassionate to the poor and the needy. But wait, He also will gladly rebuke those "liberals" because of they compromise on His words too much.
I admit that I was not a Bono fan (Note: I still am not truly a "fan" but I admired some of his perspectives) before I moved to So-Cal. In fact, I used to despise Bono just like many other Christian conservatives because Bono was a rock star and due to his so-called "socialist" approach. But now, I started to open my eyes to the ugly reality of this world... Inequality and injustice. I am not supporting or trying to vindicate either Democratic or Republican party, but I began to see the pluses and minuses of both parties in a more balanced way.
Republicans often only care about moral values while they grossly neglected the poor and the needy. They're not much different from the Pharisees of Jesus' days. On the other hand, the Democrats are so concerned about these issues of poverty, rights to assemble (unions), immigration, and other commonly called "liberal" agenda while trashing everything else regardless of their absolutism.
Honestly, I now think that if Jesus were once again to be "reincarnated" (meaning "physically taking human flesh and body again) in this world today, perhaps most Conservatives will call him "Socialist" while He was merely being compassionate to the poor and the needy. But wait, He also will gladly rebuke those "liberals" because of they compromise on His words too much.
Fever or Reality?
Well, I recently read the latest edition "Charisma" magazine, a Christian Magazine (FYI, I got the subscription for free), and it does not surprise me that the headline was the "end of the world fever." Historically, the church often went to "end-of-the-world" modes during difficult times, whether it be harsh persecutions, poverty, or deep recessions like today. It is quite understandable because we human tend to seek for safety and security that we cannot find in our present condition. That's why we tend to be attracted and caved in to any promises to release us from our present condition, whether it be the all too common "get rich quick" schemes or the church promise of the glorious day when Christ is coming for the second time to bring us to the place where there is no more tears and sorrows.
So, should we just cast away everything we have and gathered in an exclusive group of the fervent believers like those of the doomsday cults? Maybe not but it is indeed an interesting phenomenon, the same exact one that I witnessed during 1998 financial crisis in Asia. Two things that I am truly worry about. First, how long will it last? We know that once the economy was turned around for the better, churches in Asia began to shelf the idea of second coming of Christ and indulged in their old sins. Secondly, I honestly am afraid that these overzealous drive can lead to even worse or disastrous ends for some of those people, especially those who are willingly giving away their everything while expecting for a quick exit. Many will probably commit suicide or leave the Lord when they finally see that they do not get what they want soon enough.
So, should we just cast away everything we have and gathered in an exclusive group of the fervent believers like those of the doomsday cults? Maybe not but it is indeed an interesting phenomenon, the same exact one that I witnessed during 1998 financial crisis in Asia. Two things that I am truly worry about. First, how long will it last? We know that once the economy was turned around for the better, churches in Asia began to shelf the idea of second coming of Christ and indulged in their old sins. Secondly, I honestly am afraid that these overzealous drive can lead to even worse or disastrous ends for some of those people, especially those who are willingly giving away their everything while expecting for a quick exit. Many will probably commit suicide or leave the Lord when they finally see that they do not get what they want soon enough.
God's providence? Or wrath?
A pastor recently told me that he believed that God has "sheltered" His children who are faithful to him and kept them safe from the recent financial mess. Well, his assessment may indeed be true, at least for his congregation, but I immediately was reminded about news of declining tithes and contributions from churches elsewhere. Politely and respectfully, I replied to him that I was glad that his church was doing OK, however I cautioned the pastor that the situation is not as rosy everywhere else.
I did not judge this pastor of implying anything, but I just worry that some Christians may indeed take His words for its face value. There is a widespread belief that God will bless those who are faithful literally and at any given time. I just simply can't agree to it for some sound theological reasons. I believe that we cannot simply judge one's spiritual condition based on one's financial condition. I am sure I don't have to remind anyone of the story of Job, the godly man of God who lost almost everything, except his wife who asked him to curse God and die.
(Surprisingly and for some unknown reasons to me, except for God's mercy, that the woman survived and God did not seem to punish her for her harsh comment -because the Bible did not mention whether she ever died or whether Job remarried or not- We only know that Job later begot more children).
Honestly, as the economy worsened for me personally, I also often asked myself, is this terrible economy really God's wrath for my unfaithfulness or for my past sins? I often concurred that while it may be partly true, I also think that it may not be very wise to simply judge one's spiritual condition simply by looking at their financial condition. I am also more tempted to give to the church while hoping that God will repay more back many times as He promised. He did, to a certain extent, but I still am hesitant to give more since there's hardly more than $60 in my pocket at any given time these days. Ah, maybe I am a man of little faith...
But I noticed and heard stories about some people who continued to give and tithe and God blessed them and lifted them out of the deep financial holes. I truly am happy for them that (hopefully) the story will lead people to glorify God more instead of mock or curse Him. However, as a person who has responsibility to pay lots of bills (plus a demanding wife), I have to at least keep a $20 bill in my pocket to buy our lunch or dinner for the day. I don't know, maybe that's why God's withheld His blessings from me. But honestly, I am just trying to make sure I have foods for the day.
Call me a man of little faith, a lost and prodigal son, I don't really know and maybe I don't really care anymore. I have to admit that I am quite lost myself in this case, as I can't hear His still small voices anymore. Maybe He turned His face away from me because of my sins... or was it a trial? I am not sure frankly, I am probably just like a blind man looking for a safe exit route while trapped in a treacherous land with enemies and deceivers lurking around, while searching for the presence of the only One who can save me.
Honestly, I sometimes think maybe I really am lost, and other times I don't think so... Perhaps, I am really just fighting for foods with the swines while forgetting the fact that I have the ever-forgiving Father who always welcomes me with open arms, but I am afraid I just can't help it... I never ever felt so worry in my life before... Never. I may not have money at all when I was in high school or college, but I survived maybe because at that time, I only have myself to worry of. I can skip lunch and/or dinner, I can save money by relying on the mercy of others. I don't have to buy new clothes or cosmetics... I hardly had any of those at all in my high school and college years. I remember some people who teased me for "rotating" my shirts too often... but I did not care.
But now, it's a different story. My wife does care for those small little stuffs. She threw away some of my oldest shirts (the ones I had from high school or college years). She wants me to buy good perfumes and nice smelling fragrances, which I enjoyed but didn't think that I really need them. She also wants to buy certain cosmetics and hygiene needs... Now, I am hosed. Should I be acting as a wicked hubby? Jesus said even wicked parents will not give stone in lieu of bread, or snake in lieu of fish.
Now I can understand more why some people did the most unbelievable things in this world... Maybe, just maybe it was simply because they have no better options. Sadly, those who are more privileged or more well-versed in God's words often blocked the way, just like the Pharisees and religious leaders were taking advantage of the poor widows in Jesus' days in the world. I will no longer guess for the true reasons behind one's actions... I am not God, and I can't read anyone's mind (I am not even sure if I understand my own mind completely). Let God be the judge, and I am just one of His creations. Why would a pot scream to another pot because of envy or jealousy, it's not up to us, it's up to the Potter.
I have a dream, or more like I have a wistful thinking, that someday all the rich people will be willing to share perhaps 10% of their true wealth to others, perhaps this world will be a much better place to live with. Perhaps there will be less tears and sorrows, just like the utopian world imagined in one of the classic Michael Jackson's song: "Heal the World."
But wait, I am quite afraid that will never happen in this present world... It almost sound as if a dream or longing for the world to come.
I did not judge this pastor of implying anything, but I just worry that some Christians may indeed take His words for its face value. There is a widespread belief that God will bless those who are faithful literally and at any given time. I just simply can't agree to it for some sound theological reasons. I believe that we cannot simply judge one's spiritual condition based on one's financial condition. I am sure I don't have to remind anyone of the story of Job, the godly man of God who lost almost everything, except his wife who asked him to curse God and die.
(Surprisingly and for some unknown reasons to me, except for God's mercy, that the woman survived and God did not seem to punish her for her harsh comment -because the Bible did not mention whether she ever died or whether Job remarried or not- We only know that Job later begot more children).
Honestly, as the economy worsened for me personally, I also often asked myself, is this terrible economy really God's wrath for my unfaithfulness or for my past sins? I often concurred that while it may be partly true, I also think that it may not be very wise to simply judge one's spiritual condition simply by looking at their financial condition. I am also more tempted to give to the church while hoping that God will repay more back many times as He promised. He did, to a certain extent, but I still am hesitant to give more since there's hardly more than $60 in my pocket at any given time these days. Ah, maybe I am a man of little faith...
But I noticed and heard stories about some people who continued to give and tithe and God blessed them and lifted them out of the deep financial holes. I truly am happy for them that (hopefully) the story will lead people to glorify God more instead of mock or curse Him. However, as a person who has responsibility to pay lots of bills (plus a demanding wife), I have to at least keep a $20 bill in my pocket to buy our lunch or dinner for the day. I don't know, maybe that's why God's withheld His blessings from me. But honestly, I am just trying to make sure I have foods for the day.
Call me a man of little faith, a lost and prodigal son, I don't really know and maybe I don't really care anymore. I have to admit that I am quite lost myself in this case, as I can't hear His still small voices anymore. Maybe He turned His face away from me because of my sins... or was it a trial? I am not sure frankly, I am probably just like a blind man looking for a safe exit route while trapped in a treacherous land with enemies and deceivers lurking around, while searching for the presence of the only One who can save me.
Honestly, I sometimes think maybe I really am lost, and other times I don't think so... Perhaps, I am really just fighting for foods with the swines while forgetting the fact that I have the ever-forgiving Father who always welcomes me with open arms, but I am afraid I just can't help it... I never ever felt so worry in my life before... Never. I may not have money at all when I was in high school or college, but I survived maybe because at that time, I only have myself to worry of. I can skip lunch and/or dinner, I can save money by relying on the mercy of others. I don't have to buy new clothes or cosmetics... I hardly had any of those at all in my high school and college years. I remember some people who teased me for "rotating" my shirts too often... but I did not care.
But now, it's a different story. My wife does care for those small little stuffs. She threw away some of my oldest shirts (the ones I had from high school or college years). She wants me to buy good perfumes and nice smelling fragrances, which I enjoyed but didn't think that I really need them. She also wants to buy certain cosmetics and hygiene needs... Now, I am hosed. Should I be acting as a wicked hubby? Jesus said even wicked parents will not give stone in lieu of bread, or snake in lieu of fish.
Now I can understand more why some people did the most unbelievable things in this world... Maybe, just maybe it was simply because they have no better options. Sadly, those who are more privileged or more well-versed in God's words often blocked the way, just like the Pharisees and religious leaders were taking advantage of the poor widows in Jesus' days in the world. I will no longer guess for the true reasons behind one's actions... I am not God, and I can't read anyone's mind (I am not even sure if I understand my own mind completely). Let God be the judge, and I am just one of His creations. Why would a pot scream to another pot because of envy or jealousy, it's not up to us, it's up to the Potter.
I have a dream, or more like I have a wistful thinking, that someday all the rich people will be willing to share perhaps 10% of their true wealth to others, perhaps this world will be a much better place to live with. Perhaps there will be less tears and sorrows, just like the utopian world imagined in one of the classic Michael Jackson's song: "Heal the World."
But wait, I am quite afraid that will never happen in this present world... It almost sound as if a dream or longing for the world to come.
Health care? Do we really care?
I met a certain pastor, a very kind godly man, who expressed his disagreement of the current administration because of their "socialist" agenda. He dislike the White House idea of health care reform because it will lead to socialism and more government control. I did not totally disagree with his comment, however I simply replied that a little more oversight is better that lack of oversight. The pastor then said he is open to a little more oversight but he was worried that the big government will eventually take over everything.
Yes, Americans are proud of their freedom, and that's actually one of the reasons I was attracted to America. However, as I live here for more than 10 years I began to realize that we often fought for "freedom" too much while sacrificing other values. No, I am not talking about terrorism and their surveillance. I am talking about the heated debate about the current health care reform. I did not agree a hundred percent with the plan, partly because of some critical flaws in the plan, but in general I can see the importance and the possible benefit from the plan (if it was run successfully). However, I still can't believe that lawmakers (whom many of them proudly called themselves as "conservatives" or "Christians") repeatedly invoked the concept of freedom as one of their reasoning. Yes, I like freedom, but I am afraid that what concerns those lawmakers more are not really freedom but money. I am afraid that all these propaganda was just a smokescreen to cover up the traces of the lobbying money from big insurance companies.
I personally think some Americans are truly overpaying for the health care insurance, while others are actually enjoying it for free. Sadly, America has an interesting approach toward illegal immigrants (something that I agree in principal but often disagree in application). Poor immigrants can have free health care if they go directly to the ER (that would explain why we see that many low-paying workers actually have more kids that those who have more money). Some of them even received food stamps to pay for their kids nutrition needs (I believe some of the recipient truly deserve the food stamps while others don't). I think the idea was noble but it was grossly abused by a certain group in the community that it became a burden for hospitals.
However, I disagree with the fact that every Americans must have health insurance from private for profit insurance companies or pay penalty. I think this would only work if the premium is very cheap. Some people simply do not have money to pay for the premium amount, how would they pay for the penalty. Sadly, I don't think the premium will be cheap (those private companies are for profit, remember?). Even non-profit title can be misleading these days. Many people simply open non-profit orgs for their own benefits while proudly claiming "helping others while helping ourselves." I did not disagree with the jargon, but I would like to ask how much they actually help others compared to helping themselves?
Sadly, many communities who called themselves as Christians, conservatives or religious were often the most staunch opponents of some of the government's sponsored social programs. Why? Some of them are claiming that they were simply against the idea of big government, some cried out "Socialism," while others invoked the conspiracy theory of government control as the early form of the end-times' "one world government" as prophesied in the book of Revelation. If they were so worried about the government, why would not they consider the "non-profit" or religious organizations to run it instead? Ah, separation of church and state? Now, that's another long topic to discuss.
But honestly, I want to ask: Can Christians really justify this? Do we not care about others' needs just because of our unfounded fear and worries? May I ask, who are truly our neighbors?
Yes, Americans are proud of their freedom, and that's actually one of the reasons I was attracted to America. However, as I live here for more than 10 years I began to realize that we often fought for "freedom" too much while sacrificing other values. No, I am not talking about terrorism and their surveillance. I am talking about the heated debate about the current health care reform. I did not agree a hundred percent with the plan, partly because of some critical flaws in the plan, but in general I can see the importance and the possible benefit from the plan (if it was run successfully). However, I still can't believe that lawmakers (whom many of them proudly called themselves as "conservatives" or "Christians") repeatedly invoked the concept of freedom as one of their reasoning. Yes, I like freedom, but I am afraid that what concerns those lawmakers more are not really freedom but money. I am afraid that all these propaganda was just a smokescreen to cover up the traces of the lobbying money from big insurance companies.
I personally think some Americans are truly overpaying for the health care insurance, while others are actually enjoying it for free. Sadly, America has an interesting approach toward illegal immigrants (something that I agree in principal but often disagree in application). Poor immigrants can have free health care if they go directly to the ER (that would explain why we see that many low-paying workers actually have more kids that those who have more money). Some of them even received food stamps to pay for their kids nutrition needs (I believe some of the recipient truly deserve the food stamps while others don't). I think the idea was noble but it was grossly abused by a certain group in the community that it became a burden for hospitals.
However, I disagree with the fact that every Americans must have health insurance from private for profit insurance companies or pay penalty. I think this would only work if the premium is very cheap. Some people simply do not have money to pay for the premium amount, how would they pay for the penalty. Sadly, I don't think the premium will be cheap (those private companies are for profit, remember?). Even non-profit title can be misleading these days. Many people simply open non-profit orgs for their own benefits while proudly claiming "helping others while helping ourselves." I did not disagree with the jargon, but I would like to ask how much they actually help others compared to helping themselves?
Sadly, many communities who called themselves as Christians, conservatives or religious were often the most staunch opponents of some of the government's sponsored social programs. Why? Some of them are claiming that they were simply against the idea of big government, some cried out "Socialism," while others invoked the conspiracy theory of government control as the early form of the end-times' "one world government" as prophesied in the book of Revelation. If they were so worried about the government, why would not they consider the "non-profit" or religious organizations to run it instead? Ah, separation of church and state? Now, that's another long topic to discuss.
But honestly, I want to ask: Can Christians really justify this? Do we not care about others' needs just because of our unfounded fear and worries? May I ask, who are truly our neighbors?
Monday, September 28, 2009
Deed and Greed
Many of us would have probably heard that the recent economic turmoil was partially caused by the overreaching greed of a group of people. Yes, some blamed the greedy bankers and financiers, others blame the Feds and the regulators, and many also blamed speculators both big and small. Well, we cannot pinpoint exactly who's responsible for this whole mess, but very likely many of us are responsible to this mess to a certain extent (some may be more responsible than the others).
Honestly, the recession not only bring difficulties and troubles to the poor and those who were trapped in the financial problems, but it also brings out "excellent" opportunity for those who have money and able to leverage themselves. The abundant foreclosing had prompted many people who used to "own" homes but now forced to rent. Rental rates is steady and actually going up in certain areas. And even amidst the high foreclosure rates, some realtors and few friends who are buying houses actually told me that they saw multiple bids over properties in desirable areas and for investment properties.
I don't blame the rich and their opportunistic approaches, but I think it was the consequences of the "capitalistic" countries. The rich will have bigger and better opportunity to become richer (in the best scenario). It's good for them. If those were godly Christians, I am "forcing" myself to be happy for them, just as Paul the apostle's message to the church in Rome (Rm 12:15). Why do I say "forcing myself"? Sadly, it was because of my sinful human nature, I know that deep inside we have the tendency to be jealous to others who are more successful than us, while overlooking those who are less fortunate than us.
My only wish was that those who have more will feel more compelled to do more with the more resources that they have. How many of us have hardened our heart when we saw the story of suffering and difficulties experienced by those among us? No, I am not talking about poor and malnourished children in Africa that we often saw in TV commercials sponsored by different charity groups. I am talking about those nearby, the panhandlers on the street corners? The homeless on the streets?
There are many reasons or logic that we can use to justify our actions. I remember an old colleague who used to tell me that those homeless or panhandlers are lazy bums who do not want to look for jobs. He told me that those healthy young men should just look for jobs like the Hispanics who often gathered in Home Depot's parking lots and looking for hourly jobs. Well, he may indeed be correct, but once again, how do we know for sure that the panhandler was indeed lazy? Some other colleague used to argue that those homeless are simply "spoiled," they just want to get easy money to buy booze. And once again, I think his observation was also true, I saw some panhandlers who just bought a can of beer at a gas station after he finished his "shift" at a certain street intersection. But I would like to remind myself once again, how do we know that he was not simply addicted to beer, or whether or not he had eaten at all?
Honestly, I am also guilty to this terrible over-thinking (generalizing) and stereotyping, and that I need to learn to not speak out my mind too quickly when I saw those people. When I have money, I will always try to give them (without any prejudice or stereotypical mind), but when I don't, I would simply ask forgiveness from God that I cannot give. To be fair, as poor as I am, I probably still have more money in my wallet than that person at the street intersection, however, I often felt so difficult to part from my limited amount of money. I probably could eat cheaper food, or perhaps skip a meal altogether (I know that I need to lose weight anyway), but I often simply can't do that. I guess I still love my money even though they're not much at all. Maybe that's the true definition of greed.
In that case, I often just did what some Christians often did, simply wish them mercy from God (sounds religious, ain't it?) and that they can have a great day so that they can at least have enough foods for the day and a good healthy rest. It's probably the safest solution for some of us who wants to be "safe" and not violating our personal conviction. Never did we know, that by doing so, we acted exactly just like the Priest and Levite in Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan.
In my head, I am quite aware that it was not really the best reaction for the problem, but even as I know it, I still found it very difficult to do. I found it easy to just read over James's epistle and simply skip or ignore his warning about our greed. James had sternly warned believers who see those who are less fortunate to do something and not just express our "wistful" thinking while we still have something at our tables. Once again, I admit that I am still guilty to this sin too. And there's still more to learn.
Honestly, the recession not only bring difficulties and troubles to the poor and those who were trapped in the financial problems, but it also brings out "excellent" opportunity for those who have money and able to leverage themselves. The abundant foreclosing had prompted many people who used to "own" homes but now forced to rent. Rental rates is steady and actually going up in certain areas. And even amidst the high foreclosure rates, some realtors and few friends who are buying houses actually told me that they saw multiple bids over properties in desirable areas and for investment properties.
I don't blame the rich and their opportunistic approaches, but I think it was the consequences of the "capitalistic" countries. The rich will have bigger and better opportunity to become richer (in the best scenario). It's good for them. If those were godly Christians, I am "forcing" myself to be happy for them, just as Paul the apostle's message to the church in Rome (Rm 12:15). Why do I say "forcing myself"? Sadly, it was because of my sinful human nature, I know that deep inside we have the tendency to be jealous to others who are more successful than us, while overlooking those who are less fortunate than us.
My only wish was that those who have more will feel more compelled to do more with the more resources that they have. How many of us have hardened our heart when we saw the story of suffering and difficulties experienced by those among us? No, I am not talking about poor and malnourished children in Africa that we often saw in TV commercials sponsored by different charity groups. I am talking about those nearby, the panhandlers on the street corners? The homeless on the streets?
There are many reasons or logic that we can use to justify our actions. I remember an old colleague who used to tell me that those homeless or panhandlers are lazy bums who do not want to look for jobs. He told me that those healthy young men should just look for jobs like the Hispanics who often gathered in Home Depot's parking lots and looking for hourly jobs. Well, he may indeed be correct, but once again, how do we know for sure that the panhandler was indeed lazy? Some other colleague used to argue that those homeless are simply "spoiled," they just want to get easy money to buy booze. And once again, I think his observation was also true, I saw some panhandlers who just bought a can of beer at a gas station after he finished his "shift" at a certain street intersection. But I would like to remind myself once again, how do we know that he was not simply addicted to beer, or whether or not he had eaten at all?
Honestly, I am also guilty to this terrible over-thinking (generalizing) and stereotyping, and that I need to learn to not speak out my mind too quickly when I saw those people. When I have money, I will always try to give them (without any prejudice or stereotypical mind), but when I don't, I would simply ask forgiveness from God that I cannot give. To be fair, as poor as I am, I probably still have more money in my wallet than that person at the street intersection, however, I often felt so difficult to part from my limited amount of money. I probably could eat cheaper food, or perhaps skip a meal altogether (I know that I need to lose weight anyway), but I often simply can't do that. I guess I still love my money even though they're not much at all. Maybe that's the true definition of greed.
In that case, I often just did what some Christians often did, simply wish them mercy from God (sounds religious, ain't it?) and that they can have a great day so that they can at least have enough foods for the day and a good healthy rest. It's probably the safest solution for some of us who wants to be "safe" and not violating our personal conviction. Never did we know, that by doing so, we acted exactly just like the Priest and Levite in Jesus's story of the Good Samaritan.
In my head, I am quite aware that it was not really the best reaction for the problem, but even as I know it, I still found it very difficult to do. I found it easy to just read over James's epistle and simply skip or ignore his warning about our greed. James had sternly warned believers who see those who are less fortunate to do something and not just express our "wistful" thinking while we still have something at our tables. Once again, I admit that I am still guilty to this sin too. And there's still more to learn.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Money Talks
Believe it or not, even though most "scholars" may disagree with this statement. This statement is indeed true. Many people, even those who deny the prevalence of the notion of "money talks" in today's world, may actually live in the realm where money indeed does talk. Of course, we are here talking about money talking in figurative sense, not the literal sense.
Look at the industry that survives even amid recession, porn industry. A friend of mine a while back chatted with me and he expressed his disbelief (or perhaps more like his sense of confusion) about the fact that many pretty girls had fallen into the trap of the "adult" industry. And my response was simple, one of the most obvious reason is that money talks. Believe it or not, people who had lived their lives in affluence since their birth probably will never understand the hardship involves in being "poor." And this friend of mine was likewise. He came to the US as a graduate student in computer science and he ended up getting a job at a top search engine company in Silicon Valley. Of course he always claims that he has no money... (Who doesn't?). But in reality, he is probably a lot more affluent than he was willing to admit.
Enough about him. Now back to his question and my response. He probably found it unbelievable that some pretty girls will be willing to undress and do the embarrassing acts in front of camera for "entertainment" of poor, lonely and perverted souls around the world, but in reality many did. Why, because (partly) it's easy money.
Well, let me clarify.. I am sure easy money is not the one and only reason for people who jumped into the "adult" industry. Some probably went that direction due to coercion, past "mental" or "spiritual" baggage, some for fame (or thinking that they can be famous) and many other reasons. But, whatever the reason, no one has ever truly dispute the facts that money is one of the main drive, and how it can attract people to do the most unbelievable thing.
If people in third world countries would be willing to kill someone else for the equivalent of a dime in the US dollar (which continues to slide). How many more will be willing to get hundreds or thousands of dollars just to perform the lewd acts, (even though it may grieve his or her soul)? Money is not everything in this world, but it is something that some people are lacking or desiring very badly and that's how it went wrong.
God forgive me... I am not here to promote, endorse or justify for the existence of the adult industry... My primary goal will be to remind people about the importance of justice and equality in this world, at least to those who are the least fortunate among us. What I meant with justice and equality is not equal to the idea of communism or socialism, as promoted by Lenin, Che, Marx and others.
My dream is not the distribution of wealth (which sadly is controlled by a very few groups of people), but more like no more poverty, no more people died because of lack of foods or medicine. A "commune" (which is the true ideal of the communism) is not necessarily bad as it was evidenced in Israel's kibbutz, which is another word for a commune, and perhaps one good example of the successful real community life styles (not communism). But sadly, not many people are now interested in living such novel idea. Most of us would rather live our lives the way we want it and "the hell" with others.
Sadly, the more money we have, the stronger we hold onto it. No wonder Jesus said that our hearts are in the place where our treasure is located. See, money not only talks, it also binds our hearts.
Can there be a better world where we can be better off (at least slightly)? Only God knows, probably not, especially if we continue doing what we're doing. However, I truly believe some good things can come up if and if only we decided to do something for others selfishly.
Look at the industry that survives even amid recession, porn industry. A friend of mine a while back chatted with me and he expressed his disbelief (or perhaps more like his sense of confusion) about the fact that many pretty girls had fallen into the trap of the "adult" industry. And my response was simple, one of the most obvious reason is that money talks. Believe it or not, people who had lived their lives in affluence since their birth probably will never understand the hardship involves in being "poor." And this friend of mine was likewise. He came to the US as a graduate student in computer science and he ended up getting a job at a top search engine company in Silicon Valley. Of course he always claims that he has no money... (Who doesn't?). But in reality, he is probably a lot more affluent than he was willing to admit.
Enough about him. Now back to his question and my response. He probably found it unbelievable that some pretty girls will be willing to undress and do the embarrassing acts in front of camera for "entertainment" of poor, lonely and perverted souls around the world, but in reality many did. Why, because (partly) it's easy money.
Well, let me clarify.. I am sure easy money is not the one and only reason for people who jumped into the "adult" industry. Some probably went that direction due to coercion, past "mental" or "spiritual" baggage, some for fame (or thinking that they can be famous) and many other reasons. But, whatever the reason, no one has ever truly dispute the facts that money is one of the main drive, and how it can attract people to do the most unbelievable thing.
If people in third world countries would be willing to kill someone else for the equivalent of a dime in the US dollar (which continues to slide). How many more will be willing to get hundreds or thousands of dollars just to perform the lewd acts, (even though it may grieve his or her soul)? Money is not everything in this world, but it is something that some people are lacking or desiring very badly and that's how it went wrong.
God forgive me... I am not here to promote, endorse or justify for the existence of the adult industry... My primary goal will be to remind people about the importance of justice and equality in this world, at least to those who are the least fortunate among us. What I meant with justice and equality is not equal to the idea of communism or socialism, as promoted by Lenin, Che, Marx and others.
My dream is not the distribution of wealth (which sadly is controlled by a very few groups of people), but more like no more poverty, no more people died because of lack of foods or medicine. A "commune" (which is the true ideal of the communism) is not necessarily bad as it was evidenced in Israel's kibbutz, which is another word for a commune, and perhaps one good example of the successful real community life styles (not communism). But sadly, not many people are now interested in living such novel idea. Most of us would rather live our lives the way we want it and "the hell" with others.
Sadly, the more money we have, the stronger we hold onto it. No wonder Jesus said that our hearts are in the place where our treasure is located. See, money not only talks, it also binds our hearts.
Can there be a better world where we can be better off (at least slightly)? Only God knows, probably not, especially if we continue doing what we're doing. However, I truly believe some good things can come up if and if only we decided to do something for others selfishly.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Complacency
Today is the first day I heard about terrorist bombing in Jakarta after many years of peace. Truthfully, it's not because I don't believe it won't happen again. I believe terrorist attacks will continue to take place as long as we human still live in this planet, but of course the severity of the attack will vary.
Honestly many people in Indonesia has become very comfortable after several quiet years without any significant terror attacks. However the latest bombings will remind everybody to always remain vigilant and brace for the worst to happen. The world is old and probably is getting closer to its final chapter... Let's just hope for the best and prepare for the worse. After all, that's all we can do.
RIP to the victims and their relatives.
Honestly many people in Indonesia has become very comfortable after several quiet years without any significant terror attacks. However the latest bombings will remind everybody to always remain vigilant and brace for the worst to happen. The world is old and probably is getting closer to its final chapter... Let's just hope for the best and prepare for the worse. After all, that's all we can do.
RIP to the victims and their relatives.
What is truth?
Somehow, in this world certain "cheats" are considered fair play if you play it by the "rule." For example, a person cheats on taxes by claiming "exemptions" is acceptable, but a person cheats other people money by shortchanging them is not acceptable.
I guess the key is knowing the loopholes.
I once received an order from a person who claimed to be a pastor in the US (with poor English though), and he gave me a certain credit card to charge the orders. He said he will have someone picked up the orders, and asked me to contact his "shipping agent" which is apparently not a regular shipping agent (with @yahoo.com email... pretty suspicious). And yes, this "shipping agent" said that the shipping charge is $1,500 or something and he wants the money to be sent via Western Union to a suspicious African name. And I asked the person, and he tried to trick me by promising to pay for the order plus the shipping, and even gave me extra money if I charge them to the card. Surprisingly, the card went through, but I later received a call from my credit card processor that there's a problem with the card, the person did not say what is the problem. And I confronted him and asked why would the credit card processor let it through, and he said it's the bank's problem and not his. One thing he assured me is that the bank will not pay. And I asked, what happened to me then, and he said, it's my loss.
As we heard that the banks are being cheated by their customers, I can't help but thinking, "Doesn't it sound like karma? You reap what you sow." But I also can't stop thinking, is it banks' fault? Or customers? Or ??? It gives me more headaches with no clear solution.
And I ask myself again, what is truth again?
I guess the key is knowing the loopholes.
I once received an order from a person who claimed to be a pastor in the US (with poor English though), and he gave me a certain credit card to charge the orders. He said he will have someone picked up the orders, and asked me to contact his "shipping agent" which is apparently not a regular shipping agent (with @yahoo.com email... pretty suspicious). And yes, this "shipping agent" said that the shipping charge is $1,500 or something and he wants the money to be sent via Western Union to a suspicious African name. And I asked the person, and he tried to trick me by promising to pay for the order plus the shipping, and even gave me extra money if I charge them to the card. Surprisingly, the card went through, but I later received a call from my credit card processor that there's a problem with the card, the person did not say what is the problem. And I confronted him and asked why would the credit card processor let it through, and he said it's the bank's problem and not his. One thing he assured me is that the bank will not pay. And I asked, what happened to me then, and he said, it's my loss.
As we heard that the banks are being cheated by their customers, I can't help but thinking, "Doesn't it sound like karma? You reap what you sow." But I also can't stop thinking, is it banks' fault? Or customers? Or ??? It gives me more headaches with no clear solution.
And I ask myself again, what is truth again?
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Second Market for California IOUs
We all may have heard that our great Golden State of California is broke. Not only that the state is unable to improve its public services, the state was forced to issue IOUs to its vendors. Even though many state vendors usually overcharge the state for their services, I am sure nobody likes being paid with IOUs. To make the matter worse, banks had refused to take the IOUs since last Friday.
Today, MarketWatch reported that a broker had opened a secondary market for IOUs. Some people may think, "Wow, it's nice of them trying to help those IOU holders to cash their checks," but my first impression was whoever started the business sure knows how to make money from someone's misery.
Why? Because the dealer did not buy the IOUs for themselves, instead they basically merely created a marketplace for buyers and sellers of IOUs to meet, and reaped profits from the transactions. I don't know how many cents per dollar will the IOUs go, but I am sure not very high because of the risk of defaults and the facts that some IOU holders are desperate.
The winner? The broker dealer... No wonder the word "broker" has "broke" in it.
I guess the only way to survive in this economy is by becoming crooks.
Today, MarketWatch reported that a broker had opened a secondary market for IOUs. Some people may think, "Wow, it's nice of them trying to help those IOU holders to cash their checks," but my first impression was whoever started the business sure knows how to make money from someone's misery.
Why? Because the dealer did not buy the IOUs for themselves, instead they basically merely created a marketplace for buyers and sellers of IOUs to meet, and reaped profits from the transactions. I don't know how many cents per dollar will the IOUs go, but I am sure not very high because of the risk of defaults and the facts that some IOU holders are desperate.
The winner? The broker dealer... No wonder the word "broker" has "broke" in it.
I guess the only way to survive in this economy is by becoming crooks.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Pain of a Small Business Owner (2)
Hurray, Santa Claus is coming to town again ... When? Not Christmas but this tax season!
Contrary to popular belief, the last two years' tax season had somehow turned out to be seasons to be jolly. Now another tax season is coming and Santa is coming again this tax season. No, please do not think that I became delusional because of the burdens I bore as a small business owner. I am serious and I am really not mistaking this season from Christmas.
But why is tax season a season to be jolly? Because it really is, at least for some people, because the US government once again is giving away billions of dollar again this year for working people (just like whet they did last year). Good for them, but what about us, small business owners? I guess we're not as lucky. We're never in the best interest of the government because we're probably not that important albeit we provide employments and pay more taxes than employees. Most employees do not realize that for every cents deducted by government for Medicare, FICA and social security taxes, we small business owners pay the same amount of taxes, the only difference is that we cannot claim them back in our tax return.
When the economy was good, small businesses were doing quite well. In the past few years during the real estate boom, many new small businesses sprang up like weeds in spring, but now most of them had either gone bankrupt or changed owners. I recently went back to a small Asian shopping complex in Milpitas where I used to eat lunch when I was working in Fremont, and I noticed that the whole complex had changed. The place whee I used to buy my House Special Fried Rice for lunch is no longer there, it was replaced by another Chinese Restaurant. The place where I used to eat dim sum also went out of business, and now a sit-down place. The only restaurants survived in the complex are Vung Tau 2 and Tung Kee. I guess they have made enough money in the past so they can still subsidize their current operation.
During the boom, many people envied small business owners because they thought that small business owners make easy money. Well, easy money it is for those who are successful, like the guy who started Fantasia in the Bay Area or YogurtLand in Irvine, but life was not as easy for most business owners. And now as the economy is dying, most people cut off their spending because they do not have too money to spend in the first place. Many have already maxed out in their credit card and witnessed the decline in their savings, investments and property value and they reacted drastically. These situations affected small businesses greatly, small businesses are fighting for the small remaining customers with lower prices and free perks but it still does not work very well. The increase of raw material costs last year did not help small business owners either. The increase of cost is hard to pass on to customers who are already deserting their shops. Some raised their prices modestly, while others kept their old prices while reducing the portion or the quality of their products or services. It hurts both the customers and the small business owners. Still with less revenue, many small business owners could not generate enough income to cover their fixed and overhead costs, no wonder small businesses all across the country are floundering in 18 months or so.
Many small business owners lost a lot of money even up to every single cent of their investment, if they paid with their own money. Those who received loans from the banks fared a little better because they did not lose as much (the banks did), but they were still forced to either file bankruptcy and/ close their business completely. Some were even haunted by relentless calls from debt collectors. Now, if I were to ask you guys who do not run a small business, don't you feel glad that you just work for another people? You should!
Indeed some small business owners still thriving amidst the dire situation, but many did so at the expense of other people or the government. Many small business owners cheated on their taxes (That's nothing new, isn't it?). There are few common ways small business owners cheated their taxes. The first one is cheating their income taxes, many small business owners claimed a lot lower revenue than last year, which is partially true because there is indeed a large decrease of revenue coming into their pockets, but some people even went further. They operate their business from their homes and never really report the income. The popularity of online auction and marketplace sites like E-Bay provides a great avenue for such small business owners. The second way to cheat is by cheating their sales tax revenue. Many small business owners began charging no tax to customers who pay cash because they wanted to lower their sale price, and they did not pay their sales taxes either.
The third way to cheat on taxes is by buying products and/or services which are supposed to be taxable direct from wholesalers without paying taxes by claiming to resell them. Small business owners who have a valid reseller permit often exploited this by buying things like signs and printed material directly from wholesaler. Their acts were the shadiest of all, because large wholesalers are slow too these days, so they're pretty hungry and willing to take any orders from anybody just to keep them busy. Some wholesalers even did this deliberately by selling their products direct to retail customers, while others do not bother to distinguish between true resellers and end-users. I know for a fact that a sound system company in Ontario, CA who purchased their signs and graphics from a wholesaler while claiming they're reselling them. In fact they merely want to pay less for their signs plus not having to pay sales tax.
Is it bad enough? Not yet. Many other small business owners preyed on their subcontractors, contractors and resellers. Many did not know this, but many small businesses relied on other businesses to run their operation. Many small businesses who claim to be manufacturers are merely brokers, especially if they sell their products very cheaply. Let's take a simple example of a flag and banner seller in E-Bay, many of them claimed to be the manufacturers but in reality the manufacturers is in China, they're just brokers. Did you notice that some of them have location in East Coast and yet their stocks are stored in the West Coast? Yes, that further reinforce the assertion that they're just merely brokers. They bought their flags and banners from a direct importer in California, and just have them shipped from their warehouse instead. In this tough economy, some wholesalers are starting to complain that some of their accounts do not pay their bills and now they start asking for credit card instead. Many companies which subcontracted their jobs often lost money also because their subcontractor suddenly disappeared too. Some small businesses even pay for products and services by using checks with non-sufficient funds, one example is Platinum Audio in Murieta, CA.
The worst possible action done by small business owners these days is cheating their customers. Well, customers are important for small business owners because they bring business, but some small business owners are not shy or afraid in cheating their customers. The problem is widespread in the online community, take E-Bay sellers again for example, although there are many good and reputable businesses in E-Bay, many other sellers are simply crooks who take your money and never ship the products. Many online businesses are also targeting customers by shady practices like offering free or cheap products or services while in actuality they led you to sign up for unnecessary contracts to pay a certain amount of money every month. Take freecreditreport.com or similar online sites. The worst part of this scam is that they're difficult or almost impossible to cancel. They do not provide an easy way to cancel.
Sadly, the plague is not only spreading in the online world, but also in the real brick and mortar businesses. Some brick and mortar businesses also "learned" from their online counterparts and started to sign people up for free or cheap services in which they secretly altered the contract and forced people to pay for exorbitant charges like a multi-year commitment and/or exorbitant cancellation fees. One easy example TanMan in West LA which tricked people to sign up for a cheap tanning session while actually charging them for a multi-year commitment.
Now, can anybody still say that a small business owner is having an easy life? Well, not for me... I have been tricked so many times that I almost become a paranoid. I now always ask for a down payment when I committed to a certain job, because frankly it's quite hard to get the payment these days, especially when dealing with people from Middle Eastern descents. No down payment means no job, simple. Even large companies skimped on their payments, maybe because my company is too small. They could have just told me, "Go to hell! Sue us!"
Specific about people from Middle-Eastern, let me clarify I have nothing against people from Middle Eastern descent in particular. I am sure some of them are honest people (I knew some people from Middle Eastern background when I was in SJ and they're fine people) but all Middle Eastern people I dealt with in Southern California seemed to crooks. The guy who gave me blank checks was a Lebanese, the guy who stole my money was a Iranian, and the other guy who shortchanged the payment was an Arab. Do not discriminate, but be very careful when dealing with them.
Contrary to popular belief, the last two years' tax season had somehow turned out to be seasons to be jolly. Now another tax season is coming and Santa is coming again this tax season. No, please do not think that I became delusional because of the burdens I bore as a small business owner. I am serious and I am really not mistaking this season from Christmas.
But why is tax season a season to be jolly? Because it really is, at least for some people, because the US government once again is giving away billions of dollar again this year for working people (just like whet they did last year). Good for them, but what about us, small business owners? I guess we're not as lucky. We're never in the best interest of the government because we're probably not that important albeit we provide employments and pay more taxes than employees. Most employees do not realize that for every cents deducted by government for Medicare, FICA and social security taxes, we small business owners pay the same amount of taxes, the only difference is that we cannot claim them back in our tax return.
When the economy was good, small businesses were doing quite well. In the past few years during the real estate boom, many new small businesses sprang up like weeds in spring, but now most of them had either gone bankrupt or changed owners. I recently went back to a small Asian shopping complex in Milpitas where I used to eat lunch when I was working in Fremont, and I noticed that the whole complex had changed. The place whee I used to buy my House Special Fried Rice for lunch is no longer there, it was replaced by another Chinese Restaurant. The place where I used to eat dim sum also went out of business, and now a sit-down place. The only restaurants survived in the complex are Vung Tau 2 and Tung Kee. I guess they have made enough money in the past so they can still subsidize their current operation.
During the boom, many people envied small business owners because they thought that small business owners make easy money. Well, easy money it is for those who are successful, like the guy who started Fantasia in the Bay Area or YogurtLand in Irvine, but life was not as easy for most business owners. And now as the economy is dying, most people cut off their spending because they do not have too money to spend in the first place. Many have already maxed out in their credit card and witnessed the decline in their savings, investments and property value and they reacted drastically. These situations affected small businesses greatly, small businesses are fighting for the small remaining customers with lower prices and free perks but it still does not work very well. The increase of raw material costs last year did not help small business owners either. The increase of cost is hard to pass on to customers who are already deserting their shops. Some raised their prices modestly, while others kept their old prices while reducing the portion or the quality of their products or services. It hurts both the customers and the small business owners. Still with less revenue, many small business owners could not generate enough income to cover their fixed and overhead costs, no wonder small businesses all across the country are floundering in 18 months or so.
Many small business owners lost a lot of money even up to every single cent of their investment, if they paid with their own money. Those who received loans from the banks fared a little better because they did not lose as much (the banks did), but they were still forced to either file bankruptcy and/ close their business completely. Some were even haunted by relentless calls from debt collectors. Now, if I were to ask you guys who do not run a small business, don't you feel glad that you just work for another people? You should!
Indeed some small business owners still thriving amidst the dire situation, but many did so at the expense of other people or the government. Many small business owners cheated on their taxes (That's nothing new, isn't it?). There are few common ways small business owners cheated their taxes. The first one is cheating their income taxes, many small business owners claimed a lot lower revenue than last year, which is partially true because there is indeed a large decrease of revenue coming into their pockets, but some people even went further. They operate their business from their homes and never really report the income. The popularity of online auction and marketplace sites like E-Bay provides a great avenue for such small business owners. The second way to cheat is by cheating their sales tax revenue. Many small business owners began charging no tax to customers who pay cash because they wanted to lower their sale price, and they did not pay their sales taxes either.
The third way to cheat on taxes is by buying products and/or services which are supposed to be taxable direct from wholesalers without paying taxes by claiming to resell them. Small business owners who have a valid reseller permit often exploited this by buying things like signs and printed material directly from wholesaler. Their acts were the shadiest of all, because large wholesalers are slow too these days, so they're pretty hungry and willing to take any orders from anybody just to keep them busy. Some wholesalers even did this deliberately by selling their products direct to retail customers, while others do not bother to distinguish between true resellers and end-users. I know for a fact that a sound system company in Ontario, CA who purchased their signs and graphics from a wholesaler while claiming they're reselling them. In fact they merely want to pay less for their signs plus not having to pay sales tax.
Is it bad enough? Not yet. Many other small business owners preyed on their subcontractors, contractors and resellers. Many did not know this, but many small businesses relied on other businesses to run their operation. Many small businesses who claim to be manufacturers are merely brokers, especially if they sell their products very cheaply. Let's take a simple example of a flag and banner seller in E-Bay, many of them claimed to be the manufacturers but in reality the manufacturers is in China, they're just brokers. Did you notice that some of them have location in East Coast and yet their stocks are stored in the West Coast? Yes, that further reinforce the assertion that they're just merely brokers. They bought their flags and banners from a direct importer in California, and just have them shipped from their warehouse instead. In this tough economy, some wholesalers are starting to complain that some of their accounts do not pay their bills and now they start asking for credit card instead. Many companies which subcontracted their jobs often lost money also because their subcontractor suddenly disappeared too. Some small businesses even pay for products and services by using checks with non-sufficient funds, one example is Platinum Audio in Murieta, CA.
The worst possible action done by small business owners these days is cheating their customers. Well, customers are important for small business owners because they bring business, but some small business owners are not shy or afraid in cheating their customers. The problem is widespread in the online community, take E-Bay sellers again for example, although there are many good and reputable businesses in E-Bay, many other sellers are simply crooks who take your money and never ship the products. Many online businesses are also targeting customers by shady practices like offering free or cheap products or services while in actuality they led you to sign up for unnecessary contracts to pay a certain amount of money every month. Take freecreditreport.com or similar online sites. The worst part of this scam is that they're difficult or almost impossible to cancel. They do not provide an easy way to cancel.
Sadly, the plague is not only spreading in the online world, but also in the real brick and mortar businesses. Some brick and mortar businesses also "learned" from their online counterparts and started to sign people up for free or cheap services in which they secretly altered the contract and forced people to pay for exorbitant charges like a multi-year commitment and/or exorbitant cancellation fees. One easy example TanMan in West LA which tricked people to sign up for a cheap tanning session while actually charging them for a multi-year commitment.
Now, can anybody still say that a small business owner is having an easy life? Well, not for me... I have been tricked so many times that I almost become a paranoid. I now always ask for a down payment when I committed to a certain job, because frankly it's quite hard to get the payment these days, especially when dealing with people from Middle Eastern descents. No down payment means no job, simple. Even large companies skimped on their payments, maybe because my company is too small. They could have just told me, "Go to hell! Sue us!"
Specific about people from Middle-Eastern, let me clarify I have nothing against people from Middle Eastern descent in particular. I am sure some of them are honest people (I knew some people from Middle Eastern background when I was in SJ and they're fine people) but all Middle Eastern people I dealt with in Southern California seemed to crooks. The guy who gave me blank checks was a Lebanese, the guy who stole my money was a Iranian, and the other guy who shortchanged the payment was an Arab. Do not discriminate, but be very careful when dealing with them.
Follies
"Hear this and testify against the house of Jacob," declares the Lord, the LORD God Almighty.
"On the day I punish Israel for her sins,
I will destroy the altars of Bethel;
the horns of the altar will be cut off
and fall to the ground.
I will tear down the winter house
along with the summer house;
the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed
and the mansions will be demolished,"
declares the LORD.
(Amos 3:13-15, NIV)
I don't know why, but I often feel good when I was doing poorly and I heard that other people were also not doing very well either. It may just be my selfish ego or my fallen human nature, but I admit that it's difficult to get rid off. I remember my first math pop-quiz in High School on the first day of the class. I only got a mere 2 point (of 10 point maximum), but I did not feel as bad because more than half of the class got the same grade or less (In fact the teacher said that about one third of the class got zero). I remember the teacher told us that the quiz was just used to measure our math comprehension, because many students came from different junior high school all over the country. Frankly, I was glad not because our grades from the quiz would not be recorded in our report card, but because I was not alone and many people are doing worse than me. Well, isn't selfishness an interesting built-in human trait?
And the same applies here to the calamity befalling Israel. I don't know why, but frankly I felt that Israelites' misfortune somewhat makes a part of my heart feel happy. Please don't get me wrong, I don't want to gloat on this.... I also feel bad and sorry at the same time. Well, I know that my business is not doing OK, but I was still somewhat comforted because at least I did not experience the same thing as the Israelites in those days. Well, I know I never have a summer and winter house like those referred to in the verse, but at least that I would not feel as miserable as those owned such properties and suddenly lost them.
True, we often don't appreciate on what we have until we lose them. I bet those rich people who owned summer and winter houses would probably have never been grateful having owned such majestic properties until they day they lost them. I saw an online commentary about rich people who lost their money in the stock market crash 2008 and early 2009. Truly, at first I was not a bit sympathetic to them because even though they may have lost millions or billions of dollars, they still have many millions or billions left. But as I tried to picture myself in their positions, I began to realize that losing millions of dollars (which may only be 20%-40% of their net worth) could really mean a great deal for those rich people.
I am afraid that those rich people really feel that by losing those amount of money, they can no longer afford their lavish parties or expensive accessories, and it may have affected them greatly. For a second, just imagine yourself being a rich and spoiled millionaire who used to throw binge parties daily but now is forced to do it twice a week. It feels bad, isn't it? Some leechers who used to hang around us will start sneering over our decision and start leaving our parties and choosing other people's instead. It hurts, doesn't it? Well, it does... in a foolish way.
Sadly, that's who we are, foolish people who often chose to live in our folly and rejected the wisdom from God. Too bad we often realized our mistakes only after we were almost drown in the ditches. It sounds more like the regret of a small kid who were caught stealing red-handedly, but that's how we chose to live our lives and it will not change... not until we found ourselves in a deep trouble because of it, and then we cried out... Lord, lord, have mercy on me!
True, God does have endless mercy and compassion if we truly humble ourselves and seek his forgiveness, but sometimes we may found ourselves in a bind when we didn't have time to do so... Just think of Ananias and Sapphira story in Acts, I still believe that God would have forgiven them if they confessed and sought his mercy, but they never did because of their foolish belief, and we all know how their lives ended up....
O Lord, please forgive our foolish acts, guard our heart from doing such follies.
"On the day I punish Israel for her sins,
I will destroy the altars of Bethel;
the horns of the altar will be cut off
and fall to the ground.
I will tear down the winter house
along with the summer house;
the houses adorned with ivory will be destroyed
and the mansions will be demolished,"
declares the LORD.
(Amos 3:13-15, NIV)
I don't know why, but I often feel good when I was doing poorly and I heard that other people were also not doing very well either. It may just be my selfish ego or my fallen human nature, but I admit that it's difficult to get rid off. I remember my first math pop-quiz in High School on the first day of the class. I only got a mere 2 point (of 10 point maximum), but I did not feel as bad because more than half of the class got the same grade or less (In fact the teacher said that about one third of the class got zero). I remember the teacher told us that the quiz was just used to measure our math comprehension, because many students came from different junior high school all over the country. Frankly, I was glad not because our grades from the quiz would not be recorded in our report card, but because I was not alone and many people are doing worse than me. Well, isn't selfishness an interesting built-in human trait?
And the same applies here to the calamity befalling Israel. I don't know why, but frankly I felt that Israelites' misfortune somewhat makes a part of my heart feel happy. Please don't get me wrong, I don't want to gloat on this.... I also feel bad and sorry at the same time. Well, I know that my business is not doing OK, but I was still somewhat comforted because at least I did not experience the same thing as the Israelites in those days. Well, I know I never have a summer and winter house like those referred to in the verse, but at least that I would not feel as miserable as those owned such properties and suddenly lost them.
True, we often don't appreciate on what we have until we lose them. I bet those rich people who owned summer and winter houses would probably have never been grateful having owned such majestic properties until they day they lost them. I saw an online commentary about rich people who lost their money in the stock market crash 2008 and early 2009. Truly, at first I was not a bit sympathetic to them because even though they may have lost millions or billions of dollars, they still have many millions or billions left. But as I tried to picture myself in their positions, I began to realize that losing millions of dollars (which may only be 20%-40% of their net worth) could really mean a great deal for those rich people.
I am afraid that those rich people really feel that by losing those amount of money, they can no longer afford their lavish parties or expensive accessories, and it may have affected them greatly. For a second, just imagine yourself being a rich and spoiled millionaire who used to throw binge parties daily but now is forced to do it twice a week. It feels bad, isn't it? Some leechers who used to hang around us will start sneering over our decision and start leaving our parties and choosing other people's instead. It hurts, doesn't it? Well, it does... in a foolish way.
Sadly, that's who we are, foolish people who often chose to live in our folly and rejected the wisdom from God. Too bad we often realized our mistakes only after we were almost drown in the ditches. It sounds more like the regret of a small kid who were caught stealing red-handedly, but that's how we chose to live our lives and it will not change... not until we found ourselves in a deep trouble because of it, and then we cried out... Lord, lord, have mercy on me!
True, God does have endless mercy and compassion if we truly humble ourselves and seek his forgiveness, but sometimes we may found ourselves in a bind when we didn't have time to do so... Just think of Ananias and Sapphira story in Acts, I still believe that God would have forgiven them if they confessed and sought his mercy, but they never did because of their foolish belief, and we all know how their lives ended up....
O Lord, please forgive our foolish acts, guard our heart from doing such follies.
The Life of a Confused Seminarian (1)
My life as a seminarian was a very interesting life. My first quarter went quite well because it was my first quarter and I was totally excited for it. I had two great profs who are quite nice and very understanding. However, I also found it hard to blend into the crowd. Everyone was nice when we meet in the class and during the mandated discussions because everyone was also seemed distant when it comes to their personal lives. No one really opened up to one another, it was as if they put a high wall in front of them. I began to question myself: Is this really the life that I wanted?
Despite my doubts, my first few quarters went by pretty fast because I did not have too much time to worry about it. I have to go back and forth to my Quiznos in SD. And the gravity of my Quiznos problems also forced me to push the seminary issues away as secondary or issues of lesser importance. But then, one day I decided that I have had enough with Quiznos and I sold it... From then on, I started to spend more times in class and tried to build genuine relationship with some friends but no luck at all. Some Korean friends were nice enough, but they were mostly sent by their churches and they have a large language barrier to overcome. There were not that many students who has other full time jobs. Even if they have full time jobs, they either worked for Christian organizations or churches. Having been attending Indonesian churches in America for a while, I was quite surprised by the number of full time positions their churches have (Indonesian churches usually only have one full time staff, the pastor himself). And I started to think that Indonesian churches in America are either too stingy because they do not want to spend their money to hire full times or too blessed because they have a large group of volunteer laymen and laywomen.
After few months, I finally met one person who worked full time outside churches sphere, his name was Mike. He repeatedly mentioned about the busy-ness of his works at his office, and later I found out that he was actually the boss of the company. He was pretty nice during class discussions but he seemed so distant outside the class. I once met him inside the Talbot lounge before evening class started, I sat by him and started to ask some questions. To my surprise, he was very cold. Well, he did answer me nicely, but his words and gestures seemed to send me a message, "Go away! Go away! I am busy," or something like that. Maybe he had to concentrate on his upcoming class but I still found it as odd. Do I really go to a seminary? Is the love shown by people here are merely camouflage? or is it a mere illusion?
Despite my doubts, my first few quarters went by pretty fast because I did not have too much time to worry about it. I have to go back and forth to my Quiznos in SD. And the gravity of my Quiznos problems also forced me to push the seminary issues away as secondary or issues of lesser importance. But then, one day I decided that I have had enough with Quiznos and I sold it... From then on, I started to spend more times in class and tried to build genuine relationship with some friends but no luck at all. Some Korean friends were nice enough, but they were mostly sent by their churches and they have a large language barrier to overcome. There were not that many students who has other full time jobs. Even if they have full time jobs, they either worked for Christian organizations or churches. Having been attending Indonesian churches in America for a while, I was quite surprised by the number of full time positions their churches have (Indonesian churches usually only have one full time staff, the pastor himself). And I started to think that Indonesian churches in America are either too stingy because they do not want to spend their money to hire full times or too blessed because they have a large group of volunteer laymen and laywomen.
After few months, I finally met one person who worked full time outside churches sphere, his name was Mike. He repeatedly mentioned about the busy-ness of his works at his office, and later I found out that he was actually the boss of the company. He was pretty nice during class discussions but he seemed so distant outside the class. I once met him inside the Talbot lounge before evening class started, I sat by him and started to ask some questions. To my surprise, he was very cold. Well, he did answer me nicely, but his words and gestures seemed to send me a message, "Go away! Go away! I am busy," or something like that. Maybe he had to concentrate on his upcoming class but I still found it as odd. Do I really go to a seminary? Is the love shown by people here are merely camouflage? or is it a mere illusion?
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Pain of a Small Business Owner (1)
Since I left my corporate job and started taking classes I began to understand the difficulties of being an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur during a boom time is easy, but trying to survive as one during a recession is very difficult. I began my venture with Quiznos, a sandwich franchise. I have to admit that I love Quiznos' sandwich (Notice the tenses, I still love them even now), but I hated Quiznos corporate management, especially the local "area director" where the Quiznos I owned was located. I initially thought that by being a business owner I could take control of my time fully, but that;s not the case with Quiznos.
My first bad experience with Quiznos' local area director began when I took off at 4pm to go to my class at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada. I left two of my employees to take care and handle the shop while I went to school. Unfortunately, in a few minutes after I left, the local area director, Luann, came to visit my shop not for a routine check to to borrow some meat for another store from my store (This is actually one of the most commendable traits of Quiznos franchisees in the area). She noticed that I was not there at the store and she marked my store as "red" because I was not there. But, hey, am I not the owner? Do I have to stay at the shop every single minute? Haven't I stayed at my shop long enough? I was in my shop every single day from opening to closing except on the days when I had evening classes. I was left speechless when my employees told me the next day, I can only ask, "Why?"
After that, my relationship with the local area director went worse. She began to complain about many things about my store. She complained that I have older chairs and tables, and I have to replace them. What? Why? I bought the business from someone else, it was not a new construction. I saw many older stores which have the same chairs and tables like the ones I have in the store. Even the store where I went for training still have the old sets of chairs and tables. And I got another marks. I asked her about the reason why I was asked to replace my tables and chairs while others were not (even the guy whom I bought the business from was not told to do so), she only said that it was a new requirement for my store, because she had put those conditions before the transfer took place. She showed me the check sheet provided to me prior to the store transfer which provide the list of equipments in the store, and the chairs and tables were marked as older model. And I told her, wasn't that just a checklist for me as the new owner? And she said that it was the list of things to be fixed by new owner. What?
She then pointed out more things from the list, like the scratch and graffiti marks on the windows, the older soup station and many more. How can I avoid my windows from being scratched out, the marks were already there even before I took over the store, and the previous owner even told me that they were there even before his time. I began to feel that I was singled out because I was an Asian, and not Caucasian or Hispanic like the previous two owners, but I cannot have any conclusive evidence to proof it.
Getting red marks not only eroded my confidence and trust toward the Quiznos corporate management, but also my finances because Quiznos kept a portion of my purchases from McLane food supply as an award every quarter (And the amount was quite sizeable, about $1500-$2000 per quarter). I even called the corporate office regarding the issue, and the only thing the customer service rep told me was that the local area director has the final say in making any store to fix anything or not, and there's nothing they can do about it. Every time I asked Luann about the reason I was always asked to replace more and more stuff, the only thing she said was, "Well, didn't you make money?" Well, yes I made a little money still but I became a business owner to make money not to lose money.
I ended up replacing the chairs and tables, and I later had someone to polish my windows and put up protective films on them. I could not afford the money needed to replace them all because I was quoted over $20,000 at that time. After about a year, she began asking me to replace the channel letters on the store too. Well, the store was in downtown area and we closed at six, so I do not see the reason of having the new channel letters, especially because it costs between $5000-$7500 each set from Quiznos approved vendors (I checked around, and I found out that it costs less than $2000 from independent sign company or contractor at that time). My store would need two sets of them because we have two street frontage. That time I decided enough is enough. And that's when I decided to sell my store... and I did!
So, what's the moral of the story. First, being a small business owner is not as easy as it seems. Second, franchises have their own advantage, but they also have their own downsides. Franchisees do receive benefit from joint franchise marketing efforts and their name brand, but franchisees would also need to follow every single rule of the franchise. So, if you don't want to wag your tail at the order of the franchisor, do not buy a franchise, or buy franchises owned by Asians like Quickly or Lollicup because they gave their franchisees more freedom. Third, always do your homework first. Before you buy any business, due a thorough due diligence works. DO NOT trust the financial statement they provided unless it was audited by an auditor. Remember, many sellers inflated their books to sell their businesses at a much higher price. Beware buyer!
My first bad experience with Quiznos' local area director began when I took off at 4pm to go to my class at Talbot School of Theology in La Mirada. I left two of my employees to take care and handle the shop while I went to school. Unfortunately, in a few minutes after I left, the local area director, Luann, came to visit my shop not for a routine check to to borrow some meat for another store from my store (This is actually one of the most commendable traits of Quiznos franchisees in the area). She noticed that I was not there at the store and she marked my store as "red" because I was not there. But, hey, am I not the owner? Do I have to stay at the shop every single minute? Haven't I stayed at my shop long enough? I was in my shop every single day from opening to closing except on the days when I had evening classes. I was left speechless when my employees told me the next day, I can only ask, "Why?"
After that, my relationship with the local area director went worse. She began to complain about many things about my store. She complained that I have older chairs and tables, and I have to replace them. What? Why? I bought the business from someone else, it was not a new construction. I saw many older stores which have the same chairs and tables like the ones I have in the store. Even the store where I went for training still have the old sets of chairs and tables. And I got another marks. I asked her about the reason why I was asked to replace my tables and chairs while others were not (even the guy whom I bought the business from was not told to do so), she only said that it was a new requirement for my store, because she had put those conditions before the transfer took place. She showed me the check sheet provided to me prior to the store transfer which provide the list of equipments in the store, and the chairs and tables were marked as older model. And I told her, wasn't that just a checklist for me as the new owner? And she said that it was the list of things to be fixed by new owner. What?
She then pointed out more things from the list, like the scratch and graffiti marks on the windows, the older soup station and many more. How can I avoid my windows from being scratched out, the marks were already there even before I took over the store, and the previous owner even told me that they were there even before his time. I began to feel that I was singled out because I was an Asian, and not Caucasian or Hispanic like the previous two owners, but I cannot have any conclusive evidence to proof it.
Getting red marks not only eroded my confidence and trust toward the Quiznos corporate management, but also my finances because Quiznos kept a portion of my purchases from McLane food supply as an award every quarter (And the amount was quite sizeable, about $1500-$2000 per quarter). I even called the corporate office regarding the issue, and the only thing the customer service rep told me was that the local area director has the final say in making any store to fix anything or not, and there's nothing they can do about it. Every time I asked Luann about the reason I was always asked to replace more and more stuff, the only thing she said was, "Well, didn't you make money?" Well, yes I made a little money still but I became a business owner to make money not to lose money.
I ended up replacing the chairs and tables, and I later had someone to polish my windows and put up protective films on them. I could not afford the money needed to replace them all because I was quoted over $20,000 at that time. After about a year, she began asking me to replace the channel letters on the store too. Well, the store was in downtown area and we closed at six, so I do not see the reason of having the new channel letters, especially because it costs between $5000-$7500 each set from Quiznos approved vendors (I checked around, and I found out that it costs less than $2000 from independent sign company or contractor at that time). My store would need two sets of them because we have two street frontage. That time I decided enough is enough. And that's when I decided to sell my store... and I did!
So, what's the moral of the story. First, being a small business owner is not as easy as it seems. Second, franchises have their own advantage, but they also have their own downsides. Franchisees do receive benefit from joint franchise marketing efforts and their name brand, but franchisees would also need to follow every single rule of the franchise. So, if you don't want to wag your tail at the order of the franchisor, do not buy a franchise, or buy franchises owned by Asians like Quickly or Lollicup because they gave their franchisees more freedom. Third, always do your homework first. Before you buy any business, due a thorough due diligence works. DO NOT trust the financial statement they provided unless it was audited by an auditor. Remember, many sellers inflated their books to sell their businesses at a much higher price. Beware buyer!
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