TEAMBLOG

Dear Friends,

The other day I came across Charles Krauthammers' weekly column where he mentioned a magazine blogger was thoroughly agitated by the failure of the American electorates' willingness to embrace the policies of the current administration. This blogger belittled the intelligence of Americans by stating we are 'a nation of dodos' and are just too 'dumb to thrive'. He might have been referencing the demise of 'health care reform' or the hesitant, cautious and patient review of legislation thoroughly scrutinized by open minded and intelligent Americans. Once reviewed in its entirety, most Americans have come to the conclusion the policies currently espoused by this government are surreptitiously designed to curtail one's liberties and freedoms. Whether the attributes and the consequences of additional tax increases, a burgeoning federal deficit, a worthless dollar, dubious attempts at 'health care reform', mounting foreclosures, chronic unemployment, incompetence in safeguarding its citizens from terrorists foreign and domestic and a renewed emphasis where the lives of the unborn are sacrificed for no apparent moral or virtuous reason, Americans are questioning the magnitude of a society where the foundations of its existence is reaching its nadir.

Since the election of a Republican to the Senate in Massachusetts just a few weeks ago, the entire philosophy of those seeking to impose government control over one's life, was soundly rejected. In as much as this is the 3rd major defeat of a Democrat in either a Governorship or a Senatorial seat to be gained by the opposition in a general election, most independent observers would agree attempts by the majority party for reconciliation or bipartisanship would be highly recommended. Unfortunately, the old tired and dispiriting mode of intransigence continues to hamper the public dialogue of contemporary issues as a weary nation seeks comfort from its mounting problems. There is no one to trust, there is no one that cares. Feelings of despair such as this reverberates in a society where integrity amongst our public servants is nowhere to be found. 

The 'Dodo' Recall

As a student in elementary school I was proud to have won the 6th grade spelling bee competition. I was awarded a Merriam-Webster dictionary. It was engraved with my name and I still have it in my possession, almost 45 years later. The vivid illustrations of various objects or animals along side its definition, was a highlight of this splendid book. I remember reviewing its contents and I was enraptured by a wonderful depiction of the 'dodo bird'! 

It's funny how events come full circle. I haven't thought of a 'dodo bird' in over 30 years! In researching the habitat of this harmless and selfless bird, we've come to know the 'dodo' lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. The 'dodo' was discovered by Portuguese sailors in 1507 and were made extinct 175 years later by the introduction of domesticated animals, cats, dogs, pigs and monkeys on this small island. The Europeans also killed and ate the birds but did not like the aftertaste as the 'dodo' meat was very tough to digest. The 'dodo' had no natural predators and did not have the ability to fly. All of these factors contributed to the rapid decline of the species. Even today there are no complete skeletal remains and the paintings of these creatures are 'exaggerations' of their normal weight and size.

The complete desecration and the eventual destruction of the 'dodo bird' is a true reminder of Darwin's 'survival of the fittest'. To juxtapose an eco-system of a small island where the 'dodo' thrived centuries before the infiltration of humans, to a modern society such as ours where individual members of a nation fight for survival, this is the profound dichotomy in which Americans seek redemption.

The 'dodo theory' of governance works quickly by disarming the electorate with charming promises of a 'chicken in every pot' only to be hoodwinked by a master plan where control of every aspect of one's life is the ultimate goal. Once the reins of power are handed to the office holders of the majority party, the savvy and swift utilization of its capabilities to influence the media and its business cohorts begins in earnest. The building of such momentum increases to such a level, where in a few short months the horror of invincibility begins to dwell on the conscience of those affected by the arrogant attributes and frailties of those in power. Most importantly however, is the passing of legislation designed to eradicate the ability of the free market system to flourish.

The 'Stimulus Bill' from last year along with the ongoing inept concept of a 'jobless recovery' with trilllion dollar budgets and similar sized deficits are all activities inspired by the 'dodo theory' of governance. A quick, measured and strong approach by government to transform the free market system towards a socialist European model where control of one's sovereignty, has become the fuel for all of its endeavours. In efforts by the current government to transform a nation from a democracy towards an alien concept of European socialism never known to exist in this country, is to unleash the fury of tradition by the silent and now vocal majority.

While the 'dodo bird' fought its extinction by the involvement and devolution of a pristine habitat by European settlers, we are mindful of the irony in which similar circumstances in theory can affect and have given thought to the current situation at hand, here in America. One can easily transpose the developments which created the extinction of the 'dodo' to the transformation of our society where our liberties and freedoms are jeopardized by the newest consortium of government, media and business interests eager to pull their weight in a scheme to control our destinies. If it took less than 2 centuries to eliminate the 'dodo', I can just imagine the amount of time it would take for the decimation of a democratic republic.

While the 'dodo bird' was considered dim witted for its benevolent disposition as there were no natural enemies to fight against, this pure and angelic pattern of existence was destroyed due to the direct and indirect result of the intervention of European settlers. It goes without saying the current crop of politicians in power, might just have the same tendencies.

Thanks Again  

Dear Friends,

It seems every so often I'm lifted to a higher level of consciousness by the spiritual voices of sopranos. As I was driving around town I was enraptured by the sterling sound of majesty represented on this occasion by Leontyne Price. For various internal reasons, I've become an aficionado of such exquisite purity that I am able to leave behind the worries placed upon my shoulders and escape the transgressions of those eager to harm my natural optimistic disposition.

Certainly the times we are in do not bode well for one's emotional harmony and the brief visit of Leontyne's magnificent voice in 'Aida' while driving to the market for groceries, was a brief vacation in mental paradise. While my words can conjure mild effects of bloviation, I am sincere in my thoughts and know full well my excitement in appreciating the angels we seem to take for granted all around us. While driving around Los Angeles listening to sopranos is harmless to say the least, others might consider this a trifle eccentric and out of character for those who seem to know me well. The only response I have, is to blame my eccentricities on government, as this institution of incongruity has affected or has changed the direction in which I now seek enlightenment. By resisting the trials and tribulations of the present day, I have now engineered a pattern of exotic or unusual modes of pleasure in order to alleviate the stress and anxiety manufactured daily by those we've elected to represent 'our' interests.

In all seriousness, the chronic struggles Americans face with high unemployment, continued foreclosures, rising homelessness and financial ruin can be attributed to those members in government, on Wall Street and with the portrayal of bias by the main street media. Journalism has become entertainment to the delight of those paying its movie ticket. The days of documentaries as historically insightful as 'Harvest Of Shame' reported by none other than Edward R. Murrow in 1960, are no longer envisioned by a media where money is the main source of all integrity. When reading a newspaper or viewing a nightly news program, one has to 'read between the lines' and decipher the affinity of the reporter or 'newsreader' in an attempt to define a sense of impartiality. The truth is hidden among many layers and its obfuscation is due to financial concerns. This concerted effort to constrain the news due to its effect on its corporate sponsors, adds to the lack of trust in this medium. No wonder newspapers across the country, nightly news programs and news cable stations are losing readers and viewers at an alarming rate! While the economy, the advent of the internet or lower advertising rates are all factors, the penultimate simple reason is integrity. Having the truth originate in all media presentations, is a virtue worth embracing.

I would not be surprised in the following weeks through my roundabout travels, other sopranos as the venerable Maria Callas, Dame Joan Sutherland and Renee Fleming, will provide the inspiration and the brief lift to make one's day as delightful as a walk in a field of lilies. This day is fast approaching.

Please check Leontyne's Price amazing performance in 'Aida' on YouTube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTuvi2IgFSk

 Additional Notes

We thank our clients for the success of our 'Share The Love Sale'. For those fortunate borrowers, love is in the air!

Please check our next TeamBlog where our new Pricing Policy and a discussion of current underwriting guidelines, the state of the mortgage industry and other forums will be explored.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

These past several days has seen a whirlwind of activity throughout the country. From celebrating Valentine's Day, President's Day, the newest Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras tomorrow, we as a nation are captivated and fascinated by the eagerness to escape the numerous problems we confront daily by our participation. For many of us this coming Ash Wednesday, we come full circle as the upcoming 40 days of reflection will provide days of fast and abstinence in a symbolic attempt to review the meaning of our lives and its direction. While we are given the profound ability to renew and contemplate our status in a nation where our sacrifices are yet to be appreciated by those powers oblivious to the obvious, we are content to know the inevitable will become reality in a few short months. When the majority of our representatives are awakened by the avalanche of derision, the full force of the American electorate will truly be known.

'Share The Love' Fee Sale

Please call our office at 323-936-3232 or apply online as our SALE ends this coming Wednesday, February 17th. Please check our website for more details.

MoneyTeam's New Pricing Policy

Please check our TeamBlog on Sunday, February 28th, where our newest Pricing Policy will take effect. MoneyTeam will do its part in lowering all fees and provide refunds on appraisals, processing and other closing costs to generate long lasting relationships with YOU and any of your family or friends you recommend to us.

'Lamentations'

Mortgage brokers have had a challenging time in keeping their doors open due to the numerous guidelines and restrictions imposed by the Federal government. These measures of control were implemented to end the tide of scandal and fraud as we've experienced as the result of 'sub-prime' loan originations. The Draconian controls by government intervention in this enterprise has favored banks to such an extent, there is the willingness to eliminate the influence of mortgage brokers in the marketplace altogether. This intervention by government will eventually harm the consumer as the rise in fees, mortgage rates, the lack of service and competition will occur in short order.

While it is true in any business concern there are parties that have unscrupulous methods in defrauding their clients, this cannot be said of numerous hardworking and integrity driven mortgage companies like ourselves. We are a 'Mom & Pop' mortgage company and our business is generated by referrals from our current and previous clients. It pains me greatly to be judged by the actions of a few. Perhaps the incompetence, corruption and greed of those we've elected to represent our interests to uphold the laws of this great nation, is the main basis for my frustration. I'm old enough to know there are forces at play in which companies such as ours are no longer afforded the balance or fair treatment once we've become accustomed to. In almost 21 years of originations in Southern California, we've had our ups and downs like most. However, I'm truly convinced MoneyTeam will be spared the wrecking ball, as our associations with all of our TeamMembers throughout the years has given us the sustenance to prevail during times of conflict such as these. We'll be around!  

'The Governor Has Arrived'

As promised, I will be discussing on a regular basis the issues which are creating the most conflict in California and the common sense solutions needed to avoid additional pain. Everyone in this State is suffering from the effects of financial irresponsibility and the inability of our lawmakers to comprehend its actions. We all need to have our voices heard before California transforms itself towards a banana ____________. You can fill in the blank.

'Mortgage Rates'

We've noticed rates have been going up these past few days. MoneyTeam offers up to 60 day locks. Please check our website for our current rates. The rates quoted on our website are for 15 day locks. Rates are higher for 30 and 60 day locks and also extensions. Please call our office at 323-936-3232 for more details.

Thanks Again