Essay 544

Dropping numbers and names with a MultiCultClassics Monologue…

• A recent study by Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a Syracuse University-based data research center, showed that hiring more workers for the Border Patrol has not resulted in more arrests. The agency listed nabbing over 1.3 million illegal immigrants in 1995. Ten years later — and after doubling in size — the Border Patrol apprehended less than 1.2 million illegal immigrants. Wonder how the Border Patrol results stack up against the Minuteman Project’s efforts.

• Ford Motor Company lost $1.2 billion in the first quarter, recording its worst showing in four years. “While we are not satisfied with our performance, particularly a loss in North America automotive, we are encouraged by the success in our global operations and at the Ford Motor Credit Company,” said Ford honcho Bill Ford. “We have said we intend to restore automotive profitability in North America by no later than 2008 and we remain committed to deliver on our promise.” In the meantime, it looks like Ford employees and customers can look forward to at least two years of living hell.

• McDonald’s recorded a 14-percent profit loss for the first quarter, its biggest quarterly drop since 2002. But the fast feeder continues to attract customers despite the lower income. McCEO Jim Skinner said, “Performance for the first quarter reflected more customer visits and enhanced profitability as we continued to connect with our customers and increase the relevance of our brand.” While increasing the waistlines and cholesterol levels of people globally.

• RadioShack posted an 85-percent profit loss for the first quarter. “While we knew first quarter would be weak, the results are worse than we anticipated,” said Claire Babrowski, president and acting CEO. “We clearly have a lot more work to do to get this company back to levels of profitability which we all expect.” Or maybe change the company name to RadioShanty.