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Dear Friends,

From the last TeamBlog, I was scheduled to continue my writing on the newest law of the land, but I decided to forego such a depressive topic and instead, resurrect my natural and ebullient optimism for life that I'm well known for! With this as my tonic for inspiration of the soul, I began my physical regimen by jumping for joy! As a big man weighing over 270 pounds, I might have created a sizeable earthquake in Los Angeles only to view my collection of BobbleHeads, Mr. Magoo, William Shakespeare and my Hawaiian Hula Dancers wobbling uncontrollably seeking a dancing companion! Oh well, my enthusiasm for a change from the chronic dysfunctional members we hear so often in residence in Washington and other sycophants scattered throughout the country, this alone, has energized my disposition and confidence that all circumstances will in time have a fortunate outcome.

Spring has sprung and I'm truly happy we are now in a Season where the Sun shines brighter, the grass is greener, flowers bloom in all colors, the bountiful smell of the Season abounds and folks are ready to end a hibernation where a winter of discontent can be considered a distant memory. Such an occurrence can be revisited in the back of our minds once we're reminded of an actual or daily encounter from a past association. Nonetheless, we all know these problems will eventually solve themselves when the courage to change the status quo and the silent wisdom of a good majority of Americans finally kicks in.    

It's hard for many in this nation to get up everyday to look for work when jobs are scarce, when bills continue to pile up and there's no food on the table nor the ability to pay the mortgage. Consequences are disastrous as foreclosures, bankruptcies and chronic anxiety are holdovers of previous Seasons with no end in sight. The only solace one has, to overcome these obstacles, is to seek the guidance of a higher source. In my life the Good Lord provides the comfort I need. Once again, not just in times of anxiety or difficulty, I've embraced the values of patience, humility and forgiveness. Without them I would be unable to live in a society where at times honesty and the truth in all matters of importance are either obscured or difficult to find. While the debate for the soul of this country continues, perhaps the struggles and challenges of Americans during this Great Recession will make this a better nation after all.

Mortgage Rates Are Rising Again

We have noticed an increase in mortgage rates during the past few weeks. Economists are starting to worry that many investors are losing their desire to purchase Treasuries. This current mindset is due to the overwhelming government debt and the consequences this situation will create in the future. We urge you to review our current rates and pricing policy on our website. As always, we will meet or beat any advertising fixed conforming mortgage rate. The rates posted change daily. If you are a 'shopper', we welcome your comparison. Please call our office at 323-936-3232 and you might be pleasantly surprised.

The Governor Has Arrived

On an upcoming TeamBlog, I will be discussing the ramifications of health care reform. Since this legislation was signed into law last week, the American people are beginning to dissect the provisions and the mandates this law provides. While an estimated 32 million Americans are now covered by health insurance, at what price has this new law divided the country?

Holy Week

Our office will be closed on Friday, April 2nd for Good Friday. MoneyTeam will reopen at 12 Noon on Monday, April 5th. We wish everyone a Happy Easter!  

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

I would like to preface my remarks to say that I'm concerned the 'health care reform' bill scheduled for a vote today, will begin a process where the ultimate goal is to have government intervention in control of our daily lives. While 'historic' can be considered an adjective for an esteemed accomplishment, this legislation is unworthy of such high accolades as the 'history' of its development is engulfed in corruption, bribery, extortion and the specter of breaking the rule of law. The roundabout way in which this legislation will garner the 216 minimum votes for passage, is counter to Article 1, Section 7 of the Constitution. While reform of the health care system is a project all Americans can agree demands and requires thoughtful, prudent remedies, the ferocious manner in which this legislation is being forced to a vote is truly unprecedented. The methods in which the Speaker, the Senate Majority Leader and the President are enforcing the passage of this legislation, is counter to the interpretation expressed by the Founding Fathers, most notably James Madison, the main architect of the Constitution itself.    

The 'reform' in which countless lives will change overnight are riddled with bouts of headaches and nightmares. The final details of this legislation is in the process of constant revision as more earmarks, empty promises, undocumented kickbacks and arm twisting tactics are utilized to force the hand of undecided Congressmen, in an all out effort of intimidation to vote or change a previous vote in the affirmative. The details and the consequences of the bill will raise insurance premiums, raise all health care costs, ration care, force Americans to purchase insurance with the threat of imprisonment, create a system of enforcement involving the IRS, diminish quality of care, refusal of doctors to treat Medicare patients due to Medicare cuts, more physicians will quit the business as their incomes decline precipitously, the decline of medical students seeking to practice medicine, all patient medical histories will be transferred online where privacy can no longer be assured, years of tax increases, the Federal debt skyrocketing in the trillions and the most egregious provision would allow taxpayer funded abortions. Socialized health care is on the verge of becoming law. As an American born in Cuba, I can see the day when health care resembles the disgrace just 90 miles from Florida's shores.

The Constitutional Crisis 

Most Americans have an indication of what's happening. As of January 20th, 2009 the winds of change has surrounded the nation with such intensity, there are limited resources within its grasp to slow the relentless and alarming speed of a transformation, where the daily lives of its citizens are no longer considered sacrosanct. The rule of law has become inoperative and has found its voice in a planned scheme to control the basic aspects of one's personal existence. George Orwell's 'Big Brother' has now become a manifesto where government power is the basis for the approval of one's individual pursuit of happiness and welfare of the family. The sociopaths in government, business and the media are in delight, as the basic fundamental structures of a democratic republic begins to disintegrate in front of weary eyes.

'Cancer Growing On The Presidency'

It was on the morning of March 21st, 1973 that a young attorney in a conversation with President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office, detailed the voluminous escapades of corruption and deceit under the auspices of an administration he was hired to represent. John Dean, counsel to the President began his remarks by stating the obvious: "We have a cancer within-close to the Presidency, that's growing. It's growing daily. It's compounding. It grows geometrically now, because it compounds itself." 

(This conversation has been recorded) http://www.whitehousetapes.net/transcript/nixon/cancer-presidency

Later that year, John Dean testified about this very exchange in front of a transfixed nation at the Senate Watergate Committee Hearings. Many of us remember the Chairman, North Carolina Democrat Senator Sam Ervin, a true man of genuine character, homespun values and possessing an array of amusing and compelling anecdotes rich in wisdom. He loved the Constitution and extolled the numerous virtues of the Founding Fathers in his defense of civil liberties.

On the other side of the aisle months later, Articles of Impeachment were approved by members of the House Judiciary Committee. Chairman Peter Rodino presided over the high drama as 3 Articles of Impeachment, 'obstruction of justice', 'abuse of power' and 'contempt of Congress' were approved by the House of Representatives.

The 'cancer growing on the Presidency' continued to haunt the Executive Branch of government, as secretive, surreptitious criminal activities escalated into a fulcrum of disbelief once discovered by a shocked and exasperated nation. The 'third rate burglary' of the Democratic National Headquarters at the Watergate in June of 1972 became the focal point in a stream of daily headlines of wiretaps, IRS intimidation, CIA investigations, hush money, breaking and entering of private offices and the complete dissolution of law and order maneuvered by the main occupant in The White House.

One needs to be reminded the pursuit of the truth at all costs is the basic, fundamental approach and philosophy of journalism. The reporting of the Watergate horrors through the cooperation and intrigue of 'Deep Throat', gave assurances to reporters Woodward and Bernstein of The Washington Post the guidance and direction required to pursue the facts. All of the major networks in concert with the press, began their own investigations of an Administration 'out of control'.

Within 18 months of John Dean's assertions of the growing menace in his conversation with the 37th President, exactly 37 years ago to this day, Richard Nixon resigned in disgrace on August 8th, 1974. The 'smoking gun' audio tape, where it was revealed the President agreed to pursue a 'coverup' of the break-in, the elders in the Republican Party and the majority of Americans deemed it best to end the paralysis of governance, forcing Nixon's resignation. The following morning, in a tribute to the courage of a young Theodore Roosevelt and the lamentations of Nixon's beloved mother, the psychological frailties of despondency in childhood and as a young adult came full circle.

Scandal Similarities

Millions of Americans witnessed this acrimonious, perplexing and prolonged chapter in American history, which is seldom discussed today. Perhaps the exigencies of Watergate so resemble the current exploits of corruption, employed by a consortium that includes the active participation of the Executive Branch, Congress, Wall Street and the Media, one must be on guard to realize there's a sense of dejavu but with much larger implications for the preservation of American democracy.

The 'health care reform' bill is scheduled to be voted in the House of Representatives today. In order for a bill to become law under Article 1 Section 7 of the Constitution, both Houses of Congress must vote on the merits of the legislation. After the recording of the vote, the bill is then debated by members of the House and Senate in the Conference Committee to iron out any differences. Once the measure is accepted by both Houses of Congress, a new vote is scheduled for passage. If the legislation is passed, the bill goes to the President for his signature where it becomes law. In a nutshell, this is the system devised by the framers of the Constitution to incorporate a methodical approach where all legislation is scrutinized and accountability assured by the Legislative and Executive Branches of government, before a bill becomes the law of the land.

As a youngster I was thrilled to know more about how government works and how laws were adopted and enforced. Most Americans understand the basic premise in this process and to hear otherwise is unforgiving. Notwithstanding, we now have the complicit cooperation of 2 Branches of the US Government agreeing to circumvent the laws of accountability as written in the Constitution to pass a 'health care reform' bill. The measures in which the House Speaker and the Senate Majority leader, with the approval of the President to avoid the rule of law, this my dear friends has the beginnings of a divisive road towards insolvency and scandal. The road once traveled during the Watergate scandal in the early  1970's is now revisited with much more damaging consequences.

'Deemed' & 'Pass' & 'Reconciliation'

Legislation can never be 'deemed' as passed if not voted upon by both the House and Senate, nor is 'reconciliation' a Parliamentary maneuver in securing credibility of a bill's content. Even though the 'deemed' and 'pass' method will not be applied as reported yesterday, 'reconciliation' in the Senate poses the same ill effects. The damage to the Constitution if the 'health care reform' bill is 'passed' under obsequious and clandestine methods, will ultimately end the integrity of the US Government for years to come. Any legislation passed and written into law in this manner, along with the provisions of the 'health care reform' bill itself, will be aggressively contested and in the end, be considered an unconstitutional exercise in futility.

When we look back to another time, we can appreciate the irony in which this nation is held captive today. The 'cancer on the Presidency' has now spread its malignancy not just on the Executive Branch, but in the Halls of Congress and by a constrained silence in the newsmedia. The main players eager to report the corruption and the menacing attributes of government in turmoil during Nixon's reign, are nowhere to be found when the Constitution is defamed by the planned actions of those seeking to circumvent the rule of law. One's profession or party affiliation should never cloud the simple discernment of right from wrong.

Journalists are no longer viewed as the bulwark of objectivity or the purveyors of the truth. A mediocre approach where substance is no longer viewed as a prerequisite for the reporting of facts, the basis of impartiality is dismissed and gathers no value. Most Americans who view the nightly news,  24 hour cable news stations or read the dwindling number of newspapers across the country, are compelled to adopt a mindset in which anything that surfaces as fact, must be challenged in order to redeem its true credibility. America has become a nation in need of trustworthy men and women in a profession where the respect and responsibility to inform the nation during unfolding events must be considered genuine and without reproach. At one time, not so long ago, journalism as a profession was highly valued. Since the  primaries and the General Election of 2008, many journalists lost sight of their responsibilities and endorsed one candidate over another. The divisiveness we see in America today, can be construed as a direct result of the abrogation of its role in a democracy where bias has become the operative word of a 'cancer growing daily'. 

When the main cast of characters work in concert to bend the rule of law by any means necessary to accomplish their objectives, the psychological implications of one's motivation can easily be deciphered. A sense of abandonment, the strict discipline of a family member, the personal failures in various episodes during the early years of childhood, all conspire to create the circumstances which direct one's predisposition towards a diluted sense of accomplishment as an adult. Unfortunately, many of these adults seek the adulation and the fortune of their peers in a contest reserved for children. Americans are now witnessing the disturbing effects of parenting gone wrong. Corruption, bribery, deceit and the abandonment of decorum have risen the stakes in a 'Constitutional Crisis' where maturity and integrity are sidelined for the rush of invincibility.

Most adroit citizens have come to the realization that a good percentage of politicians face internal challenges in absorbing reality. There were several examples that occurred during the past week, when Americans were scratching their heads in utter amazement when the Speaker of the House mentioned 'we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it.' The President joined the bandwagon of memorable quotes by stating that "I don't spend a lot of time worrying about what the procedural rules are in the House or the Senate." We also had a Congressman change his vote for the 'health care reform' bill from a no to a yes after riding with the President on a big plane, none other than Air Force One around Ohio and Washington. Certainly James Madison nor serious minded Americans, would ever have conceived of such a display of hubris when our lives have become fodder for unplanned comedy skits or better yet, a sitcom without a laughtrack!

If the 'health care reform' bill is passed by the 111th Congress, with the approval and participation of the 44th President, the die has been cast. Lawsuits from State Attorney Generals, private citizens, demonstrations for repeal and the unrest of Americans across the country are just a few of the various consequences one can envision almost immediately. Consequently, the careers of many Democrats in Congress will come to an end in the November mid-term elections.

As America came to admire Senator Sam Ervin so many years ago during a stressful chapter of this country's vast history, we will come to know men and women who will rise to the occasion, preordained by destiny to remind us no man is above the rule of law in a nation founded by the works of Divine Providence. 'The Constitutional Crisis' has made its presence known, while the fight for the soul of America begins anew.

Thanks Again   

Dear Friends,

Within a few days I'll be with my newest friends eating corned beef and cabbage and drinking my fill of Irish coffee and green beer! At least once a year I consider myself of Irish patronage, even though I do not have a long form birth certificate to show my Irish pals that I was born in Dublin! It's been said that all Americans are Irish on St. Patrick's Day. On this specific occasion, the ritual of jump starting one's undiscovered talent of viewing the little Leprechauns swirling around one's peripheral vision, can only be accomplished by the pleasure of drowning in several pints of Irish Stout in less than a 24 hour period. I'm fortunate to live close by to Tom Bergin's where I can walk home or hire a cab once I've come to the realization that I might be driving over the rainbow towards the pot of gold that has eluded me for most of my adult life! I blame those pesky Leprechauns from hiding their gold coins by playing 'hide and seek' all these years!

If you're in the neighborhood, everyone is invited to join me for a memorable time with the Leprechauns that reside in Los Angeles! I'll be at Tom Bergin's on Fairfax between 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on St. Patricks' Day, Wednesday, March 17th. You can't miss me as I'll be the only Cuban in attendance! See you there! Please check Tom Bergin's at www.tombergins.com for directions.

'Luck Of The Irish Sale'

Please check our website for 'Luck... Sale' which coincides with St. Patricks Day activities. The sale ends this coming Friday, March 19th! Take advantage of the great savings MoneyTeam is offering if you apply online. This ain't no blarney! 

Current Mortgage Rates

There has been a slight uptick in conventional mortgage rates during the past 7 days. MoneyTeam offers up to 60 day lock-ins. Check our most current rates on our website for more details.

Verdant Pastures?

For many Catholics, the Lenten season encourages us to either fast or abstain from specific foods or activities in which we might participate during the year. This self-imposed sacrifice brings us closer to a basic understanding of our role in a grandiose scheme where our presence on earth has tremendous importance. We are humble servants to those in need of professional services a company or an individual offers. One can be a janitor, doctor, lawyer, garbage collector or even a seamstress. Any profession in which service is given, the participation to be the best at one's profession, is the call of human interaction.

While our efforts in a perfect world will always be appreciated, there are many instances in today's society where such ideals are no longer seen as noteworthy or appreciated. 'The Great Recession' as is now widely referred to, has demonstrated the lack of respect and the wanton arrogance of power among those in capacities to shape our destinies. We all know the influence and the disdain for the work ethic of those in Government, Wall Street and the Media by promulgating philosophies counter to the virtues and values which has created this nation from the sweat, tears and the sacrifice of its citizens. In every generation, Americans have had the foresight to understand the concept of hard work to better one's lot in life and those of the family. By expanding government in every avenue of one's life, so that independence is no longer viewed as a virtue but as a hindrance to the control others have for your existence, this my dear friends has the ingredients of tyranny. 

For over one year, this country has debated the 'health care reform' bill offered by the majority party. After numerous speeches where the truth was never spoken either from a tele-prompter, the halls of Congress, the press or conversed by the 'talking heads' in various news programs, Americans no longer trust or believe in anything these people or institutions have to say. I'm sad to say that I for one have lost confidence in the ability of these entities to tell the truth. Once this happens, its best to turn off the television or turn the sound to mute anytime these characters decide to perform in a Shakesperean attempt at redemption. Hot air is still hot air and and when it permeates my television set, its time to turn it off before it overheats and causes a power outage!

With this animosity boiling as the backdrop, the US faces a crisis we have not seen since Watergate. If the 'health care' bill is passed by convoluted, unconstitutional measures, a revolt of unheard proportions will become evident almost immediately. All of us need to pray the passage of this bill will not provoke violence nor the loss of life in skirmishes across the country. American democracy and the rule of law will, in the end, see this legislation repealed and deemed unconstitutional after the 'tsunami' at the polls, come this November.  

Hope Springs Eternal!

I received a surprising call from one of my clients this afternoon! My good friend Antonella told me of her excitement in finally becoming approved for a loan modification from Wells Fargo! After 14 months of yelling, kicking and just from sheer exhaustion, I was delighted to hear the good news! In my experience, one needs to have the patience of Job in order to see a loan mod go through!

MoneyTeam has several loan modifications that are finally wrapping up after 1 year as well. I'm grateful our clients were able to secure rates as low as 2%! MoneyTeam no longer accepts these requests as the frustration and the time needed to solve one's problem can last for months. However, what we started over 1 year go for other clients, I'm happy to report, sucess is imminent!

'The Constitutional Crisis'

Perhaps by this time next week, Americans will know if the majority party in Congress has approved their version of 'health care reform'. If passed, the consequences for the credibility of American democracy is in jeopardy. In the next TeamBlog, I will discuss the long term effects of government out of control.   

Thanks Again      

Dear Friends,

In everything we do, there is a space in time where our dreams and goals come to fruition after much sacrifice and patience. In my simple capacity to give sincere advice to those in need of comfort, I always strive to provide the best guidance by offering basic lessons in humility. Certainly, there are occasions where the path I seek for others is fully ignored by my sudden or temporary frailties of indecision I have in myself. It is only logical that I should embrace the methodical advice I give to those who seek my opinions. By so doing, I am expected to live under harmonious outcomes or by unforseen compelling circumstances. In Scripture, we are reminded of simple interactions where one's struggles in regards to character or integrity are explored by prevailing events throughout its passages.

In America today, the appointed time has come, where the future of this great nation is at a crossroads. Consequently, this current generation of Americans will either display its courage of convictions by upholding the values of personal responsibility, liberty and freedom or abrogate the entire ideals of democratic principles for the preservation of corrupt, arrogant and abusive voices. These powerful forces in government, media and business are seeking to transform a democracy towards a morally bereft experiment in socialism. This 'triumvirate' has demonstrated its abilities by rejecting the will of its citizens.

Health Care Dementia Continues

There are several issues currently under discussion which has permeated a vociferous debate in regards to the direction this country is headed. When the voices of a majority are heard and ignored by a recalcitrant power structure unwilling to heed the advice of concerned individuals, the consequences of such stubborn actions begins to engulf the energy of the nation. In efforts to stampede a 'health care reform' bill and utilize a rare and ubiquitous Senate maneuver by an oxymoron attempt of 'reconciliation', the grab for power and control of our lives is obvious. Americans are now in a fight to prevent an organized effort by government to intervene by fiat, in the private decisions one contemplates in choosing remedies to alleviate pain. The ability to choose a physician, a health procedure or medicine, will now have the hand of an uninvited presence. When exorbitant taxes are recommended to offset the voluminous higher costs of a superfluous attempt at 'reform', the contrived solution is worthless. The unintended 'reform' will in time cause more pain and suffering not just with the decline in service or quality of care, but in our pocketbooks. 

Notwithstanding, the distasteful approach by government in allowing abortion as a part of 'health care' is unthinkable. Abortion is not health care. The hard work and wages earned by Americans to pay for the destruction of life, in the newest attempt at transforming universal health care policies, are truly disturbing. There are efforts to have this legislation pass by both Houses of Congress during Easter week. How ironic it has become to set a goal of passage for legislation allowing our tax dollars to pay for a procedure where life is destroyed, to coincide with the celebration of life on Easter Day in the form of the Resurrection.

What more must Americans endure? 

It is no surprise to many, we are witnessing a complete lack of integrity and goodwill by the main power brokers elected to represent the interests of this nation. Indeed, health care reform is needed to help end sky rocketing costs. The solutions proposed by the majority party in Congress is tainted by the back room devices of bribery and corruption. This behavior is an illustration of the magnitude in which thoughts of distrust has permeated the culture to such an extent, civility is no longer regarded as respectable.

The day of reckoning is fast approaching. The appointed time when a nation collectively 'throws the bums out' has already started. When thoughtful and righteous advice is given by men of substance, one needs to sit up and take notice. Whatever happens during the next 8 months, the appointed time where the convergence of forces are reserved to change the destiny we are eager to embrace, this date has been set for November 9th, 2010.

New Pricing Policy

Please review our newest pricing policy, in effect since February 28th. We are committed to help our clients secure the lowest rates and fees on all mortgage transactions. Updates or changes to our policies will be posted once known. We encourage you to apply with MoneyTeam on your next Purchase or Refinance loan request. We are eager to hear from you! Please call our office at 323-936-3232 for more details. 

MoneyTeam WebSite Statistics

It gives me great pleasure to mention that our website is viewed by more persons than ever before! Our TeamBlog has created a tremendous amount of viewer traffic. While topics are diverse and at times do not incorporate the issues involving Real Estate or Mortgage Lending, one is compelled to use the bully pulpit to raise concerns in need of intelligent discussion. While there is a risk the views espoused might run contrary to those seeking a mortgage, one needs to appreciate the passion of one's convictions and the ability to communicate in a manner where contrivance is remote. We are living in challenging times. These weekly entries, helps me to provide a small window of opportunity where I can speak my mind and vent frustrations. In reviewing the latest statistics, it seems there are many readers, out of curiosity or of one accord, do indeed acknowledge a desire in accepting my approach towards life. I might be considered a curmudgeon by those that have reviewed my numerous entries or a passionate 'voice in the wilderness'. I am reminded the judgements of the public can be considered immaterial when one's heart is in the right place. I am humbled by the overwhelming response and will continue to provide a voice in a world where integrity is no longer a virtue to uphold.

Thanks Again