Holy cow man!
I am so bored, I can’t see straight.
I’ve have been unemployed before so it’s not like a new thing to me. The trouble is, before, there were always jobs to go to. It was just a matter of a time, a few days, maybe a week, some times the same day I’d be behind the wheel with another company. Today…well, today, it would seem, things are a bit different. I have been through 5 recessions…not depressions. There is a difference between recessions and depressions.
An Economic Recession is when the economy becomes weak. Like there is no economic growth for two quarters of a year in a row.
An Economic Depression is when there is no money in the economy.
Reasons for a Recession? Many things lead to the cause. For instance, in late 2006, the promise of ending the “War on Terrorism” came under fire by those who supposedly wanted power returned to the people. I say that would be a good thing if the people knew how to govern themselves. But…The people have no idea how to govern themselves. The people have been taught, “there is no truth but the truth you make”. That has opened the door to all different interpretations of laws. So, if you interpret the law one way and I interpret it another, then we have a total fuckin’ mess. You want it your way and I want it mine.
Sorry … I started chasin’ a rabbit there…ok…back on track here. umm…oh yeah!
Selling The Need For Change
There were certain people who wanted the power to tell you how to live your life. They began by actively speaking against, and working against, everything that would totally end a war. They believed that if they were able to sway enough people into believing that the current powers were impotent and were only after monetary gain from beating up a little helpless country, then the people would be ripe for a change.
Well they got what they set after. Problem is, they are dragging us all down with them and the Change. Cause the Change was never defined. How can a person repute or respect a change if people are left to define the change as what each of us wants? Thats fuckin’ insanity! As people became more and more convinced that a change was needed, the people forgot to keep an eye on themselves…so through the back door came doubt. Doubt has eaten away at our economy. If you doubt your money’s value, then how can it stand?
May I explain?
If you want a Cadillac Escalade, and you’re willing to pay some ridiculous price for it, then you get a Cadillac Escalade, which you are tied to until you pay it off. If you want a house that cost $200,000, but your job only allows you to pay for the Cadillac Escalade and maybe eat off the dollar menu at “MickeyDEEEee’s”, then you get another job….and now you’re working 80 to 100 hours a week trying to keep your BLING BLING and hopin da Ho’s notice you. You soon realize that this ain’t the “American Dream” you were taught that you was owed. So piss on going to WAR! Why should I fight and maybe die for this? This is assuming you intended to pay your debts off anyway.
There are so many things wrong with the lifestyle mentioned above…I could write several books, but why should I? Hell, half the people get pissed off as soon as they read “War on Terrorism” and quit reading….another fourth of the people haven’t a clue….and maybe a tenth were hoping there were HOTTIE MILFs posing nude here!…The rest? The rest probably can’t read and are just pretending to. Well, If you’ve read this far then maybe there’s hope for you.
The Great Depression
Economic Depression sets in when what you have based your money on can not hold its value anymore. “The Gold Standard” was how we based money value back before we got “…a chicken in every pot…”. Gold was valued at a certain amount, so money was printed and distributed on that value. If there was not enough money in the payroll to pay a man his earned wages then why should he be expected to work??
Many thousands of folks died of starvation during the “Great Depression”…No telling how many more were murdered by another person wanting the job of the person they were murdering. The government stepped in and promised work…but there were only so many jobs.
Then the Government spoke and said “…a chicken in every pot…”. So they did away with the “Gold Standard” and started printing money based solely on the good feelings and outlook of the American people. A number was given to each person and a tax was levied against every person who had a number and made money. Thus, an income tax. This tax was used to feed the surplus population and pay for government projects.
Then another tax was issued against a person’s income and it was to be used as “help”. It was intended as a retirement – for the aged and the invalid. It was intended for you to make arrangements for your retirement and then the “Social Security Tax” would be used as needed for those who paid into it. It’s needless to say…but I will say it anyway….professional politicians have screwed up the intent and damn near bankrupted both of these taxes.
So, this system worked up until the American people lost interest in keeping the good in America, and America in the good. Whats next in the economy? Excellent question, it deserves an answer.
Where Are We Headed Now?
I am by far from being some kind of “Wallstreet Wizard”. Nor am I a Financial Advisor. What I do see happening just takes a bit of common horse-sense and willingness to see for one’s self. Here goes. You ready? We Americans are headed toward another economic depression. It will weaken this country and it’s people to the point of civil war…yes…civil war. NO!! NO!! NO!! Not the kind of “Civil War” that was fought among the states!!! Get over that, will ya!!
This civil war will be between the people who have and those who do not.
This civil war will divide this country, and once divided, it will fall prey to anyone who promises and commands a better future.
Cause like I mentioned earlier, we have lost our willingness to govern ourselves according to laws, and most people do not hold America as a Nation of value anymore.
I say, “Damn a Professional Politician!”
And Yes, you may quote me.
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Well Pappy, I love you’re writing and I respect your opinion, but I can’t say I agree with some of your political views. In fact, I have never been more relieved than I have in recent days with the changes that have taken place in Washington. I am extremely pleased and hopeful for the future. As far as civil war between the rich and the poor; are you sure you haven’t been smoking something other than Marlboro’s during your extended time-off from gainful employment?
And as for the term “change”, it is a very broad term indeed however it’s meaning can only be defined as it applies to each specific issue. There are a lot of things that need to change, however there are also a lot of things that we don’t need to change. Change, as we all know is the one constant in the universe and was going to occur no matter what. But the changes that are currently taking place continue to be defined on an individual and ongoing basis. Some of them were defined during the campaign. Some of them are “no-brainers”. Some of them require a lot more thought. But the one thing most of us realize is that Washington is broken, and needs to be fixed. That’s the change that everyone generally wants and understands.
So at the risk of turning this blog into a political debate, which I doubt that anyone wants, I just wanted to say there are an awful lot of us out here who believe we’re on the right track toward getting the nation and it’s economy headed in the right direction. Of course it will take time and a lot of hard work, but I have faith in our nation and the democratic process by which we came to a majority decision on which way to take the country.
As I said Pappy, I respect your opinion and I’m sure there are many out there who are with you all the way. I just wanted to say not everyone believes we’re headed for an economic abyss because of the political direction we’ve taken. Not everyone believes that our nation will degenerate into a state of civil war. And many of us believe that the future has taken a brighter road.
Yes
Driver Ed, by all means please state your stand.
This country is, at the moment still, free and your right to speak is protected.
I am not saying that change should be avoided. Changes are good if they are the RIGHT kind of changes and we have ENFORCED Laws to govern these changes.
As a Driver I have been told to take various routes to reach certain destinations. Those directions are to help me reach the place for the load I’m pullin’ right down to quote, “Go to hell, you backwards country fuck”.
These are Directions that have Definition.
If the Change has no Definition and I’m expected to fill in the blanks as to what I want the change to be…then, how am I to not step on your version of change?
So, the bright future maybe the on comming Train at the end of the tunnel.
Nothin’ wrong with having a Positive out look…but lets look back at the past tracks we have taken and make sure it is the correct one.
As far as “no-brainers” that’s a rub right there. The “no-brainers” have been running the government for to long. Every “Professional Politician” seems to lose their God given brain. They “Promise” only to get the power.
What “no-brainers” are there?
I do need to know just what “no-brainers”.
After all, one type of “no-brainer” ,to me, that needs change is “MINORITY RIGHTS”. I thought every American has “Equal Rights”. I can not condone different rights to someone because of skin color, sex, religion, wealth,or whatever perverted lifestyle, people have.
I can list other “no-brainers”…but the “Minority Rights” is at the top of my “no-brainer” list. It is dividing my country asunder. How can we stand united if we are divided in such a way? I have of yet been given a reasonable explination for “Minority Rights”.
I am trying to let you know that ME being the faultfilled human-being that I know I am, if I am given the green light to Change as I see fit, and I have NO laws to guide me…well, I have been told that MY form of dictatorship would not be conducive to a Liberal Chosen Lifestyle or a Communist Lifestyle.
My Grandson is here again WOOOT!!!! Gotta go play Army Men. Today, I will teach him how to salute and place Artillery for troop support.
And awwaaay we go: My dad sent me this and I agree with it. Just another opinion to throw in the pot, but I think it makes a good point. It’s entitled “Letter from The Boss”.
To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn’t pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a Back Story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You’ve seen my home at last years Christmas party. I’m sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.
However, what you don’t see is the BACK STORY :
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn’t have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business — hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom’s for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn’t look like it was birthed in the 70′s. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don’t. There is no “off” button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden — the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations… you never realize the Back Story and the sacrifices I’ve made.
Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn’t. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed decades of my life for.
Yes, business ownership has its benefits but the price I’ve paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don’t pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my “stimulus” check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 23 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.
The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you’d quit and you wouldn’t work here. I mean, why should you? That’s nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.
Here is what many of you don’t understand … to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn’t need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don’t defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.
So where am I going with all this?
It’s quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child’s future. Frankly, it isn’t my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I’m done. I’m done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
So, if you lose your job, it won’t be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about….
Signed, THE BOSS
I don’t mind paying taxes.
Defense of a country should be laid squarely on it’s citizens. That’s about the only Federal Tax I’m willing to pay.
I don’t mind paying a “Sales Tax” on Fuels. If that tax is to be used for upkeep and improvement of roads.
I don’t mind paying a “Sales Tax” on products. If that tax is used for keeping products safe for consumers.
I don’t mind paying a “Property Tax” on my property. If that tax is used in proper protection.
As A matter of fact I would prefer a “Sales Tax” over an “Income Tax”.
That way EVERYONE PAYS TAXES.
Including Pimps,Pushers,Prostitutes, and Politicians.
the last quarter of 2009 seems promising as we have seen lots of signs of econic recovery against the massive economic recession. i hope that in 2010 all our economies would be back on track. recession really sucks.
Hey Driver Ed.
The only view you have that I would like to challenge is this one:
Oh, Driver Ed, we are truck drivers and it’s debate we love!! In fact, your comment is a blog in itself and if you’re interested, I’m inviting you to do some writing for us! Politics and economics have a huge influence on truck driving, so any debate on any of those subjects is always welcome! And this goes for anyone else too – if you enjoy writing, then you should write your own article or have your own blog on TruckingTruth!
Fine job, Ed. And as always, Pappy, another awesome blog! I’ve yet to read one that hasn’t made me LoL! And always interesting!