Jeff Jacobs | Emerald City Journal

City of Puyallup Road Construction

Published on May 17, 2011

It’s amazing the amount of money we waste on road constuction. Our system is setup so different cities get a certain amount for road construction. Anything above and beyond the cost the city has the cover or sometimes they can get it from other federal programs etc. From my research, most road construction isn’t really needed. Cities use it because they have to. It’s a use it or lose it system. The City of Puyallup has several projects going on that are a complete waste of money and now we are starting to hear they can’t cover the extra costs. Recently, they have been working on Highway 512. I personally drive Highway 512 between Puyallup and Lakewood all the time and this is a good example of just blowing the money because they need to. There is absolutly nothing wrong with the Highway. The other City of Puyallup road construction project we are hearing about is on 39th avenue. There is no dought this area is congested (it always has been and will continue to be) but this project wasn’t really necessary. First this road construction project in Puyallup has been going on since 2002. So far the project has cost the City of Puyallup 15+ million. The City of Puyallup even had to use a shady practice called “eminent domain” to legally steal the property of many hard working families. One of them sued the City and won (by jury) a 5.4 million dollar settlement. His legal fees were over 1 million dollars.

This is not just about Puyallup it’s about the country and the way our transportation taxes are being wasted. Instead of just using it (because we’ll lose it) mentality there needs to be a way so this money can be pushed into the areas of the city that really need it.

A 14 Trillon Dollar Deficit Cut

Published on April 13, 2011

Obama was in the news today suggesting a 4 trillion dollar (12 year) plan to cut the deficit. I would kindly suggest the President modify his plan to a 12 trillion dollar deficit cut. Well as this article suggest it’s not really a 14 trillion dollar cut – its actually a 1 trillion 200 billion tax cut. I just times it by 12 to figure out the 12 year plan (14 trillion) like all the smart people do in the Government. Why they do that I don’t really know. Each year we create a new budget anyway and vote it.

You can read my previous article here: https://www.emeraldcityjournal.com/2011/04/american-government-why-bankruptcy-is-the-best-option-now/

I updated it, however, so we can reach the 14 trillion dollar deficit cut in 12 years like this:

In the link above you’ll see I cut many departments that came to: 728 billion.

I suggest we make every man, women, and child make a $100 donation so that would come to: 310 billion

The Feds take 2 trillion a year from us for taxes each year and since we are cutting half the programs (see above) at least 25% of that could be saved each year: 500 billion.

That adds up to 1.2 trillion x 12 (for the important 12 year plan which makes everything look good) = A 14 trillion dollar deficit cut (+400 billion positive revenue).

Now seriously, I write this in part with laughter. But if you really think a 4 trillion dollar deficit cut (over 12 years) with Obama is going to make it happen you’re sadly wrong. First that is 333 billion a year. Last Friday when they were negotiating the Government shutdown they blew 8 billion in a week. 52 weeks in the year folks that is 448 billion dollars for doing nothing. This isn’t even a drop in the bucket to repair the mess we have going on.

We need to be cutting atleast 1 trillion a year.

American Government Why Bankruptcy Is The Best Option Now

Published on April 12, 2011

As you know the Government avoided a shutdown last Friday by agreeing to a spending cut of 38.5 billion dollars. In the 8 days it took to discuss the spending cut, our national debt went up 54 billion dollars. As you read this, our country is 14 trillion dollars plus in debt and it only continues to rise. Unfortunately the agreed upon spending cut of 38.5 billion dollars just isn’t enough.

This orginally was going to be an article about spending cuts. I spent several days evaluating different departments and determining which things should be cut. In the name of the 9^th and 10^th amendments – I abolished these:

Agriculture

In short they, grow no crops. Keep the laws in place but everything else should be done locally by their individual cities. Sell the assets. $25.7 billion dollars (+ assets).

Commerce

They don’t make or sell merchandise. Revenue will continue to be generated locally (licenses, fees, permits etc). Sell the assets. $13.8 billion dollars (+ assets).

Census Bureau

Waste of time and energy. If you want to know how many people are in an area/city, lookup the data with the IRS. They have information on everybody. My point is the program isn’t needed. They also spent 2.5 million on one super bowl ad (lasted 30 seconds). $7.4 billion dollars.

Defense

The current Defense budget is $663.8 billion dollars. We’re actively in 3 wars right now and this probably should be called the “Offense” department. For the sake of this article, I’m going to cut all of it but $63.8 billion. That is 5x more than what China spends so I’m sure we can make it work. $600 billion dollars.

Transportation

The current budget is 72.3 billion. I’m suggesting a 2 year freeze on all new building projects except for “Life or Death” roadway/bridge repairs. Everyone will be ok and will still get to work on time. We all know most of the projects being worked on are not “must” projects. They are created because we have system built on “use it or lose it” theory and that is just a waste of money not to “use” it. We’ll save some in the hopper for emergencies and cut 50 billion. $50 billion dollars.

Labor

Government doesn’t actually engage in labor – so that is a cut. It should be managed locally anyway. $13.2 billion dollars.

EPA

If you really want a really important job done badly, leave it to federal bureaucracy. That would be a cut. $10.5 billion dollars.

National Science Foundation

I’m sure all the science nerds will hate me on this one but the reality is that this shouldn’t be a big Government program. If you’re passionate about it, then start a nonprofit and I’m sure many will after it’s cut now. $7 billion dollars.

Corporation For National & Community Service

Giving back to your community is important. The current budge it 1.1 billion dollars. I believe a few million dollars is enough to get the word out but for the sake of this article I am going to cut this department completely. $1.1 billion dollars.

The total department cuts come to: $728 billion dollars.

You must admit these are some serious cuts. These Government departments are huge. They would dramically change the way the USA operates – but would it really make a difference in regards to the 14 trillion in debt we have? The answer is NO.

After reviewing each department and many others like Education, Energy, Home land security, Interior, and Justice, we could cut them all and it wouldn’t even be a drop in the bucket of debt we have. What people don’t get is that there isn’t a solution available under our current US financial system. You mathematically cannot pay it off. Let me say it like this the US Government owes more money then actually exist. We could take every penny from every man, women, child, businesses, taxpayer, and bank yet we still would be massively in debt. Sorry to break the news to you.

Question – Why not just print more?

It’s not the way our financial system is setup. The US Gov’t doesn’t issue the currency – the Federal Reserve does and it’s a private bank. Our currency belongs the Federal Reserve (says it right on the money) and this prevents the Government from printing it’s own money under our current system. When the Government needs to borrow money it goes to Federal Reserve and asks them for some green pieces of paper called Federal Reserve Notes. The Federal Reserve swaps these green pieces of paper for pink ones called Treasury bonds. The Federal Reserve then sells those Treasury Bonds or keeps them for themselves. That is exactly how the Government gets more green dollars into circulation and get us into even more debt because now they owe interests on those dollars. This process only compounds itself into bigger debt and the interests on that debt. Get it?

Why we are in bigger trouble:

Our current financial system uses a thing called fractional reserve banking. When you go to the bank and make a deposit of $100 dollars, they don’t actually keep your $100 dollars in the bank. They actually keep only a small fraction of that money there and end of lending out the rest to someone else. That person then makes a deposit and the bank then lends that money to someone else. In this way, the money is quickly multiplied for the bank. In reality, however, only $100 actually exists. It works because we all don’t go to the bank at the same time and ask for all our money. Banks have reserve requirements like 10% for example. So for every $100 dollar deposit they may lend out $90 of that deposit. That borrower then writes a check to someone who deposits $90, the bank getting that deposit can lend out $81 dollars of it. It’s a little confusing but the process continues until the bank turns that $100 into $1000. These Fraction Reserves are mostly only required for “transaction deposits” like normal checking accounts. If you have accounts that are savings deposits, cds, money markets – there typically are NO Fractional Reserves. The reality is today banks have been given the freedom to really use this money mulitiplyer to their benefit. All this “mulitiplied” money is just on paper, however, it’s NOT REALLY MONEY and doesn’t actually exsits.

What should we do?

We could close the Federal Reserve and restore the power to issue money back the Congress (the constitution calls for this). I dought the politicians will do this however.
We could create a 100% new currency system.

You can make your own decision from here. I assure you, however, the billions or hundreds of billions you’re seeing on TV (or about to see) will not be enough. The American Government is in a big pile of ~~Shit~~ Smelly Stuff and our real options are limited. Lastly, let me leave you with this thought. In 2008 (much higher now), the US Governments total liablities when it comes to just Social Security and Medicare payments is over 65 Trillion dollars. That is more that the entire GDP of the whole World. If the Government were to take control of every phycial asset in American. Everything. It still couldn’t even pay off the debt.

Fun Seattle Trivia Facts

Published on April 8, 2011

Some fun Seattle trivia facts – Did you know?

Seattle Washington was the first city in the USA to play a Beatles song.
Seattleites buy more sunglasses per capita then any other city in the USA. (So much for the rain & clouds here)
The first gas station opened in the WORLD – was in Seattle Washington (1907).
The Space Needle was the first rotating eatery in the USA.

Know you know some fun Seattle trivia facts!

Jesse Jackson & The Death Of MLK

Published on April 8, 2011

Even Though MLK day was back in January, their was a recent news story about Jesse Jackson that just made my jaw drop in disbelief. The short of the story is this. As you know, Martin Luther King was assassinated on his balcony in Tennessee. A shot rang out (what is believed to be a sniper) hit Mr. King leaving him in a pool of his own blood. The bullet entered the tip of his chin and tore half of his neck off.

Right before the shot rang out, Jesse Jackson, Ben Branch, and few others we celebrating a little after winning a recent court case (giving them more opportunities to march) in the parking lot. MLK actually just went upstairs to get ready for a dinner they were all going to that night. The shot rang out and MLK was assassinated. It was a mess for a few seconds with the police running in the wrong direction trying to find the suspect and with MLK’s friends running up to take care of Martin Luther King in his last moments.

Here is the part that I just couldn’t believe. Jesse Jackson went upstairs and placed his hands in the pool of blood and smeared it on his shirt. He went out to the public and stated “he died in my arms”. Because Jesse Jackson was in the parking lot and not on the balcony (as Jesse claimed) with Mr. King his statement was investigated. There were many photos taken during the final hours where Jesse Jackson was seen with the smeared shirt on. The next morning he was on the NBC “Today” show saying MLK “died in my arms”. It was later investigated and it turns out that statement was completely false. Jesse Jackson later apologies for the false statement.

It’s an interesting story to say the least. Did Jesse Jackson really have the “entrepreneurial instinct” to take advantage of a tragic moment. Remember at this time Jesse Jackson really had no opportunities. Was this lie (or cover-up) by Jesse Jackson really a move for him to take over the leadership role of the civil rights movement?

Drive A Mile…Get Taxed A Mile – The New Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax

Published on March 25, 2011

If you drive a motor vehicle you could soon be taxed for the miles you drive. Uncle Sam with the help of Democrats are circulating new ideas for increasing revenue and one of those ideas is the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Tax. Supporters believe its a fair way to charge people for using the highways. They believe it would naturally limit highway use thus create less spending for the highways (like repairs etc) and obviously create revenue.

It’s not enough any more that you pay your normal taxes, gas taxes, bridge tolls, HOV fees, car tabs, traffic/parking violations, auto ownership transfer fees, and 520 tolls anymore. You need to be taxedfor the mileage you drive also. Where do we draw the line in the sand and say that is enough taxes/fees for the roads. If the roads can’t be fixed with all the taxes and fees above then we have to realize this is more than just revenue – it’s management of the current transportation revenue.

It starts with getting people out of office who don’t make tough spending decisions and are constantly just thinking up “ideas to create revenue”. These decisions mean certain people need to be fired (management/staff whatever) and/or over inflated programs need to be cut. Our officials in office need to have the testicular fortitude to put their neck and reputation on the line (plus other things) to make these tough decisions. Sure tough decisions mean everyone isn’t going to be happy but that is part of the job. We don’t need anymore thinkers – we need action. We have setup a government system that supports ideas and not action. Officials want to get re-elected and to make this happen they don’t want to make the hard line cutting decisions. They don’t want to make anyone mad or even have anyone dislike them. It simply is not in their own professional interests. That is why most officials don’t make tough cuts or even discuss it – they just sit around and think up some new revenue idea that will tax more people.

These ideas do pass. Look at the light cameras we have or the HOV lane fees. The extreme rental car taxes. Some states have speeding cameras mounted on the road. We have even tried placing empty white vans on the highways ticketing people (with just a computer inside).

It’s the same story we hear it all the time. After a year or two when the government has used that great ideas revenue, they’ll claim we are broke again. Some Official will think up another revenue idea (tax) and the vicious cycle continues over again.

Seattle Breaking News

Published on March 24, 2011

The Emerald City Journal brings you all the Seattle it’s breaking news. We offer the latest news and stories about Seattle Washington and other surrounding areas. We’ve have learned over the years the local residents need an aveanue to vent and we provide just that. Having the local Seattle breaking news at your finger tips is exactly what we provide the World. From the hottest stories to the weather the Emerald City Journal is here for you to explore and learn.

We welcome your participation with our news website and we would love to publish your breaking news (or opinions) about Seattle Washington.

Seattle-Breaking-News

If you’re looking for other Seattle news you may want to try some of the local news stations. We have the Seattle Times, Komo 4, King 5, and Fox Local News on channel 13. We are blessed to have access to great news here in Seattle.

Senator Ed Murray Tricking Seattle Residents

Published on March 24, 2011

Senator Ed Murray pulled a quick one on the Seattle public today. As you grind at work all day trying to feed your family and pay your mortgage, Senator Ed Murray, pushed through 22 “Title Only” bills. If you’re unaware what “Title Only” bills are they are just that – New “Bills” with only a title. A short sentence that says what the “Bill” is and that is all. Lawmakers use them so they can slip them though hearings etc. without them being discussed (privately or with public) or having any feedback on them. That was a slimy technique to trick the Seattle residents Mr. Senator Ed Murray.

There was one in particular that stood out called “The creation of revenue and taxation acts”. He will complete the bill later and it will most likely be used to create more taxes.

Washington Public Schools Bad Revenue Management

Published on March 23, 2011

There is one thing every adult and parent can agree on and that is a solid education. We all want our kids to be well educated and eventually have a great life (and career). Teachers should be paid well and be accountable for increasing student education with documented progress. I truly believe Teachers want the best out of each and every student. Teachers understand this type of career may not pay well initially and it’s really about the children. By the way, the average Teacher salary in Washington State is $54,000 per year and Teachers work 10 months out the year. This doesn’t included the over inflated wages to upper management like Seattle’s recent firing of Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson and Don Kennedy.

As the television, public protesters, and newspapers continue to strike fear in the general public with the constant “loss of funds for student education services” and “it’s just hurting our kids” – do they truly understand the bad revenue management happening inside our Washington Public Schools? Is the problem with the Teachers (salaries, student to teacher ratio) or bad revenue management (hiring, salaries paid, distribution of funding) ?

Here is some data I pulled recently from the official Washington State of Education website. It will tell us the total revenue (per student) in King County.

Let me remind you these numbers are revenue per student in king county schools. If you’re student goes to one of the Seattle Public Schools, they are making $11,839 per year for that one student (special education students get more). Lets assume a basic class size of 25 students (more usually) that means that specific class room is generating $295,975 per year (less Teacher salary).

In 2008-2009 school year for just King County they generated $2,487,794,891 dollars in revenue (yes, that is billions).

In the 2010-2011 school year for just King County they are expecting a 24.6 million dollar loss.

There are of course expenses per student that need to be recognized. We have building expenses, repairs, transportation costs, office supplies (limited), and upper management (who manage and are not teachers per si). However, if each class room generates over $200,000 per year in net revenue (already subtracted $95,957 figuring the teacher salary, supplies, and transportation for each classroom/students) where does the rest really get allocated? You know we have A LOT of classrooms. It certainly doesn’t cost $200,000 to keep the electricity and heating turned on for that classroom. Bus transportation for classroom students (a typical bus load) isn’t that much plus many students provide their own transportation and some bus routes have been cut already. Students bring their own food or buy their own food (which pays the food staff and food expenses). We all know the Teachers don’t get much of anything regarding supplies for their rooms. Many Teachers just buy their own classroom supplies.

The problem with Washington Public Schools is bad revenue management. It’s not about cutting programs, students/classes (that generate revenue), or Teachers (who are paid enough based on classroom student/teacher revenue ratios). We must correct how revenue is distributed and wasted in our Washington Public Schools. The root of our school problems are with the methods we waste revenue and over inflated wages with upper management. It has little to do with school programs, students, or Teachers.

You be the judge.

How Much Could You Rent Your House For? Zillow Knows!

Published on March 10, 2011

Zillow, the local Seattle startup company, that has been predicting home values for over 5 years now is getting into the rental business. Zillow currently manages the estimated values to over 120 million real estate listings. Just like the home estimates they currently provide, today they announced “Rent Zestimates” which gives you a properties monthly rental value.

I have to say the figures are quite impressive. Good job Zillow!

You can try it here for free. Just enter your property address and your monthly rental figures will be displayed. http://www.zillow.com.

Seattle Newspaper for the People by the People

Jeff Jacobs - page 24

Jeff Jacobs has 257 articles published.