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Dear Friends,

We all know it to be true. Perhaps the change we were prepared to embrace has changed so dramatically that the change has changed us.

The 2008 General Election was steeped in change. The slogan of 'change we can believe in' was peppered on billboards and advertisements throughout the country as the buzzword for hope. Change and hope were intertwined as a Madison Avenue concept securing headlines and respectability for its nuanced marketing prowess. Even a major soft drink has changed their advertising by displaying the logo of 'change' in their newest marketing campaign.

Notwithstanding, the effects of change since January 20th has been tremendous and far reaching. Many of us are bewildered at the rapid pace of decisions made on our behalf without the 'consent of the governed'. The swift approach in the transformation of our Republic has shocked many a scholar and citizen as the basic fundamental guidelines and philosophy of democracy has been tampered and placed in jeopardy. There are several developments which need to be explored.

Debt - Consequences Of Government Expansion

The tremendous debt America has incurred in just the past several months has made us vulnerable in so many ways. The philosophy of government providing all of our needs to exist from cradle to grave, is detrimental to the basic concept of democracy. America as a nation has never adopted these ideals and the likelihood of its implementation today is seen as a threat to the stability of our standard of living and the freedoms we cherish. Unfortunately, the economic meltdown has given power and a voice to a shrewd element in our government by legislation which has harmed our sovereignty. Attempts for control of the population is a goal eager to be pursued.  Control is the ultimate prize gained by the ratification of a spending spree in concerted attempts to gain the approval of Americans.

The trillions of dollars approved for spending by Congress and the gargantuan budget recently released for our purview, are haphazard attempts to produce job growth and to jump start an ailing economy at all costs. The unproven and reckless manner of spending money by 'hoping for the best' or throwing everything including the kitchen sink at the problem, is an inept concept to solve an economic dilemma of such major proportions. We need to be reminded that government in its continual display of bad judgement has its hands in the cookie jar and will do everything to blame others for its incompetence. Politicians are known to have the ability to say anything to gain favor with their constituents in order to shore up support for funds required for reelection.

The effects of spending beyond our means will profoundly damage our ability to govern ourselves. Future generations will no longer engage in their desires to prosper as the tools required for the 'American Dream' will have disappeared. The trillions in debt we are forcing our children and their children to pay, is a disgrace. There will be a time and place where the actions of Washington lawmakers in 2009 will come to haunt this country through the years leading to 2039.

Executive Order

We have also noticed the governance by executive order.  Many Americans have become unwilling participants and spectators in the latest exercise of illustrious maneuvers to circumvent the will of the people by executive order. With the stroke of a pen, many of the sacrosanct beliefs men and women of faith live by, are devalued and found objectionable. Without debate or the 'consent of the governed', many Americans are shocked and dismayed at attempts to distill the culture of moral virtues by dismantling the essence of discernment noteworthy in this nations' history. Governance by actions purporting to have secured a perceived mandate, lends itself to abuse of power and irresponsibility. The likelihood that our tax dollars will now pay for the dismemberment of human life as we know it to be, is disconcerting and repugnant for many Americans.

The change we are beginning to witness in such a short span of time will be our undoing. The integrity and the character of this great nation is being usurped by those in power incapable of comprehending the responsibility America has as a nation and as seen through the eyes of the world. By upholding moral values and conveying a message of integrity, Americans provide the welcoming voice heard around the world that liberty, freedom and justice are ideals worthy of the sacrifices many in this country have faced. As a society, the goodness and the blessings bestowed by our Creator are well known. The maintenance of moral standards nurtured through generations and the perseverance of its execution is the test Americans now face. We will know soon enough if we've passed or failed.

An Old Irish Blessing For Luck We All Seek

May the road rise to meet you,

may the wind be ever at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and the rain fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of his

hand.

Time To Celebrate The Luck O' The Irish

We will be celebrating St. Paticks' Day this coming Tuesday. Our staff will be consuming the delights of corned beef & cabbage with mugs of green beer at our favorite Irish hangout, Tom Bergin's on Fairfax Avenue in Los Angeles. Please check their website, www.tombergins.com for directions. We hope to see you there!

Guidelines For Loan Modifications

This coming Thursday, we will review the newest guidelines the government and lending institutions are now offering to quell the foreclosure crisis. This blog will be very informative for all borrowers facing foreclosure or are 'upside down' in their mortgage obligations.

Thanks Again    

Dear Friends,

It happened in Boston on December 16th, 1773 and it will occur again on April 15th, 2009. The span of 236 years still evokes distress when powerful elite forces in government do not listen to the concerns of its citizens. 

This is the beginning of a dialogue for our 'preservation' from an energetic storm of doubt, indecision and chronic trauma many Americans are now subjected to. There is a sense of despair, rage and futility for a good percentage of our fellow citizens. The complete transformation of our destinies within the past 12 months has harmed our sensibilities and the natural optimism our nation is known for.

I've written about this in a previous blog and my conversations with many of you has reenforced the difficulties of rising above the challenges we face during these tough economic times. I realize the dramatic change many of us are going through and the realities of hardship and suffering.

There is an anger and a disbelief that America has placed itself in a precarious and weakened position. Domestically, our misfortunes has elevated a fringe element of thought by those in Washington and the media in a concerted approach to espouse concepts contrary to basic elements of freedom, liberty and justice. Notwithstanding, these 3 elements are overwhelmingly embraced by a majority of patriots throughout the country, as it always will be.

While the main street media is no longer a credible source of information or integrity, other forms of journalism are filling the void of unbiased reporting. These media concerns are documenting displeasure for the ways of Washington by providing information on 'Tea Parties' where average Americans are forcefully demonstrating opposition to the greed, corruption and incompetence of those in government and in our business sectors on Wall Street. The chorus of 'taxation without representation' is becoming a rallying cry for hard working Americans disgusted with the prurient and vulgar personalities we have as 'statesmen' in our government and the anger for the loss of integrity in our business executives. These patriots fully understand the preservation of democracy is paramount.

We are now witnessing a blossoming of thought counter to the recent abuses and maneuvers of those in power and influence. These individuals may be esoteric or elites in their social circles by suggesting socialism is the solution to the financial challenges we are facing today. However, the mainstream predilections of Americans still profoundly believe that government intervention in our lives should be limited. When a Treasury Secretary mentions interest in the replacement of the dollar for a foreign global currency as a topic worthy of discussion, we sit up, notice and register our disapproval. Are we able to trust a government official to oversee the 'preservation' of our economy by voicing doubts in the viability of the US dollar?

At times, our desire is to turn back the clock to a time where we were happier and all things were in balance. Unfortunately, we are realizing there is a force within this country that has a predisposition for extreme views contrary to the basic sense of liberty and decency we have sadly taken for granted. Americans are exhausted with the deluge of taxes approved by federal and state governments without debate and the general direction of the country as extreme elements are seeking control by distorting the original objectives and framework for the formation of the United States. Our Constitution is the penultimate handiwork defining our rights and freedoms. The 'watering down' of democratic principles to pass 'stimulus' bills, budgets and legislation to force the hand of government in everything we do, is wrong. These concerns and others will be voiced by patriots throughout America in over 300+ cities on Wednesday, April 15th. We look forward to your participation. For more details, please check www.taxdayteaparty.com.

The voices of disenchanted Americans is the motivation for those eager to shake up the power elite by recommending quality candidates for public office without importance of party affiliation. These candidates understand tyranny by taxation is a dangerous combination which can foment rebellion. The 2010 elections are just 19 months away.

Mortgage Rates

We are ecstatic! Mortgage Rates are now lower than ever!

30 Year Fixed Rate Conforming is @ 4.625%

15 Year Fixed Rate Conforming is @ 4.375%

Both loans are at 1 Point Charge. Please check our Rate Sheet on our website for other mortgage loan programs. You can call our office at 323-936-3232 for more details. We are seeing a higher than expected volume of new loan originations. Please call our office to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience in order to take advantage of these great rates! 

Loan Modifications - Newest Guidelines

The Federal Government has released the newest guidelines for those homeowners seeking relief.

A Brief Overview

You will qualify for the newest underwriting guidelines if you are:

1. If you live on the property

2. Maximum loan amount is $625,000

3. First Trust Deed

4. If you owe more money than the current value of your property

Please contact our office at 323-936-3232 for more details or review the government website: www.financialstability.gov for more information on underwriting guidelines.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

Oh, so many years ago when I was a child growing up in Detroit, I remember watching a television show by the name of Romper Room. This children's show was as popular as Sesame Street is today.

Miss Sally or Miss Frances, I seem to be a bit befuddled by the characters on the show, would help the children sing one of my favorite songs, 'The Do-Bee Song'. It goes like this:

I always do what's right,

I never do anything wrong,

I'm a Romper Room do-bee,

A do-bee all day long!

For awhile I would love to sign the song at all hours as it had a catchy tune! The nuns at the boarding school where I lived, joined in my fascination by singing along too! I knew in my heart I was a good bee!!!

I also had other recollections of a 'magic mirror' where Miss Sally would be able to 'see' other children on the show or hiding in 'tv-land' but unfortunately she was unable to find me. Nonetheless, the show displayed children playing games, while other segments showed boys and girls playing in a sandbox or attending 'Ding Dong' school. There were toys galore to play with and a chance to make believe that one's anxieties at such a tender age could be alleviated with all of this innocent activity.

Well, we now spring forward 46 years to 2009 where I am much older and in my estimation, humbly wiser. I still consider myself having 'good bee' attributes, even though life has its torments, sufferings and disappointments. However, I'm grateful for the occasional epiphanies and pleasant surprises which has developed a deep and profound love for my wonderful family, friends and for just being alive!

The remembrances of those children on the show and my personal experiences so many years ago, has brought back memories to a time and place where one could frolic aimlessly without burdens.

There is a natural progression for many of us as we age. It is hoped many of us will learn valuable lessons from previous mistakes by understanding our limitations and becoming mature adults possessing substance and character from the sacrifices we make for our loved ones. However, the behavior inherent in one's childhood and the psychological makeup borne of such early upbringing of those representing our interests in Washington, has created a climate of neglect and self-interest devoid of compassion or coherent logic which is decimating the country at large.

The Cover Up Game

This game is very popular in Washington. It has rarely been played successfully as several Presidents and numerous members of Congress have been disgraced once the cover up was discovered. Our 37th President as you see here, on his last day in office, resigned after the truth was finally revealed.

Our 42nd President was involved romantically with a White House intern unbeknownst to his spouse or the country. Such infidelity led to Impeachment hearings and a disgraced Presidency. 

We now have the specter of Washington lawmakers reverting back to childish ways by screaming at the top of their lungs to garner attention in their attempts to cover up their incompetence in regards to the AIG - American International Group bail outs.

We have our new President, the Treasury Secretary, Senators and Congressional lawmakers feigning dismay and shock at the revelation that AIG employees will be awarded bonuses totaling over $165 Million. These bonuses were agreed upon per bonafide legal contracts by both the Obama Administration and AIG.

In researching the facts for this blog, it is my understanding the President and others in the Congressional Democratic leadership were given hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds from the coffers of AIG. Any attempts at impartiality, concern or outrage are circumspect as the almighty dollar continues to dominate the excesses of behavior in all motivations of our lawmakers.

We are also aware these 'adult children' hired the current CEO of AIG, Mr. Edward Liddy for the grand total of a $1 salary to solve the complex and unraveling mess created by the greed, corruption and incompetence of its previous management.

We need to be reminded this behavior continues to be prevalent throughout the halls of Congress. The dismantling of proficient underwriting lending guidelines and practices by Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac several years ago has created the sub prime mess and the financial debacle we are suffering today. If Congress did not insist on lowering these standards for borrowers clearly unable to purchase real estate, we would not be in this mess. 

Americans should be grateful for the courage and aplomb displayed by Mr. Liddy in testimony during Congressional hearings last week. The 'show and tell' line of questioning and the tone in which our Congressional lawmakers insist on abrogating contracts by denying the bonuses which were approved by others in the 'sandbox' we call Capitol Hill, was truly an exercise in petulance and a show of disrespect towards the man selected to help solve the problems ultimately created by those seeking vengeance.

The verbiage in the documents which offered bail out monies to AIG by the government, gave assurances the bonuses would be paid as written. As taxpayers, this agreement was not well received by the American public. In their haste to show redemption, our lawmakers, deeply jealous that others in the public sector have more money or toys to play with, coupled with the clamor of disgust by the electorate in which Congress allowed the bonuses to be awarded, the House agreed to pass legislation revoking the bonuses by taxing 90% of the awards given. The Oscar worthy performances of our 'adult children' in demanding the names of those employees scheduled to receive the bonuses and the newest scheme to retroactively tear up contracts of financial institutions across the country in order to control the salaries of private institutions in the marketplace, is a play for power which denotes a plan to destroy the free market system. Government intervention in the private sector in this manner is an affront to capitalism and is a destructive, over reaching mechanism to force the will of 'children' over hard working and law abiding, decent American adults.

The passage of a 90% tax is just one example of the consequence of deception and lies of House members with the encouragement of the administration, in efforts to cover up for mistakes or laziness in reviewing legislation so inept as not one member of Congress read its contents of the 'stimulus' and the 'bail outs' of AIG and other financial concerns before passage.

We are also weary of witnessing the steady favorite pastime of our older 'adolescent' members of Congress and their cohorts in appearances before additional 'talking heads' on the Sunday talk show circuit. The 'approved script' agreed upon before conversing with the moderator or the chosen participants on these talk shows, has no value nor integrity as such utterances are narcissistic in nature and are attempts by chosen lawmakers in their appearances, to over compensate and garner approval before millions of viewers, thereby revealing symptoms of a traumatized childhood.

Now is the time for those involved in childish pursuits to have the strength of character to grow up and become accountable, leave the office by resignation or to have the adult American electorate vote these 'children' out of office in 2010 as 'discipline' to end the damage.

While this may be a toungue-in-cheek column voicing displeasure with the powerful, I remember at one time the level playing field of 'children' enjoying life without thoughts of harm and abuse of others. Now more than ever we need for our lawmakers to begin the chant of the 'Do-Bees' and embrace a direction that highlights renewal. A miracle may just come to pass once 'discipline' is resurrected as the only way to end the dissolution of a great nation we have loved since birth.

Thanks Again     

Dear Friends,

A Depression in America is looming around the corner unless common sense and fiscal restraint is resurrected as the actions required to avert the inevitable. The lawmakers elected to represent our interests in Washington have abandoned logical historical precepts towards a disturbing, inept philosophy of spending beyond abandon. These actions and the predilections of those eager to harm the interests of all Americans, is generating fear, dismay and lack of confidence in regards to our governments' competence in its decisions to stem the tide to safeguard our financial futures. We now have a philosophy where spending trillions upon trillions to jumpstart a failing economy and plans to increase taxes in efforts to improve revenue, has become a reckless prescription for disaster. A prolonged financial strife and the probability of a nationwide bankruptcy awaits us, unless the courageous voices throughout America begin to channel their discontent towards the budget and the hierarchy of those individuals originating its approval and passage. The consequence of misguided actions of our lawmakers portends the demise of America as a powerful and distinct economic power for generations to come.

We are again at a crossroads where political theater and maneuvering of others for control of the machinations of government and its people, is the top priority by those eager for victory at all costs to the detriment of all Americans. There are forces in this country seeking the destruction of capitalism. Attempts to forcefully debate discredited economic concepts to garner favor amongst the electorate, has promoted instability in the marketplace. Whether this active mindset is a result of intentional actions or ill informed advice, the consequences are noteworthy.

The After Effects

Unemployment has risen steadily

The stock market continues its decline

Foreclosures are at record levels

Thoughts of nationalizing our banking institutions is being discussed

The loss of savings in all financial instruments has diminished our retirements plans and futures

The derailment of the auto industry

The rise in personal and business bankruptcies continue unabated

The list continues as we are now at the mercy of lawmakers and the upper echelons of government by daily speeches fomenting fear by continued reminders of crisis and catastrophe at every turn, in a strange attempt to reassure the American people there's 'light at the end of the tunnel'. These personalities in government are unable to provide the comfort or the peace of mind Americans long for, as their past history in the private or public sector has revealed a questionable disregard for honesty and integrity in financial matters.

Millions are now suffering the effects of egregious consequences of government intervention in the mortgage industry or the lack thereof and the orchestrated tinkering of the free market system. In concert with the corruption manifested by corporate giants on Wall Street, the burdens heretofore experienced by Americans can be considered a rush towards insurrection similar to the days of protest under King George during the fight for independence by the 13 colonies. 'Taxation without representation' was the slogan and the theme which united Americans in their efforts to end British tyranny. Perhaps the time has come for Americans to raise their voices and concerns once again.

As of late, our blogs can be construed as an element in the continued observance of gloom and doom. Unfortunately, in order to change the direction of this country towards fiscal health and responsibility, facts and figures are reminders which provide the tools needed for logical debate.

Last month, after the rush to vote and pass the 'Stimulus Bill' without reading its contents, Congress has become a body of illiterate members unable or unwilling to use logic as a force for good and no longer consider the wisdom afforded those that have had similar challenges as illustrated in American history. Throughout our journey, immigrants from across the globe sacrificed their lives for freedom by coming to our shores. These individuals possessed a passion and drive to better their station in life for their families by hard work. They also maintained a cohesive and collective respect for each other by displaying a sincere gratitude for the ability to seek the 'American Dream'. The income generated by employing these principles in this manner, is the impetus for the basic rights and freedoms we appreciate today in our daily lives. However, there is a disconnect of sorts when the American people are subjected to legislation or theories which obfuscates the principles of capitalism and the desires of sovereignty as documented in the Constitution.

From a distance one can see the dismantling of our way of life by the newest occupants of power, unwittingly given their orders for 'change' by the American electorate. Most importantly, this entire chapter in American history will come to a conclusion soon enough. Our destiny has been preordained and we do know however, that whatever we do, God is truly watching us from a distance.

Thanks Again