Matt Micros's Blog: Rantings, Ravings & Remembrances - Posts Tagged "brucewillis"

Sanctuary! Sanctuary! No, I wasn't just watching Charles Laughton in The Hunchback of Notre Dame as he pulls Maureen O'Hara from the platform, but I might as well have been with District Judge William Orrick playing the Laughton role. Illegal immigration is a difficult topic and one where I can see both sides. On one hand, I certainly don't want to see families split apart. On the other, I have seen families struggle to gain their green card legally. For the record, I think the Judge was likely correct in his interpretation that federal funding can come with strings attached, but you can't attach them after the fact. Having said that, those strings likely will be attached in October with the new Congressional fiscal year. But this article isn't to argue the policies of the new administration, or even the ruling from the Judge. It is to voice a concern over how any judge can be impartial after having raised $200,000 for President Obama, and donated $30,000 personally to him. Sometimes the appearance of impropriety is enough to wither the faith of the American people. And I'm talking about partisan politics on both sides of the aisle when I say that, even though both sides are equally in denial. An even a greater concern to me is when states try to take federal law into their own hands. What is the point of having a federal government when states are going to ultimately do what they like? Might as well eliminate the government, let people live in the areas that most closely represent their beliefs socially and fiscally, and cut out the government waste.

Speaking of things that make no sense....PMI. Private Mortgage Insurance. For those that don't know, PMI is required for anyone who puts less than 20% down when buying a home. It serves to help the lender, but is paid for by the BUYER until they reach 20% equity in the home. If a house is foreclosed on, and the bank is forced to sell at a loss, PMI pays the bank the difference. But here's the kicker that most people don't know...The private mortgage company then can come after YOU to recoup their losses. You pay for the bank's insurance and then the insurance company comes after you. Whaaaaaattt??? What's the point of having the insurance to begin with? If they aren't going to cover anything, what's the point in paying for it? Here's another thought. Wouldn't the number of foreclosures likely decrease if people weren't required to pay an extra $200-$600 a month in PMI? And isn't that the objective? Fewer foreclosures help the banks, help the mortgage insurance companies, and helps the owners. Now why would we want to do anything that does that?

AS THE SPORTS WORLD TURNS...

With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the question of character is a frequent topic. In particular where domestic violence or violent backgrounds of potential draftees are concerned. Joe Mixon, a star running back from Oklahoma once punched a woman in the face so hard, she required 8 hours of reconstructive surgery. Caleb Brantley, a 300 pound defensive lineman from the University of Florida also punched a woman, knocking her unconscious. Yes, she pushed him first and words were spoken, but c'mon man. Seriously? I have three thoughts on the subject. 1) I am sickened when any person gets violent with another. There are alternatives to solving problems. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a pacifist. But violence should be a last resort. Let the air out of their tires. Pour some sugar in their gas tank. Give them a hot foot. When did we lose our creativity in payback and solving disagreements? 2). The violence won't stop until these people lose something of value. If they go undrafted, and are forced to work long hours for low money just like the rest of us, maybe the next person will think twice before acting. 3). Any team that drafts one of these clowns will be a team I actively root against. Stand for something other than the almighty dollar, NFL owners.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK
Like a good story? Sharp, witty dialogue? Enjoy a heart tug or two? Tired of critics who claim a movie is good simply because it is different with its horribly depressing ending? Have I got a movie for you. Nobody's Fool (1994) stars Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, Bruce Willis and Melanie Griffith. Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.

Let me tell you that this movie is one of my all time favorites. The dialogue is understated but hilarious. Jessica Tandy's character is a school teacher who had taught Sully, and has always had a soft spot for him. When she asks him why he always bets on the trifecta horse race every day, Sully responds with, "Because it's due to come in one of these days." Her response, "That's exactly how I feel about you, Donald."

A movie about family, loyalty, and friendship. The acting is superb. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie. You won't regret the time spent.

Until next week....