quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

Also, part of being self reliant is having a job that pays a living wage. It's kinda hard for Americans to do that when so many jobs have either stopped paying a living wage or have been eliminated due to outsourcing. One would think those with strong beliefs in self reliance would be the ones fighting the hardest to get the government to bring those jobs back to the US and stop the H1 Visas.

quote:

ORIGINAL: AnimusRex
But there is such a thing as too much emphasis on self reliance- there is a point at which that concept starts to corrode the connecting fiber of community that we all rely on.

For example- the federal budget could be balance very simply- we could enact a program of spending cuts and modest tax increases to cover it.

But when we have had several decades of "Me first" mentality, when we have sung the praises of self interest, and pounded the drums of "every man for himself" for so long, where do we develop the ability to make communal self sacrifice?

How do you convince people to cut their beloved programs, or pay a higher fee, in the name of the greater good?

We have managed to convince an entire generation of people that paying taxes is for chumps, that government programs are worthwhile only if they benefit me, personally, and preferably no one else.

There was a time, an earlier generation of Americans, who believed that patriotism and being a good citizen meant more than waving a flag and cursing the government.

They were the generation that believed that public roads, public libraries, public health clinics and regulation of the private sector was a the proper role of government, that government was the expression of our common beliefs- and they believed that it was the duty of all citizens to contribute to that government.

I would like to see a day when Americans are proud to stand up and say, "I am willing to pay taxes, so that everyone can benefit. I am willing to suffer wounds in war, so my country can benefit."

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl
Also, part of being self reliant is having a job that pays a living wage. It's kinda hard for Americans to do that when so many jobs have either stopped paying a living wage or have been eliminated due to outsourcing. One would think those with strong beliefs in self reliance would be the ones fighting the hardest to get the government to bring those jobs back to the US and stop the H1 Visas.

quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyEllen

Too many Ellens about this place methinks. In real life I'm the only Ellen for miles around and, by default, the richest one at that.

E

quote:

ORIGINAL: FirmhandKY

quote:

ORIGINAL: DomYngBlk

.

And, if it is important enough to you, go "off the grid".  Then the law requires that they buy electricity from you, instead of selling it to you.

If it is important enough to you, you can find ways to minimize or eliminate their ability to control your life.

Or you can just bitch about it.  That's easier.  Just way less effective.
 
Not sure what you were talking about here but it didn't answer how they would be able to fuck up a monopoly which seemingly would be impossible since it is what...a Monopoly....thanks for playing

quote:

ORIGINAL: DomYngBlk

Then you have to ask why isn't the job opened up to any average joe that wants to have a shot at doing it? Oh yeah, qualifications, who you know, past experience, schooling..blah blah blah....The game is rigged.

How much management experience do you have?

I know people who think they are hot shot mechanics, because one time they bought a car manual at Auto Zone, and replaced a water thermostat.

I wouldn't hire them to rebuild my engine.  Or even my carburetor.
 
Again not answering what I was speaking to seems to be your calling card. I have management experience and I am sure there are millions out there that do. The point being is that if you are not connected correctly that job with that Utility company or any company for that matter will not be open to you no matter how good/bad you are. The game is RIGGED.

quote:

ORIGINAL: DomYngBlk

Example, the new republican candidate in California. Ms. Fiorina. The classic fuckup Executive from Americn business. Foresaw the spinoff of Lucent from ATT...First laid egg..... Took over HP and got kicked off by the very board that hired her cause she was such a screw up....Second laid egg.....and then..Low and behold she is going to try and get to try and become a Senator....Talent there. For sure. I think she earned all her Millions. LOL...

I'm not an expert on Fiorina.  But ... your point was that she screwed up on a couple of her jobs ... and got replaced or fired.  And that proves, what, exactly?  That the system works?

Mickey Mouse could get hired as a senator, if he paid enough money, I think.
 
Missing the point once again. The point is if you were that much of a collossal fuckup you'd be not only be unemployed but you surely wouldn't be running for one of the higher offices in the land claiming you can "fix" things in Washington. The system doesn't work.


Firm

(in reply to FirmhandKY)

quote:

ORIGINAL: eyesopened
I know I have probably said way too much about my personal life in this thread.  And yet I am suspected of being loaded and living the good life?  I have worked and struggled and my "good life" is my attitude toward the challenges and obstacles that have and still come my way.

quote:

ORIGINAL: FirmhandKY

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

Also, part of being self reliant is having a job that pays a living wage. It's kinda hard for Americans to do that when so many jobs have either stopped paying a living wage or have been eliminated due to outsourcing. One would think those with strong beliefs in self reliance would be the ones fighting the hardest to get the government to bring those jobs back to the US and stop the H1 Visas.

What's a "living wage"?

Firm

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

quote:

ORIGINAL: FirmhandKY

quote:

ORIGINAL: defiantbadgirl

Also, part of being self reliant is having a job that pays a living wage. It's kinda hard for Americans to do that when so many jobs have either stopped paying a living wage or have been eliminated due to outsourcing. One would think those with strong beliefs in self reliance would be the ones fighting the hardest to get the government to bring those jobs back to the US and stop the H1 Visas.

What's a "living wage"?

Firm

Since no one else answered this that i can see...

Living wage is a term used to describe the minimum hourly wage necessary for shelter (housing and incidentals such as clothing and other basic needs) and nutrition for a person for an extended period of time (lifetime). In developed countries such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland, this standard generally means that a person working forty hours a week, with no additional income, should be able to afford a specified quality or quantity of housing, food, utilities, transport, health care, and recreation.

United States
In the United States, the state of Maryland and several municipalities and local governments have enacted ordinances which set a minimum wage higher than the federal minimum for the purpose of requiring all jobs to meet the living wage for that region. However, San Francisco, California and Santa Fe, New Mexico have notably passed very wide-reaching living wage ordinances.[citation needed] U.S. cities with living wage laws include Santa Fe and Albuquerque in New Mexico; San Francisco, California; and Washington D.C.[4] (The city of Chicago, Illinois also passed a living wage ordinance in 2006, but it was vetoed by the mayor.) Living wage laws typically cover only businesses that receive state assistance or have contracts with the government.[5]

This effort began in 1994 when an alliance between a labor union and religious leaders in Baltimore launched a successful campaign requiring city service contractors to pay a living wage[6]. Subsequent to this effort, community advocates have won similar ordinances in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and St. Louis. In 2007, there were at least 140 living wage ordinances in cities throughout the United States and more than 100 living wage campaigns underway in cities, counties, states, and college campuses[7].

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_wage#United_States


Miami Beach makes good on living wage law


Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/09/1671715/miami-beach-makes-good-on-living.html#ixzz0qSekFMPm