You cannot legislate common sense.

Recently there were three auto accidents that I know of. Two of the cases look like they will be resolved without a lot of fuss, while another makes headlines. It looks like two of the cases will spawn still more new laws. Really though I think that there are already enough laws on the books. What it boils down to is common sense.

Last Tuesday, I was rushing to work, driving my wife's 98 Kia Sephia. As I was approching a traffic light, I reached for a ringing cell phone. I took my eyes from the road and rear ended another vehicle. The other driver might have been injured, I do know that she walked away from her vehicle. My wife's car appears to be a total loss and it is only the goodwill of my boss that has allowed me to keep working. It was my first major accident in over 200k and could have been avoided with either a hands free phone or simply ignoring the phone until the road was clear. I made a stupid mistake and will be paying for it, I was issued a warning for following too close. Meanwhile the lawmakers in this state will continue to push for restrictions on phone usage. Look for a hands free phone in my future.

Last Friday, a friend of mine was involved in an accident in which a 6 yr old boy was killed.
He has been accused of negligent homicide, along with OWI and other charges. What really is starting to bug me about this case is how he is being tried by the local media. I have known this person for several years. He has visited my home, worked on my cars. All in all, a nice guy, who like me, made a mistake. I am not going to try to justify his actions. Many of you who are reading this, know me and know of my relationship with alcohol. I take a dim view of anyone who gets behind the wheel after even one drink. It is but fo the Grace of God that I do not walk in his shoes.

Again, with this story making news, the state lawmakers will push for more laws regarding operating under the influence of alcohol, along with the laws on elderly drivers and anybody else in our commonwealth who appears ot disturb the peace of it's population.

Our lawmakers recently passed a bill which I object to. Rather than wait for the special election
to replace the late Sen Ted Kennedy, they changed a law to allow our governor to appoint a temporary replacement. This was signed sealed and delivered with the concent of the Democratic Party and under pressure for the national power structure. Rather than allow the people's voice to be heard, the took it upon themselves to fill the position.

Are there not enough laws in all of these areas, or do we simply have too many lawmakers with nothing to do. How about if we return government to the people. How about taking steps to reduce the size and power of our government and making it more accountable to those they serve. Now that would truly be legislating common sense. John

The Death of the American Union?

Are the pinky ringed thugs running scared? I think they should be. Why are they holding on so tight to a presidental administration that is failing miserably? Could it be that they are trying to hold on to power that is slipping away? I think so.

Over the last year or more, I have been hearing and reading stories about how the unions are in trouble. Day after day we are seeing stories about how companies are threatening to move union jobs and how unions are making concessions in order to keep them. That is not the union way. The union tradtition is to improve working conditions as well as pay and benefits for their members. Their weapon of choice has alwasy been the strike.

In today's market, unionized companies have to compete, not only with non union labor, but with labor from all parts of the globe. When a union threatens to stike, a company can simply pack up and take jobs elsewhere and they do. Sometimes, new companies will come into a market that is dominated by unions. They do so, not burdened by wage, pension and healt care plans imposed on them. they make competitive products at lower costs and make money. In time that will drive the unionized companies out of business or force them to negotiate reductions. That is what happened in the U.S. auto industry and why two of our three auto companies are now goverment owned. I forgot one other little item. Profit! A company whose cost per unit are not competivtive will soon lose money. You loose money too long and there go the jobs. The unions loose membership and they loose power. Those auto plants that are in thr process of being closed right now will never reopen. Those jobs are gone forever.

Where are the unions going now? The only places where unions can safely go is the health care industry and government. They do not have to face competivtive pressure. If you want to see government unions in action, look at the Postal Service. It is facing rising costs and handing less volume than ever. It is losing money at a growing rate. Customers who are facing increasing costs and reductions in service are taking their business elsewhere. In other parts of the public sectior, the problems are similar. Costs of government, driven in part by union contracts are growing at a time of decreasing tax revenues. Governments react by raising taxes, which has a net result of decreasing revenues furthur as taxpayers pack up and leave. Look at what is happening with California. Look at what is happening in your city or town..

Meanwhile back in D.C. the union leaders buddy up with the President of the United States, a President who they bought and paid for. I hope and pray that President Obama will be the last one. Whether they know it or not,he may be the one to put the last nail in their coffins with his health care, cap and trade and other legislation.

What may have been good for GM might have been good for the nation, but what is good for the unions is killing our nation.

John Kokolsk is the son of a deceased member of the Steelworkers Union and a former member of the Postal Workers Union. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Rhode Island College.

Your comments are welcome Please address them to kokoracer@gmail.com Comments in the subject line.

Warning! Rant in Progress

I support Congressman Joe Wilson! I am sick and tired of being abused, over taxed and lied to!
I am sick and tired of having my wages reduced every time the state decides it needs more money. I am sick and tired of driving on bad roads that my taxes pay for. I am sick and tired of seeing big corporations get bailed out while I fall behind on my mortage. I am sick and tired of seeing the auto industry and other industries being taken over while the rights of the citzens are being trampled.

My name is John Kokolski welcome to my world. Recently the state of Massachusetts decided that they needed more taxes. In their infinite wisdom they decided to raise sales taxes. With the sales tax came an increase in the meals tax. Cities and towns were given the local option to raise taxes even further. Who is the one paying those increased taxes, the customer. Who gets hurt by the increase in taxes? ME!!!!!

I deliver pizza for a living. A few years ago, I decided to try doing it full time. I love my job. I have made a good living at it in the past. For several years it paid the mortgage and kept two cars on the road. I get paid in the form of wages, a run allowance and tips. In Mass, I get a wage below the minimum. Ct pays the minimum. The run allowance helps to pay for gas, maintence and insurance. It does not even come close, but it helps. I drive my own car, pay for my own gas, insurance and repairs. What I really count on to make a living is tips and that is the problem. When the government needs money, they add a tax, when corporate needs money, they raise prices to my franchisees. When they need money, they raise prices. When these increases hit the customer, what happens, they do not tip as well. I either have to work harder or reduce my standard of living. I am sick and tired of both!

Now I am sure that some wil say, why not get out of the business? Not as easy as it sounds. Currently I have heard quotes that the "real" unemployment in this country is close to 16%.
I am 55 years of age. The only other industry, I have ever worked in is in worse shape then what I am doing now. I was partially unemployed for six months this year and am currently trying to stay out of foreclosure.

What I am getting at is whether you know it or not, you are all in the same position I am in.
Every time you go to work, you feed the beast. Put gas in your car, you feed the beast, buy virtually anything at a retailer and feed the beast. If you own a home or a car, you feed the beast. Maybe it is time to stop the madness now.

I wish that I could have been in Washington this weekend. I had to work and could not afford to go. Unfortunately I fear that those voices will not be heard. There is only one way to kill the beast, shut off the blood flow. I hereby pledge to live my life in such a way as to minimize any revenue to any government anywhere. While I do not seek to engage in any illegal acts, I am going to take steps to reduce my tax liabilites and keep my taxable activities to a minimum.

I am also going to suggest a national tax holiday. It is time for us to take radical action. On the day to be determined, a general strike will occur. Those who chosse to join us, will not work, nor will be be in the stores. We will not buy gasoline or other taxable items. We will stay home and meet with our families and friends. It will also be a national day of rest. A true national day of prayer. Maybe someone will listen?

Hello Again

Well now, I have been trying to do a post here for several weeks. Just goes to show you what a sick wife and 80 hr weeks do to your time contraints. A warm welcome to the friends of the Howie Carr show. In addition to a periodic link on my FB page and on the Sound Off Ct site, this blog will now been seen on Howie's page. I just hope Junior and Steve understand.

I am a fan of both Jim's and Howies shows for similar reasons. While I live and work here in the Springfield Ma. area, I also have a part time job in Enfield Ct.. Both of these shows are very similar in theme and I think that we who are fans of both shows can help link them together even if it informally.For those of you who are fans of Jim, try Howie's show. It is broadcast out of Boston with a local station in Springfield, 560, WHYN from 3-7 pm. Howie does Mass politics and the national scene with an accent on Boston.. For you Howie fans, Jim Vicevich and his Sound Off Ct show runs from 9am to noon on WTIC 1080 out of Hartford. Jim does Ct politics and the national scene as well. Both hosts tend to be libertarian/conservative and that pretty much fits me as well.

Since the folks from SOC know me pretty well. I am going to introduce myself to Howie's friends. My name is John Kokolski. Born and raised in R.I., I graduated from Woonsocket schools and hold a B.A. from Rhode Island College. I have always been interested in politics and was involved from a young age. I held a sign for George McGovern. Graduating from college in the Carter years and doing a stint in the military proved to me conclusively that liberal ideas do not work. After several years of traveling the stock car circuit, I relocated here to Springfield wher I married my wife Janet. Our full house consists of two poodles, and african grey and a host of smaller birds. I make my living as a pizza delivery person for Domino's Pizza. As to what a pizza guy is doing writing a blog, I am just going to ask you to stay tuned and find out.

Till next time John

An Open Letter to President O Bama

Mr President

I am writing this blog using the freedoms that have been guaranteed to me by the Consitution of the United States. Those freedoms include LIFE, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Depending on which agency you contact, you will find that I am, employed, and a homeowner in the city of Springfield Ma.. I have been married only once,and am still married to her after some 18 yrs.

I graduated from high school in 1972, attended Providence College for three years and got my B.A. from Rhode Island College in 1979. I went on to a brief career in the U.S. Army and was discharged under honorable conditions in 1982.

Over the years, I have been successful in a number of areas ranging from a career in the automotive industry, involvement in an auto racing ministry, and a period spent as an internet columnist for several regional and national websites.

Here is the problem Mr. President. I am both a handicapped person and a disabled veteran.
I was born with several defects including a hand/eye coordination issue. If I had been a fetus today, I would have never been born. The same could be said for my wife. In the 50s her mother took a drug. As a result, my wife could never concieve. We are a childless couple in our 50s.

I have accepted my limitations and have always worked around them. Despite my handicap, I was able to complete military training. My VA disablity has less to do with my handicap and more to do with some stupid actions on my part.

The move to nationalize heath care scares me. I may be 20% disabled, but I am still 80% able.
Last week I worked some 80 hours as a pizza delivery person. I spent another 10 hrs maintaining my home and several more assisting my wife. Sleep is an option.

My wife depends on Mass Health for her medical treatment and I use the VA. Each month my wife has to visit her doctor to get her pain killer medication. Every month it is a battle for her to stay functional Under your plan her life would be worthless. She would be classified as a non productive citizen. She would be amoung those forced to consider assisted suicide.

I try to avoid using the Veterans Administration. That currently leaves me with untreated diabetes. I would rather self treat than face the doctors and the wating lines. I use the mental health unit, but only under extreme conditions. My fear is that in time, I too will face the lable of a non productive citizen.

Mr President, You cannot give life nor should you or your government have the power to take it.
That includes forcing abortions on people as well as assisted suicide. I have always believed that we as Americans value life. Our elderly, our veterans and our unborn all deserve a chance.

Thanks

John Kokolski
an American citizen

Cash for Clunkers? I want to trade in John Kerry!

Disclaimer!!!

I currently am driving my wife's 98 Kia Sephia, which does not qualify as a Clunker. By choice, I have been driving 4 cyl fuel saving vehicles for most of my 35 yr plus driving career. I am also an admitted car nut. My favorite vehcles of all time include the Ford Capris of the early 70s and the Hemi powered Mopars of the mid 60s.

Could you please tell me where I can trade in Senator John Kerry for the Clunker credit? If the price is right, I will add in Senator Ted Kennedy and the House delegation from the state of Massachusetts. If the purpose of the legislation is to improve fuel economy and reduce carbon emmisions, I cannot think of a better way than to trade in our elected representatives for newer lighter and more efficient models.

In the long run the C for C law is the biggest bomb to hit Detriot since the Edsel and here is why.

Yes there are a number of cars on the road that could/should be scrapped. Most of these are driven by low income people. This law only permits credit towards the purchase of new vehicles. That alone puts it our of reach to those who need it. It requires that all vehicles must be scrapped after the engine has been disabled. This reduces the supply of used vehicles and thus the prices on them will rise, furthur hurting the poor. The requirement that the vehicles be scrapped has a double whammy. Prices for scrap have already fallen, this supply will push them down further still. Meanwhile, the poor get wacked again as prices for used parts will increase.

Detroit, Japan and other car countries share a common problem. There is only so much demand for new vehicles. The manufacturers have been building too many cars for too long and have resorted to discount pricing. All this does is move demand forward. The C for C law does more of the same. What will happen when the law finally ends? Demand will fall back to previous levels. What Detriot and the other car builders will have to do is to continue to reduce their production until the supply is equal to the demand. That is pretty simple. I leaned that in Econ 101. Oh, I forgot, Barney is capable of running a bank but never studied Economics.

Hey! for the right offer, I will toss in Chris Dodd and Deval Patrick

The "N" Word

Hello folks



I grew up in the 60's and 70' on the edge of what used to be know as a slum. The polite term then was "The Inner City". My neighborhood was made up of working folks of all races creeds and colors. We had our gays, our loose women and our welfare families.



My fmaily had moved into the area in 1960 when I was 6 years old. My dad had had a business in the area before that. While not in the upper crust of the community, we had "respect". Respect in those days was earned. It was how you treated people that counted. As early as I can remember, the one word that was off limits, was the N word.



I make no claims to perfection. There is only one person who was ever that way and he died on the cross. Still, I did try to do what my parents wished. I chose my friends carefully. It wa a pretty mixed gang, most of us were in Boy Scouts together and had other interests we shared.

Hanging together were some catholics, some protestants and even a lutheran family. My neighbor from across the street was darker than most of us. His family came from The Azores and was of Portugese decent. I met my first black family when i was eight years old. they were just like us, working folks. they went to church and like most others , we never treated them with anything other than respect. I might have used the N word once and got a beating for it.

My father then explained to me the evils of racism and how using that word would cause my family to loose the respect that he had worked so hard to earn.

From that background, I come into today. I am a middle aged white male. As part of my job, I spend a good bit of time in the inner city. Having been in this area and in this field for several years, I know that I have many customers who watch for me. I have earned the respect of people I work for and with.

What I do not understand is how certain groups of people use that word without a thought. I hear young people of many races refer to each other using the word, the word that would hav earned me scorn by my peers and a beating by my parents. I wonder if they realize the meaning of the word. I wonder if they realize that by using that word they are beating themselves up in a society that seems to have little use for them to begin with. I wonder where the pride is, where the self respect is? I for one do not see it. Until you respect yourself, no one else will respect you.

At the same time I wonder, why does so much of today's popular music glorify the inner city lifestyle? When growing up, tyhe inner city was a place to grow up and leave. Leave I did, for another city. My home today is still in a working class area. My neighbors today are a diverse lot. Will I choose to leave the area? I think not. We are safe and happy here. We have respect. In the end, that is what matters today.