Eastside Republican Club dinner/auction Dec 5th
I wanted to invite you all to the ERC dinner/auction on December 5th. It will be a great event and I am the MC. For further info and tickets, go to www.eastsiderepublicanclub.org Come on out and have a great time.
UPDATE – FISHER HAS DEDICATED A PHONE LINE JUST FOR COMMENTS RELATED TO MY DEPARTURE. 206-404-3010. FEEL FREE TO CALL.
First, let me thank all of you for the tremendous outpouring of support, friendship and love. It is overwhelming and humbling, and was totally unexpected. You all will never know what it means to me and my family. And, a special thanks to Dan and Laura Kiel. They are people of principle, and, if you need a mortgage, now more than ever, go see them.
Secondly, let me say that I wish that management had kept this a private matter, between them and me, where it should be. It is a personnel matter and should not be in the public arena. But, I will defend myself, and since they opened the door, here is my side of the story.
Money, management says, is one of the reasons for my departure. Really? Well, first, I was paid very well, probably too well. But my salary was not the result of long tortuous negotiations, or ridiculous demands and tantrums by me. Three years ago, Dennis Kelly, then Program Director, asked me one day what it would take to keep me at KVI. He said they wanted me to end my career there, to retire there, and wanted to do what it would take to keep me. I, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, said that I wanted more than John Carlson made ( this was before his exile to KOMO ). I had no idea what that was, we had never talked about it, but about a week later, I received an unbelievable offer from Dennis, about a 50% increase. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, I called my agent and said sign before they change their mind. I would have stayed for no increase, but, they offerred.
Secondly, early this year, I received a memo from management about our contractual annual step increases. I would guess there are about six of us at Fisher radio with contracts that allow for an annual increase. We were asked by Jim Clayton if we would consider not accepting them due to the poor financial condition of the company. I immediately said of course, I don’t need it as badly as Fisher does. Jim came to the studio with the proper paperwork to revise my contract and said thanks, my move was appreciated.
Thirdly, approximately four months ago, I sent an email to Mr Clayton with some ideas on taking advantage of the political situation in 2010 to benefit the station. In that memo, I told him that I was willing to take a cut in salary, because I understood the financial situation that Fisher was in. I never received a reply to the email. Several times in person I reiterated to both Jim and Dennis that I was more than willing to take a cut in salary, and when my pay was mentioned as part of our high overhead, I reminded them that my pay was the result of a generous offer made by management three years ago, that I would have been a fool to say ‘ That’s too high ‘, that I would have taken much less.
Now, ratings. I had a meeting after the show on Friday, November 6, with Travis Box, our Program Director. The new ratings had just come out and that was the main topic. Here is what I was told:
1.) Our ratings had been improving and climbing steadily over the past six to nine months.
2.) We were ahead of Glenn Beck, our competition, in the 35-64 age demo
3.) We were behind in the 25-54 age demo.
4.) We were the highest-rated daypart on the station, consistently outperforming the rest of the shows on the station.
5.) An expected upward tick in Beck’s ratings due to his appearance here in September did not occur
Mind you, Glenn has a national TV show, several best-selling books and lots of promotion money. We had nothing, zero, zip, nada to help us promote the show. And, if management was concerned about the ratings, at no time did they ask to meet with us on specific ideas or recommendations on how to improve them. We were told that we would rename the show ‘Kirby and Company’ which really didn’t help our ratings. When we came up with ideas, we were consistently told we had no money for promotion.
Let me say that the real losers in this are the many charities and good causes we helped, like the Boy Scouts, Operation Support Our Troops, Union Gospel Mission and Toys for Tots. And then, causes like the Medal of Honor Memorial at the University of Washington, which I doubt would even exist without the KVI audience.
There is more to say, but I think I have said enough. If management had kept this a matter between us, where it belonged, I would have said nothing. But, 700 emails on Friday, the loss of a significant advertiser, a steady volume of phone calls, I’m sure they were caught off-guard and had to say something. I understand some even suggested that all these calls were part of a GOP conspiracy and did not reflect real KVI listeners. I know better. They should.
May God bless you and may He bless the United States of America.
288 Responses to “Eastside Republican Club dinner/auction Dec 5th”
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john yae says:
My morning drive is not the same without you. But remember all things happens for the good of those whoe believe.
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Dorothy says:
Kirby, KVI has lost me, too, after their treatment of you and John Carlson. God bless you for all you’ve done for us conservatives in liberal land Western Washington!
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Jeff says:
Looking forward to your next gig. Hopefully it’s another morning show, since now we have no local show available.
I listened every morning. Now, I’m stuck searching the dial.
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Renee says:
Good grief! You were not just another talk show host. You are the voice of reason. How on earth are we going to keep up with not only the politics, but the charities you are linked to? Kirby, thank you for your exhaustive work over these many years. Looking forward to what’s next for all of us.
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Bob says:
KVI has been in a bit of a funk since they were screwed out of Rush. Only shows left that I would listen to were Hannity, LeVin, Coast-to-Coast, and, of course, Kirby! Well, the KVI list has gotten shorter. Beck’s ratings here have just taken a jump, thanks to KVI!
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Tim says:
Kirby, you were a part of my shaping the man I am today. Tuning to 570 during our morning drive to school was tradition. Back during the ‘Hot Talk’ days! I’ll really miss you during voting season PLEASE PLEASE post your local election recommendations to your website.
Consider this Sir… Sarah Palin is going to need a darn good communications manager for her run for president, I for one think you’d be perfect for this;)
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Chuck Steele says:
Who the heck is going to motivate me to get off my donkey and do stuff now? From getting to Fife to meet Randy Tate and Jennifer Dunn in the mid 90’s to standing on overpasses with signs showing support for our troops with the “570TH”.
Why is Fisher so determined to drive the once great KVI to the ground?
It took a little time as I own 8 cars, but 570 has been “unfriended” on the radio’s in every one of them. There is no longer any button below 710 on my dial. Pretty sad, from the time I first discovered you, Rush and Carlson, my dial only left KVI for Seahawks games. Now KVI is fired. -
Greg Irick says:
Kirby,
I have emailed KVI and informed them that they have lost a listener of almost 10 years and my wife has done the same. In my email I emphasized that KVI now has no local voice and is therefore no longer relevant to the Puget Sound political scene. Thank you for all of your years of service to the many charities and causes that you supported and for your thought provoking and sometimes funny commentary on many issues.
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Terri Gentry says:
We need you Kirby. What a huge loss to this community. Thank you for all you have done for us over the yrs. We appreciate your high moral standards and for keeping us informed of what is happening in this world. If you need for us to sign petitions for you let us know.
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Michel Harris says:
Kirby, I have not tuned into to KVI since they let you go. I emailed KVI on Friday and will call them today to let them know we no longer listen to KVI. Thank you for the many years of sane talk and encouragement you gave over the radio waves. You are missed. Sometimes no matter how right you are or how hard you work the dragon wins. However you have not lost and our lances are all pointed at the dragons throat. If KVI management is that clueless they deserve to fail.
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Lydia says:
Here’s what I wrote to KVI:
I am very disappointed hearing the news that Fisher Broadcasting has taken Kirby off the air and is not renewing his contract.
Taking Kirby off the air has now turned KVI into a radio station no better than the thousand watt small town “coffee pot” with no local programming, save for a few minutes of news every morning.
Where other hosts would come and go, Kirby in the morning was your station’s foundation – a standard to which other hosts should emulate. Other hosts could be impatient, arrogant, rude and smart alec, but Kirby was always the gentleman, patient and respectful even with the most confrontational callers. And now he’s gone from KVI.
Please reconsider your decision and bring Kirby back.
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Angela says:
Kirby, I was devestated to find out what happened. You are the only reason that I listened to KVI, and now that you are gone, I have no reason to tune in anymore. I too have called and emailed KVI to let them know of my displeasure in their decision, and I truly hope that you find something else, and soon. Please keep us informed if you move to another radio station. I probably don’t have anything to say that hasn’t been said already, I just want you to know that I appreciate you, I value you, your insight and your wisdom. I pray for strenght and happiness for you and your family, especially in the upcoming holiday season. Please keep us advised – we miss you!
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Rob says:
How about a Kirby T-Party outside Fisher?Kirby for Congress!!
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Kirby, we are with you and will go wherever you go. KVI blew it, and will pay the consequences for their betrayl of you,and us,your loyal listeners. I hope they take a HUGE punch in their pocketbook for this!!! God Bless you and Trina! Great things are coming your way, I feel this!! You are a GREAT American, a true patriot and our voice!!! Our Country needs you, and WE need you.
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Mike McClelland says:
Kirby,
I truly enjoyed starting my day & the drive in to work with you on the radio. I am hopeful that if KVI does not relent & beg you back, that you will soon be on another station – KTTH perhaps? I vividly remember Michael Medved’s transition. Hopefully yours will not take as long.
Thanks for the many causes you promote! -
Kathy S says:
The mornings are lonely waking up without Kirby Wilbur on the radio, knowing we will get truth & uncommon patriotism each and every day…come back soon, Kirby.
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Linda Campbell says:
I called the station phone number and told them there was no further reason to listen to KVI. No local programming. I don’t count Weissbach. How disappointed I am. They have lost me. God speed Kirby.
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Tage Christiansen says:
Hi Fellow Grizzly! What a bunch of hooey! Hopefully someone in their Right mind will put you on again as the best educator on the airwaves! KVI who? Maybe they got some stimulass money. Ha! Take care.
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Erin Bombardo says:
Kirby, as I said in my E-mail to you, your fans stand behind you. This is a huge loss for the charities you mentioned, of which I supported because I trusted YOU and your commitment to them. But it is a huge loss for those of us that attempt to navigate the leftist infested waters of the Puget Sound. I’m completely done with KVI. Keep us posted on what we folks out here can do to show our support – besides just our strongly worded opposition to and boycott of Fisher. And to think: they had a national fill-in for Hannity’s show right in the palm of their hands – now that’s free advertising. We love you and keep the faith.
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KVI has made a extremely bad business decision, my family will no longer tune into 570 for any reason. You have been part of my morning routine for years. Get coffee, turn on computer and listen to Kirby. I guess KVI doesn’t realize that their listening audience is not only interested in national politics but we also want to know the truth about politics in our own state. You were our only reliable source, now that is gone too! I’m not interested in listening to a bunch of syndicated programs that have nothing to do with WA state. At least I can still listen to Rush for my national political fix.
I hope this isn’t a sample of what we have to look forward to with Obamas plans to try controlling conservative talk radio. I think this makes your loss to us even more devastating.
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Renee says:
I pray another station picks you up for the same time slot because you are the only talk show host that I listened to every day. You have a talent that lets you connect history to current events in terms that helped me make sense of the unbelievable political atmosphere that we are now enduring. I am not going to say that I will miss you because I truly believe you will get on the air again. “Illegitimi non carborundum”
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Scott says:
Kirby, Mornings will not be the same without your show. I used to be able to rely on KVI to help keep me informed on the local issues. Now that they have chosen to abandon the local issues, I choose to abandon them.
I look forward to hearing you on the air again soon.
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clay says:
Sorry to hear about this Kirby.
Somehow though, I don’t think we’ve heard the last of you. Your a good man, keep on doing what you do, and I know good things will happen for you. -
Hello Kirby, I am so sorry to hear of your leaving KVI, especially how it occurred. I wish you and your family all the best. I am positive that you will find something even better in your not so distant future. Thanks for all you have done for the conservative movement. I woke up and got involved because of you. I started listening to you when you first started at KVI. Take care and God bless you and your family. Karen from Minnesota
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Kurt Layman says:
I just gave my phone number to KVI. I asked them to call me when you were back. I will not hear the promo from KVI.
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jim says:
- Kirby I’m 52. You were the only reason I listened to KVI! This town NEEDS the local and not the national voice!
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Sharon Buza says:
I am very saddened to hear that Kirby was fired from the morning show. My husband and I were both loyal listeners. I have turned from KVI to KTTH. Good luck Kirby and hope to hear from you soon on your next adventure. God bless.
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Robert Stockman says:
Kirby; Short and sweet. 5:00Am – 9:00 Am 770 (Your better than Glenn Beck)…or…local politics. Try this on for size: Governor Kirby Wilbur.
Either way, you will be a force to deal with. -
Damon says:
Why does KVI always send away their good talent? Kirby, John, Bryan, Mike, even that Wiseback guy (who can be good some times). I have listen to Kirby since he was on nights. Glad he had a chance to sleep in. Now, get back to work!
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Rhoda Pappajohn says:
What a shame to lose a local conservative who championed what is right and good. I was shocked when I heard Laura in the a.m. when my radio came on. Thank you forall you have done – and for all you will do in the future. You will land on your feet. Good and righteous folks do. Take a little time to refocus – again, a big THANKS.
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Doug says:
Medved, Carlson …and now Wilber; sigh. Always loved to listen to Kirby (when conscious!), will miss him; hope to hear him again via internet or on 770! …and yea, there all a bunch of morons – I mean I think even less of KVI management than ever.
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Jeff B. says:
Kirby, I’ll be honest, I was not a big fan. Although I did listen every once in a while. I like you, but your show did not really speak to me. But thanks for clarifying on the “Kirby and Company” re-branding. I thought that was a big mistake, and wondered what the heck Fisher was thinking.
I was a Bryan Suits fan, and for me, his departure was the event that turned me off to KVI. Thanks for sharing your side of the story. There seems to be no end to the political correctness and strange decisions made by those who are trying to square Progressives and Talk Radio.
You are a fine human being, I wish you all the best and success.
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Skywolv says:
Kirb-
Far as I could see, KVI’s face was you (and John Carlson, before he got teamed up with the epitome of disgusting). The only thing KVI can do now to salvage their station is to go moderate or left. Sounds like the management is culling its best local talent, methodically and as it looks, completely. Wouldn’t doubt that they are going to lose more advertisers too. Carlson, Weissbach (when he had Jennifer, perfect for him), Suits, Medved, Bose (Bose’s choice and it was a good choice), and now you. Sad.
After all this public outrage, maybe KVI will reconsider and rehire you with deep apologies. One thing-I think the move to have Carlene on with you (Kirby & Company) was a mistake. She is grating and very hard to listen to. Is she gone too?
Best of luck and blessing to you and your family. I am in the same place as you-unemployed. No fun.
-Kavik -
Mark says:
Kirby -
I’ve been listening to KVI since you were on at night. Pretty much all day every day at first. I’d listen to you, Rush, Hannity, Carlson, and Art Bell. When Rush went to KTTH, so did I for his show then back to KVI for the afternoon. Then Carlson was gone, then Suits, etc. For the past few years I’ve streamed Art Bell from KFYI overnight, then you in the AM, then back to KFYI for Rush, et. al. until you came on again. These past couple days are the first time in I don’t know how many years I haven’t pulled up a KVI stream to listen to you. You were the only KVI timeslot I listened to. KVI can count me as a former listener as well.
Good luck, god bless, and let us know where you end up.
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Vicki says:
Kirby you were our local voice. I like Glenn Beck, but I tuned into you to keep abreast of local issues and concerns. I really believe KVI has made a huge mistake. I know we will hear you on the air some time soon. You have a huge following. Keep us posted. We miss you!
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Kim Gilbertson says:
In 1991, I began listening to KVI when I learned about Rush Limbaugh. Over the years I got to know John Carlson, You, Steve West, Mike Segal, Michael Medved, Floyd Brown, etc. I listened to you and them often. I felt rather betrayed when Rush moved over. I still felt loyal to KVI, though, because “They were the one who brung me.” I would listen to Rush, but I would return to KVI for almost everything else. You were the last vestige of that time and loyalty. KVI has made several mis-steps over the years, but I can hardley imagine the station without John and You! Thanks for all you did for us. Keep us posted on where you go and what you do. God bless you.
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Brian McCormick says:
Kirby, my mornings just arent the same. I miss waking up to the national anthem and spending my whole morning listening to your excellent coverage of both local and national issues.
It’s a shame that KVI has ruined my mornings. I guess it’s their loss because I for sure will not be tuning in to KVI anymore.
Good luck Kirby and I will miss you. I look forward to listening to you again!!
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Mindi L. Pettit says:
Unbelievable. I’m so sad. You’re such a gentleman and kind, polite to all you talk to. I thought maybe they just changed the line-up. Huge mistake on their part. We need local conservatives. Now what? Please let us know where you go. How about a run for governor? Oh, please, please, please. Take care and God bless you.
Jeff and Mindi Pettit -
Tony Rusi says:
What I want to know is if this is a democrat conspiracy! And how can mail in elections be verified by the parties in any meaningful way?
What good is Socialized Healthcare if you don’t have a job?
I am supposed to be getting some UI from Texas but everytime I call them they are too busy and they say call back later! Besides for some reason I only get HALF of what I normally got from the state of Washington for UI.
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BJ says:
Haven’t been near a radio for a few days and was surprised to hear Laura’s voice this morning instead of yours. I was hoping maybe you resigned to run against Cantwell! (If the WSRP can’t come up with a viable candidate, I’m sending my money out of state–like to John Dennis in CA’s 8th CD to make Pelosi unemployed.) Big mistake, KVI! Huge!
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David Back says:
Ok so maybe I DO see a vast left wing conspiracy here: John Carlson is banished from KVI, Brian Souts is banished from KVI, and now Kirby Wilbur is banished from KVI. Given the rising ratings and the offer to take less compensation, KVI management HAD to know that was a bad move.
So my question is this: Where did the pressure to dump Kirby come from? Is KVI’s License up for renewal? Did someone a the (Obama controlled) FCC sugges that maybe getting a renewal would be easier with Kirby off the air? Does said unknown agent have any leverage in doing that?
Hmmm.
And now Lou Dobbs is off the air too.
Hmmm.
Food for thought: If the “fairness doctrine” would be too dificult to implement, and I’d predict armed rebellion in the streets if the Libs try that, then how WOULD you go about shutting up the conservatives that are on the air? Just quietly tell the station that their license depends on dumping certain talk-show hosts or commentators, and that going public about the “Chicago Thug” tactics would definately lose the license.
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Katbird__27 says:
Imighthave a reason why they let you go. they WANT KVI to tank in the ratings so they have an excuse to change formats (no idea what that format would be, though) kind of like that Clay Bennett did to the Sonics.
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P.S. I met Kirby at the King County Republican Convention last year and again at the 24 party at Snoqualmie Casino. I thinkj I even spotted him at the hardware store in Duvall once.
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Claude says:
Well, Kirby, you are an original. I remember you from the FIRST DAY you were on the air. Now, I don’t agree with all your stands, but, frankly, we agree on alot!
My favorite parts of your show is when you did “talking history lessons”, and history book reviews.
You know something? The economy is really bad! That cannot help but effect the radio business. Then there is the trend against “live and local” radio. Which is sad!
You had a long innings — the radio biz is not easy, stable, or makes sense.
Hey! Good luck! We’ll be waiting to hear you sub on some national broadcasts.
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kk says:
Kirby, I’m so disappointed! I’m sure God has something better for you, and KVI is the looser is this plot! Thought and prayers are with you.
kk
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angel says:
Kirby, the day KVI let you go is the biggest mistake they have ever made. Thank you for all of your support to us (your audiance) and the thousands of events that you support. God bless you and keep you.
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Paul says:
I have not been a consistant listener to Kirby’s show, but I have listed occasionally. After hearing how Fisher has treated him, not only will I not listen to KVI again I will also avoid all fisher properties, including KOMO AM, and KOMO TV-4.
There are still two shows on KVI I like to listen to, Laura Ingraham, and Dr Mark Levin, however I will find another source, probably online (Not from Fisher). I also intend to let Laura and Mark’s know of my decicion and why I made it.
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Dedra says:
Kirby, I have enjoyed your morning program for years. Now that you are not on KVI, there is no reason to tune in to the station. God bless you in whatever you decide to do.
All of Kirby’s listeners feel very bad about what happened to him; but God never closes a door except he opens another. Perhaps God has a special job (like speaking up for the unemployed in this nation)—–which right now needs a “special voice”. The State of Washington cut back the Unemployment Extension Benefits from 24 weeks to 20 weeks. Not a big news item—but for the 500,000 unemployed in this state, it meant less time to find work, and a nearer time the bank can reposses their homes. The Clinton Aministration and Obama himself caused this “house of cards” in the mortgage market. Obama was an attorney working for ACORN, when he introduced the president of ACORN TO Pres. Clinton, requesting a meeting with Barney Frank back in the late 1990’s. The purpose of this meeting was to talk Fannie Mae into relaxing enforcing their rule that someone applying for a mortgage actually had to qualify for the loan. This whole economic melt-down (and the ultimate reprecussion of 6 million unemployed) started with the Obama-Clinton-Frank decision that Fannie Mae would not enforce their own rules regarding mortgage qualifications!! My prayer is that Kirby will be hired by another radio station, and he will broadcast from one end of this great nation to the other the ROOT CAUSE of our current unemployment situation. This is not meant to let the greedy mortgage companies who knowingly wrote bad loans off the hook—–but to encourage companies to start hiring again—-because reducing the unemployment rate and forcing Fannie Mae to enforce their OWN regulations is our only way out of this downward whirlpool we find our economic system in. Kirby Wilbur is a powerful “VOICE”; Dear God, please place him in a powerful position where his voice will be heard.