Automakers & 8-Track Tapes

AN OPEN LETTER TO AMERICANS
By Troy Dunn

Dear fellow Americans,

Many of you realize that bailing out bad businesses is a very bad idea. Some of you are conflicted about this when it comes to "the big 3 automakers". Let me explain it to you in a way that may make more sense.

First of all, lets all stop using the phrase, "the auto industry" when talking about the proposed bailout. The big 3 are not the entire industry. They would like people to believe so, but they simply are not. There are other players in the industry both big and small who will fill any hole left by the demise of any of the "big 3".

And while we are changing our vocabulary on this topic, lets stop calling them "the big 3". What does that really mean anymore? The 3 biggest piles of debt? The 3 most out of date car builders in the U.S.? If they need a title, perhaps we can call them "the Worst 3" or maybe "the bankrupt 3" or possibly "the bottom 3". Let's not let self-ordained titles linger any longer. They only cause emotional confusion for Americans who don't want to bail them out but don't want to be accused of being un-American. They are not "the big 3" on any level that is good any longer.

How about a few fun facts:

Fact: When a snake sheds it's skin, some people mistake the peeling reptile to be a sick or dying snake. In fact quite the opposite is true. That snake is tossing off the old, useless skin for a sleek new surface which allows for better mobility and safety. The shedding skin isn't pretty to watch, but it is a good thing.

Fact: When a beautiful and majestic oak tree sheds its leaves in the fall, the untrained eye may mistake the tree to be dying. Of course most realize it is a very natural and wonderful part of the cycle of life. We know that those suddenly bare branches will eventually be covered with thick, green, healthy leaves bringing beauty, shade and even oxygen to the environment around the tree.

So it is with a free market. Every day, week, month and year, a free trade market is busy shedding bad businesses and making room for new young growth. It is extraordinary to witness. To the untrained eye, it may seem that death is in the air when in fact the exact opposite is true. It is one of the amazing and consistent elements of our economy and a part of what makes America the land of opportunity.

Only a fool would try to tape the shedding skin of a snake back on to the snake. Only a fool would attempt to artificially attach the fallen leaves of a winter tree back to the bare branches. AND ONLY A FOOL would think that pouring billions of dollars into a bad business will somehow over-power the free-market process. Bad businesses (regardless of what makes them a bad business) will always be flushed out of a free-market to make room for good businesses. it really is that simple. That's the good news of the day. If a company sells a superior product at a competitive price, is properly managed and operates within it's means, it will thrive in a free market. Anything less will cause it's eventual demise.

Thank God for the free market system.

For those who are still struggling with whether or not these old-timers in the auto industry should be bailed out, try this little exercise; every time you hear anything said about "the big 3 automakers" in the news, replace those 4 words with these 4 words, "8 track tape industry". Soon, you will understand that companies who continue to offer out-dated products and inferior technology must eventually fade away. It's not mean-spirited or un-American, it's simply good business. When the 8-track tape industry was losing market share to cassette tapes (who lost market share to CDs, who are now losing market share to mp3s) there were jobs lost, plants closed, etc. But the world kept turning. People who were employed as 8-track tape manufacturers eventually learned to build cassette tapes and new jobs, companies and industries emerged. So it will be when (not 'if') one of the major auto makers goes belly up.

This purging of old technology and out-dated business models has been needed in the auto industry for decades. Finally, the time for change and progress has come to the automobile business. Don't fear it; embrace it and celebrate it. Better cars, better fuel economy, better fuel options, better value, better designs, they are all forth-coming. Nothing can stop it now for the free market has spoken. But one bad thing could occur; tax payers could lose billions of dollars trying to save the automotive equivalent of the 8-track industry.

My fellow friends and tax payers, say NO to taping the shed skin back onto the snake. Say NO to trying to put the fallen leaves back on the winter branches And by all means, say NO to investing in the failed and out-dated businesses of Ford, GM and Chrysler. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is on the horizon. Lets move forward.

We will be better for it, I promise.

And that's a DunnDeal!

Troy Dunn
Author: Young Bucks: How To Raise A Future Millionaire
AKA "The Locator" on WE TV

U.S. Economy: A Self Fulfilling Prophecy Driven By FEAR!

By Troy Dunn
www.DunnDeal.com

This current economy is the epitome of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Every headline and news story which is negative about the economy includes the word "fear". Example from an article in the news today: "The euro has been bolstered by a string of downbeat U.S. economic reports, too, that has driven the dollar lower and lower as fears of a U.S. recession mount."

FEAR! It is the new "F" word.

What don't people get? This economy is NOT some run-away truck barreling down the mountain side with all of us hanging on as passengers! It is a vehicle which WE sit in the drivers seat of! Our "fears" are causing a chain reaction which is quite literally giving life to the fears themselves!

Troy Truth #1
If we could calm everybody down for just a moment and talk sense into them, this economy could actually stabilize and begin the rebound. But so long as there are scared people running through the streets shouting "the sky is falling", we will continue to spiral down.

If you have spent any significant time traveling by airplane, you have no doubt experienced turbulence. When that airplane hits that first air pocket and startles the sleeping passengers, the first reaction of most people is to look straight at the nearest flight attendent. Why? Because they are looking for some sort of reassurance that everything is fine. As they see her casually continue to serve drinks, we realize, that little turbulance was nothing to be concerned about. But... if they were to see terror in her eyes and panic in her voice, they too would begin to feel panic and their actions would begin to be driven by emotion, not logic.

In the instance of this economy, Americans are feeling the occasional economic turbulance that accompanies a free market like ours. When they look up for reassurance (usually to the media) they are NOT getting the reassuring message they deserve. They are getting grossly exaggerated claims of crisis, which then create fear where there was none, and so the vicous circle of spiraling panic begins.


Troy Truth #2
Folks, if we could just get the media in America to calm down and be a bit more rationale (I know, rational doesn't sell newspapers) then we could bring this economy back around. But if we don't, some will suffer more than they already have.

Please America, let cooler heads prevail... ignore the crazy man on the tv. It is just a little turbulence. We will land safely! Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Troy Dunn

Check out Troy Dunn's new best-seller, "Young Bucks: How To Raise A Future Millionaire!" Available in all bookstores and Amazon.com.

The Open Cuban Window Is Closing Fast!

By Troy Dunn

http://www.dunndeal.com/



It is said the best way to escape from the powerful jaws of an alligator is when he briefly opens his mouth to readjust his bite. In that split second, there is a window of opportunity to save one's self, but it is truly a split second before those powerful, tooth filled jaws clamp down for what may be the death bite.



So it is at this very hour for the beautiful people of Cuba. The jaws of the Castro beast are briefly open, preparing for the next bite- aka a new regime who may or may not overhaul the broken system of government. it is critical that all Cubans who desire a better life choose this historic moment to make a significant stand for democracy, equality, free trade!



No longer will Cubans have to work for $19 a month IF they rise up this day and seize the moment. No longer will Cubans have to flee their homeland in search of the freedoms enjoyed in America IF they rise up and make their intentions made clear.



It has frequently been observed that a caged bird will often remain in it's cage even when the cage door is left open. The opportunity to fly is right there, yet the life of captivity is all that little bird knows. I fear the wonderful Cuban people have known so many years of "captivity" under Castro, they don't realize the highths which they could be soaring.



The window of opportunity will begin to close as the new leadership comes into power and old traditions are allowed to continue as status quo. The time is now for un-named, unknown citizens of Cuba to become leaders of their community by reveaing to all the true potential of their own lives and the way life could be in Cuba if democracy were to prevail.



What is needed right now is fast education; messages spread with swiftness and passion.

Those Cuban-born business men and women living in the U.S. need to extend a long arm of support by doing all that can be done to encourage economic expansion through entrepreneurial ventures. I would propose that as many Cuban-born Americans as possible return to their homeland, even if it be briefly, to teach and empower their friends and family on how to begin livIng a life of freedom and democracy. It is all a matter of changing mindset... and nobody can do that faster than those who have tasted it firsthand!



LET THE REVOLUTION BEGIN...TODAY!!!

(The clock of opportunity is ticking and time is short!)



Troy Dunn


Troy's new, best-selling book, Young Bucks: How To Raise A Future Millionaire, is available at all bookstores nationwide! If you have children, get this book!!

Dear News Media- Chill On The Political Coverage!

By Troy Dunn
http://www.dunndeal.com/

Really?!? Wall to wall coverage still?? Super Tuesday has come and gone, we are still NINE MONTHS from the presidential election and yet every single news organization continues to cover the presidential race as if we are a week from picking the new leader of the free world!
Let me send out this little memo to Fox News, CNN and the rest of you news teams... "PACE YOURSELF!" Here's another little memo for the same folks... "moderation!"

I never thought I would say this, but after thousands of hours of non-stop election coverage I find myself asking, "I wonder what Britney Spears is up to these days?" I mean, really! Isn't there ANYTHING else we can fill these news channels with besides lame banter from what appear to be well educated pundits who themselves look as bored talking about it as I am listening to it?

Did anybody forget we have a war going on with brave men and women doing heroic acts day in and day out? Do you suppose you could mention them somewhere between the groan-inducing chatter about Hilary's pant-suit, Obama's drama and McCain's age?

Or perhaps we could report about the economy, the quietly healing housing market or maybe even an update on the hostage crisis, aka the writers’ strike.

Until now, I have actually considered myself a proud news-nerd who has an insatiable appetite for all things news. My how times have changed in just a few days. I am stuffed and cannot eat another bite of election news. I have actually discovered some shows which I actually enjoy watching (anything on HGTV and most things on Spike TV) and find myself only flipping over to my old news channels during other show's commercial breaks- only to instantly see that there is no new news. Those dang news directors just can't step off the path of least resistance.

It's a news filibuster!

ENOUGH ALREADY! When Obama leaves his wife for Oprah or McCain finally punches a photographer (trust me, he will) or you finally discover that Hillary and Bill are the same person, call it news and tell us all about it otherwise, give it a rest!

Troy Dunn

Troy's new, best-selling book, Young Bucks: How To Raise A Future Millionaire, is available at all bookstores nationwide! If you have children, get this book!!

Hold Out Or Sell Out? The Republican Dilemma

By Troy Dunn

It is with great frustration which I write this blog for I know my words will be upsetting to many. But it is my hope these same words will strengthen the conviction of many more.

I consider myself a person of conviction and of principles, as you likely consider yourself. Many times a day life presents little opportunities for me to defend my convictions and my principles, beliefs and morals. From the people I opt to associate with to the conversations I engage in, the movies I watch, the books I read and the life I lead. I do my best to walk the talk of what I believe to be right and good.

Occasionally, life will present a scenario which tests our conviction. As a conservative Republican, I believe the current political environment is one of those very moments for those who call themselves conservative. (I suppose the same could be said for those of my friends who are of the Democratic party as well.)

At the time of this writing, the republican candidates are now basically down to two. Romney and McCain. While many left-leaning institutions and public figures offer their endorsement to John McCain, the candidate viewed by many as contrarian to the conservative ideals, the pressure mounts against those of us who are self-proclaimed Reagan-Republicans. There are many, including the national media, who suggest the race is over and republicans should fall in line behind McCain and abandon Romney. But I reject their request for a moral sell-out and I hope you too will embrace your principles and hold out. Send a clear message to the party leadership that selling out or compromising our value system is not what true conservatives do. It is not a reasonable request.

I join with other fellow conservatives in saying I would rather lose the White House and retain my integrity. As difficult as it may be for a few years, I believe the best thing that can happen to the Republican party in this time of significant division, is to hold firmly to our convictions at any cost. Let our actions speak with undeniable clarity. Our beliefs and our principles are not for sale, cannot be traded, bargained for or compromised.

STAND FOR SOMETHING OR FALL FOR ANYTHING
There are many within the GOP who would say that any republican candidate would be better than allowing the White House to pass to the Democratic party. I respectfully disagree. Based on the current direction of the GOP, I believe one of the greatest occurences which can take place is for the true Republicans to send a clear message to the party which says, "We will not compromise our core beliefs. If you want the White House back, you will bring us a candidate consistent with our beliefs and principles. Nothing less will be tolerated."

Until then, my hope is that each of you who consider yourself a Reagan Republican will hold out, not sell out.
May God be with us all. (And that goes for my many Democrat friends as well. )

Troy Dunn

WGA Strike, AKA White Collar Terrorism

By Troy Dunn

Troy Truth #1. Most unions are nothing more than white collar terrorists who take "hostages" and wait for their demands to be met. Nothing more, nothing less.

Hostage Event: When Fedex, UPS or one of the airlines have gone on strike, they generally wait until the Christmas season so they can hold more people hostage, namely you, me and Santa Clause himself! They leverage the desperation of holiday travel and shipping to try and force their captors to give in and submit to their demands. It is disgusting, unAmerican and should never be tolerated. DISGUSTING.
Hostage Event: When teachers unions decide to strike, they wait until the week before school starts so they can hold YOUR CHILDREN hostage by delaying their school year until their demands are met. REPULSIVE.
Hostage Event: When the Broadway writers and stagehands went on strike, they wait until New York's busiest time of year, Christmas, and shut down the theater district! The entire NYC economy was hijacked and taken hostage- theaters, hotels, airlines, restaurants, the entire tourism industry. Held mercilessly as billions of dollars were drained from the economy, never to be replaced. PATHETIC.
Hostage Event: And so it goes with the WGA strike. Just as a new TV season rolls around and February sweeps, the strike continues with you, me and the television industry being held hostage. SLEAZY.

Ask most people if they are for the writers or the studios in the WGA strike and you will generally get the following answer: I am for the writers.
Now for the reality check- ask those same people WHY they are for the Writers and they mutter something about the little guy getting the shaft from "the man", blah, blah, blah. Then ask them what exactly the writers are upset about and you will get a blank stare or some muttering about "pay", because nobody (except the lawyers) has any clue what this strike is really about. All people know is TV has been taken hostage by the WGA union and people want the hostage takers to be paid off so the hostages (you and me) can be released.

Troy Truth #2. When it comes to our nation's safety, we know full well (as do other governments) the United States Of America does not negotiate with terrorists or hostage takers. It is foolish to do so because it only encourages more hostage taking in the future. THIS MUST BECOME THE POLICY OF CORPORATE AMERICA! Do NOT negotiate with terrorists, aka unions who take hostages, as it only encourages MORE strikes and more white collar terrorism.

What Employers Should do: We need employers who will resist the influence of labors and be generous with non-union employees. Invest the funds that would normally be going to funding terrorist unions into higher wages and better benefits so you can attract and keep good talent. This gives employees no reason to even consider the risks of unionizing. FIRE any employee who attempts to unionize or take your customers hostage in any manner. There IS more talent out there, but you must be willing to pay well to be competitive.

What Employees Should do: be as concerned about your employer and your customers as you are about your union and you will discover job security through loyalty and employee value. Despite what propaganda your union may be feeding you, employers do recognize their people are their #1 asset. But your union turns you from an asset to a liability. Don't let your union destroy your career by using you as a pawn in a hostage negotiation. (Which is all you are to your union)

What Unions Should Do: Recognize that your days are numbered if you don't change your tactics. Before you become completely irrelevant (You're almost there) approach your member's employers with a No Strike promise. Assure them that your concern is about the safety of your members, not the over-inflation of market values. You only do a disservice to your membership when you secure them higher-than-market value wages and benefits. You trade their long-term security for short-term gain which damages the employers, costs jobs and destroys industries. Instead of terrorism as your tactic, try free enterprise economics.

Troy Truth #3. Unions are a dying industry and when they go under, they will take with them millions of hard working Americans. Abandon your union asap or convince them to adjust their strategy to a non-terrorism approach.

It is your EMPLOYER who pays your bills and feeds your family, NOT your union.

God bless America and our wonderful free trade economy where supply and demand drives success. If you have talent, you will work. If you don't have talent, no union can save you. Focus on self improvement and competitive marketing of yourself and you will find success, satisfaction and no dues!

Troy Dunn

How To Fix Britney In 3 Painful Steps

By Troy Dunn
(Read his blog at www.DunnDeal.com)

In the past 18 years, I have facilitated the rebuilding and reuniting of over 40,000 families worldwide. I have had to occasionally deal with families who have a "lost" family member like Britney Spears. While I think we all agree Britney is suffering the consequences of her own personal choices, I believe she still deserves to be helped, as does anyone who has lost their way and is wandering the streets of life. Here is my proposal for rescuing Britney...

How To Save Britney Spears In 3 Painful Steps:
Step 1. Total Britney Blackout. All media need to declare a Britney Blackout for 90 days. If the buyers (celeb mags, tabloid TV, etc) stop buying Brit pics, clips and articles, the paparazzi will slink off to another celeb, seeking their next payday. In fact, I urge the media reps to have their own photographers go out and document which paparazzi members are still stalking Britney's every move, then blacklist that paparazzi from being able to sell any images of ANY celebrity until they agree to stay away from Britney. The media created this monster and the media can kill this monster! You and I as consumers can make an immediate impact. I call upon every person in the world who reads celeb magazines to ONLY purchase the magazines that have a printed statement on their cover saying, "We support the Britney blackout". Do NOT purchase any magazine or watch any tabloid TV show that shows images of Britney or mentions her in a story. THIS IS EASY AND YOU SHOULD GET INVOLVED! If you want to take it to a stronger level, contact the advertisers within the pages of any celeb mags and tell them you will not do business with them until they too support the Britney blackout. And speaking of advertisers, which of you will be the first to step up and declare your role in stopping this exploitation of falling star? Those who get in first will enjoy the best PR kick and those who hold out will suffer the losses which come from being labeled an exploitive company. Choose your role.

Step 2. Declare Britney Spears a Danger To Herself. I'm talking to you Lynne Spears. Only you can make this bold step. This is a painful and awkward experience for the entire family but is vital in order to get the court system behind you in your efforts to save Britney. Once the Britney blackout goes into effect and you are able to secure Britney in a mental health facility, only THEN can the healing begin.

Step 3. 90 Days Of Family, family, family. Britney needs to be taken back to a time and place when life was so much simpler, before fame, before wealth, before tabloids. She needs to be surrounded by loved ones with no agenda (if there are any family members with agendas, exclude them) she needs to enjoy story telling of memories from the past, old home videos, childhood treats should be enjoyed, games should be played and prayers should be shared. Britney will eventually begin to shed the baggage which fame and super stardom has piled upon her and she will steadily climb back up into the drivers seat of her life. It will take time and the family should be braced for a bumpy ride through this journey, but I believe 90 continuous days of family intervention and embracing, will undo years of damage.

I am not discounting the fact that Britney may suffer from some mental illnesses but I don't believe an accurate evaluation can be made with her in this condition. She needs to be rescued from the place she is before a solid medical conclusion can be made. She may not be mentally ill. She may just be very, very lost. Lost people hope to be found, to be rescued.

So, can the national media put aside their greed and support a Britney blackout? Will YOU make your voice heard?
Or will you sit next to millions of others around the world and watch as this young lady destroys herself? May your true character come forth and may the people behind the many media outlets stand up and have a spine.

"Stand for something or fall for anything."

Troy Dunn