casa di bloogue

chaska, minnesota

Commencing All Hallows' Eve Tradition

2011-10-30_17-17-56_267

I've tried to convince them that they should just dig in without their plastic bags but they refuse. Lots of "oh gross" and "ewws" coming from the kitchen. I seem to have raised a couple of city slickers. Thanks to my co-worker Chris and his roommate David for the pumpkins from his parents farm! 

Please oppose new airline taxes

Reducing the federal deficit is important, that I understand. But to go after one of the least profitable and heavily taxed industries around is incredibly foolish.
Here's a copy of a letter I sent to congress members representing Minnesota. 
October 24, 2011

Dear Representative Kline, Senator Franken, and Senator Klobuchar,

I am a constituent and an employee of __________, and I am writing to request that you oppose any additional taxes or fees on commercial aviation.

My industry already pays more than its fair share of taxes - more than the alcohol or tobacco industries, whose products are taxed at high levels to discourage their use.

Today, taxes and fees on a typical $300 round-trip ticket already account for more than $60 or 20 percent of the total cost. And those taxes have been growing. In 1993, the industry's tax burden was $3.7 billion, excluding income taxes. Today it is $17 billion.

New taxes would place a significant new burden on my airline and our customers, even as we cope with volatile jet fuel prices and an unsteady economy.

Keep in mind that the airline industry is critical to the nation's economic health. Commercial aviation drives more than $1 trillion in economic activity and more than 5 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product each year.

Ensuring that airlines do not suffer an increased tax burden is a key issue for my company's 80,000 employees, who depend on the health of our airline to support our families. I would respectfully request your strong and active opposition to any new taxes or fees on aviation, airlines and our customers.

Sincerely,
Bradley Johnston

For further reading, refer to http://www.stopairtaxnow.com/

Update 10/26: Nothing from Senator Klobuchar, an email from Senator Franken stating he receives several thousand messages each week, and one from Representative Kline stating he also opposes such a tax.

Today's Interaction with Dish Network

Please wait while we find a representative to assist you...

Welcome to DISH Network Chat.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Hello Bradley.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): How may I help you today?

Bradley :  I was wondering how much time I had left on my contract with Dish Network?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): I will be happy to assist you with your contract details.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): For security purposes, would you please verify the 4 digit PIN on the account?

Bradley :  **** 

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Thank you.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Your contract is ending on 07/16/2012.

Bradley :  OK

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Is there a reason you are asking about the contract details?

Bradley :  how much is the termination fee?

Bradley :  I'm trying to weigh the costs between canceling the service or riding it out with barebones programming and equipment

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): The cancellation fee is $157.5.

Bradley :  that must be prorated?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Is there any way I could save you as a Dish Network customer.

Bradley :  not likely, we have free service through direct tv. my wife's company is affiliated with them and its one of the benefits of the position she has

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): I understand your concern.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): DIRECTV has the highest upfront receiver fees in the industry by far, generally charging $99 (for HD or DVR) or $199 (for HD DVR) per TV.

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): You will save money staying with DISH even when you compare to their temporary promotional prices - You might save some cost while their promotional period is running, you factor in their higher everyday pricing, their monthly fee for a 2nd TV, their high upfront fees, and their commitment requirements, you will save money by staying with DISH.

Bradley :  how can you compete with free?

Nathaniel (ID:  JJP): Your satisfaction is very important to us, so I would like to transfer you to an account specialist for further assistance. Please hold while I transfer you.

Nathaniel (ID: JJP) has left the session.

Please wait while we find an agent from the CH69 - Loyalty department to assist you.

You have been successfully transferred to Thiana (ID: LCA) with the Loyalty department.

Thiana (ID:  LCA): I will be handling your request today. Please give me a moment to access your account and review your conversation with the previous agent.

Bradley :  is this for real?

Thiana (ID:  LCA): Your patience is greatly appreciated.

 
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