Yes I do, Jay, and for the times during the year when my teaching contract
has run out and I have absolutely no assurance that it will be renegotiated
for the coming semester (like during summer and winter breaks) I have an
account with a known number of dollars in it that is printed on the
unemployment forms that I get every semester. Right now it stands somewere
in the vicinity of $25 grand. That account is debited for every dollar I
draw from it, and when it goes to zero so does my unemployment check.

That's a fascinating system that does not exist in either of the
states I've owned businesses in. I like it -- although, of course,
it's all smoke and mirrors, no different than our "Social Security"
system that is neither "social", "secure", or much of a "system".

SUUURRRRE THEY CAN. You have heard of the initiative and referendum
process, yes? Or is Iowa not yet on board with these 19th century
innovations for power to the people?

Bwahahahahahahahahahhaha!

A pro-business referendum? Here? Get real. The last election of a
pro-business candidate in Johnson County occurred before I was born --
and I'm gonna be 49 this year, with luck.

You keep saying how much money is required to run for office. I agree; it
is one of the warts on our political system.

Actually, I've never commented on the cost of running for office. You
must have me confused with some other crazy innkeeper... ;-)

However, if somebody runs, and
if their message rings true with enough of the local factions, the money
will flow.

And there you have it. The politicians have done such a wonderful job
of bribing us with our own money that there is NO WAY anyone would
vote to limit taxes in support of "Workforce Development". Hell, even
the NAME of the department has been changed (from "Unemployment") to
make it politically unlikely to cut. After all, who could POSSIBLY
cut anything called "workforce development"?

But ya gotta do it. And you need to dedicate the time to do it. Or let
Mary run. I'd vote for her in a heartbeat.

Now there is an idea. Hell, she wastes a good 49 hours every week
sleeping -- I'll get her on it right away...

And did you appeal it, as is your right (at least in Californicate) or did
you let that ****ant little "administrative law judge" at the first hearing
be the deciding judge? Those idiots are not really skilled in UI law; they
are picked from a group of attorneys who hope someday to land the plush job
of "real" judge.

I appealed it as high as it could go. It made no difference. I had
every fact in my favor, people willing to testify against the guy --
and it did not matter.

I'll talk to Bugsy, and if he okays the vigorish arrangement you can have as
much as you want. Just watch out for your kneecaps {;-)

Hey, Jim -- speaking of organized crime -- let's talk about the
incredibly successful new casino hotel that recently opened just two
freeway exits south of us. Let's talk about the incredible demand for
gambling that this hotel is tapping into, to the tune of millions of
dollars per MONTH.

Let's talk about the jail cell I will occupy if I respond to my
customer's demand by following suit and installing slot machines in my
meeting room...

Try explaining THAT to your kids. I can't.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"