No more cigars, is that humor? LOL

**knightnorth** · 04-17-2009, 12:25 AM

This is the stuff that eats at me a bit. I knew times were tough so last year I got a new job that got me 50% more pay. I had to go from driving a company car 90 miles one way to driving my personal car 110 miles one way but I needed to support my family. I pay my taxes - live within my means - pay a mortgage I can afford. When the price of gas went up last year to over $4 around here I just bought a more gas efficient vehicle. And I made darn sure I bought American made. But I didn't cry about it and ask for handouts from the gas man. I'm not asking for a stimulus plan, or a federal bailout, or free smokes.

Yeah the economy sucks. You know what sucks about it? The whiners. "Oh, I lost my job" well you should have gotten a better friggin skill. Prisoners always have a job making furniture, or chain gang, or something. If you can't find a job in this country you're just not trying. I'm pretty sure the Army is still hiring and the Marines (for damn sure the Marines) could use some help. If I can make it where I am, and I'm just a former high school drop out, then anybody can make it anywhere. Hey, you are where you put yourself. But that's just how I feel.

**ggiese** · 04-17-2009, 07:39 AM

Originally Posted by knightnorth

This is the stuff that eats at me a bit. I knew times were tough so last year I got a new job that got me 50% more pay. I had to go from driving a company car 90 miles one way to driving my personal car 110 miles one way but I needed to support my family. I pay my taxes - live within my means - pay a mortgage I can afford. When the price of gas went up last year to over $4 around here I just bought a more gas efficient vehicle. And I made darn sure I bought American made. But I didn't cry about it and ask for handouts from the gas man. I'm not asking for a stimulus plan, or a federal bailout, or free smokes.

Yeah the economy sucks. You know what sucks about it? The whiners. "Oh, I lost my job" well you should have gotten a better friggin skill. Prisoners always have a job making furniture, or chain gang, or something. If you can't find a job in this country you're just not trying. I'm pretty sure the Army is still hiring and the Marines (for damn sure the Marines) could use some help. If I can make it where I am, and I'm just a former high school drop out, then anybody can make it anywhere. Hey, you are where you put yourself. But that's just how I feel.

Right on!

My grandfather used to say, "If the government took all the money away from the rich - and redistributed it equally amongst everyone - within a very short period of time the same people that were rich would be rich again, and the same people that had nothing would have nothing again."

If you're not SUCCESSFUL, you only have yourself to blame. The US have some of the most stringent laws around workplace discrimination - sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, - you name it - it's covered and vigorously prosecuted. Our national education system is solid and reasonably priced - with plenty of opportunities for scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Many employers have tuition reimbursement programs, and encourage their employees to continue their education. Bottom line - how could you NOT be successful?

Perhaps I've been fortunate - with very little effort on my part I've managed to make a decent living. I regret some decisions I've made that didn't position me better (i.e. education) - I had the potential to be in an even better place than I am - but I truly have no one else to blame.

Altitude has everything to do with attitude.

**Kenyth** · 04-17-2009, 08:18 AM

Never collected unemployment. Left home at 18 and have never been back. Joined the service and learned discipline. Taught myself a job skill from a computer hobby, and switched over to work a job using that skill. Got out, got a decent paying entry level job and used GI bill and job tuition assistance to go to college. Busy? Yes, that's the way life is.

The point is that I'm doing well despite the fact that I wasted away my free time for quite a few years on worthless endeavors. Although some of those endeavors (computer work and ham radio) taught valuable skills and concepts. It's really not that hard to make it, if you're willing to try.

If I'd have been willing to do what it took earlier in life, I could have really been something!

**MarineOne** · 04-17-2009, 10:50 AM

Are we sure that this isn't "holysmoke" without the Rosie O'Donnell personality?

Kris

**ggiese** · 04-17-2009, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by MarineOne

Are we sure that this isn't "holysmoke" without the Rosie O'Donnell personality?

Kris

I was also wondering if it wasn't Dreadog reincarnated... He's a bit touchy as well...

**NullSmurf** · 04-17-2009, 04:11 PM

I see at least two more card carrying rich white Republican racisits here!

**MarineOne** · 04-18-2009, 01:57 AM

Originally Posted by NullSmurf

I see at least two more card carrying rich white Republican racisits here!

Rich? Definately in personality, because I just bought my first home and my wife sent me a quote she got for a deck she wants in our backyard. I had to wipe off my desk after seeing a twelve thousand dollar quote.

White? Yeah, but there are some Iraqi locals on my base that think I'm an Arabic speaker. Must be the dark hair and beard cuz I don't speak a lick of Farsi.

Republican? Not really since I ride the fence. I believe in stem cell research (rather have grown my own organs over using someone elses), I'm pro-choice (as long as you don't end up with one of those oil change style "get your 13th abortion for free" punch out club cards), pro-death penalty, and I'm pro-2A.

(Okay I'm pretty sure this wasn't directed at me, but I'm in Iraq working five 12's and I haven't had my Monster Mean Bean this morning.)

-K

**SmokinDVM** · 04-18-2009, 06:18 PM

Originally Posted by ggiese

Right on!

My grandfather used to say, "If the government took all the money away from the rich - and redistributed it equally amongst everyone - within a very short period of time the same people that were rich would be rich again, and the same people that had nothing would have nothing again."

If you're not SUCCESSFUL, you only have yourself to blame. The US have some of the most stringent laws around workplace discrimination - sex, race, creed, color, sexual orientation, age, disability, - you name it - it's covered and vigorously prosecuted. Our national education system is solid and reasonably priced - with plenty of opportunities for scholarships, grants, loans, etc. Many employers have tuition reimbursement programs, and encourage their employees to continue their education. Bottom line - how could you NOT be successful?

Perhaps I've been fortunate - with very little effort on my part I've managed to make a decent living. I regret some decisions I've made that didn't position me better (i.e. education) - I had the potential to be in an even better place than I am - but I truly have no one else to blame.

Altitude has everything to do with attitude.

This has to be one of the most ignorant things I've ever read.

Most "rich people", and I do mean the vast majority, inherited their money. About the same percentage of those rich folks couldn't figure out how to wipe their ass if they lost everything.

It's a very minute percentage of rich people that started out their lives in a lower income bracket. The funny thing is the number of morons who upon finally getting to the point of making $200,000 to $250,000 per year think they've made it into the "rich club".

That being said, I hate most moochers.

**ggiese** · 04-18-2009, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

This has to be one of the most ignorant things I've ever read.

Too bad grandpa's not still around - I would HAVE paid big money for see you to tell him that to his face. And I'm quite certain he would have eagerly traveled to California to hear you say it and give you his "views" in person. That ol' Italian never minced words and loved to debate.

**ggiese** · 04-18-2009, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

Most "rich people", and I do mean the vast majority, inherited their money. About the same percentage of those rich folks couldn't figure out how to wipe their ass if they lost everything.

Speaking of "ignorant" statements - I'd really like to see where you came up with the facts to support this statement. I have a funny feeling I'd have to take an extremely hard left turn to find the place...

**Kenyth** · 04-20-2009, 07:21 AM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

This has to be one of the most ignorant things I've ever read.

Most "rich people", and I do mean the vast majority, inherited their money. About the same percentage of those rich folks couldn't figure out how to wipe their ass if they lost everything.

It's a very minute percentage of rich people that started out their lives in a lower income bracket. The funny thing is the number of morons who upon finally getting to the point of making $200,000 to $250,000 per year think they've made it into the "rich club".

That being said, I hate most moochers.

That is kind of true. Most normal folks simply can't comprehent the truley wealthy. The one's who couldn't spend all their money if they tried. $250K is daily pocket cash for those types.

**knightnorth** · 04-20-2009, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kenyth

That is kind of true. Most normal folks simply can't comprehent the truley wealthy. The one's who couldn't spend all their money if they tried. $250K is daily pocket cash for those types.

True wealthy? I don't know - I guess if you measure wealth in money or possessions. I'm making a lot more with my new job then with my old job. A few years ago I would have though somebody making what I make now is rich, but I'm not. Wealth's just a frame of mind. I'm not rich but I'm blessed with a great family and a nice house. I think because of that I'm wealthy.

I've noticed since I first started working that I seem to have more money in my pocket when a republican is president. The past couple of years I blame the Democrat congress. But under the Bush #43 presidency I got a better job and a few pay raises. I don't know how this Obama thing is going to work out but it doesn't seems to be going well. I support some of his policy's like opening trade with Cuba and uh, that's about it. I like how Reagan brought us out of Carter though. Let the people bring us out of this not the government. I'm a republican - you should always be proud of who you are.

Wow, did I just go on a political rant? Sorry about that.

**ggiese** · 04-20-2009, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by knightnorth

True wealthy? I don't know - I guess if you measure wealth in money or possessions. I'm making a lot more with my new job then with my old job. A few years ago I would have though somebody making what I make now is rich, but I'm not. Wealth's just a frame of mind. I'm not rich but I'm blessed with a great family and a nice house. I think because of that I'm wealthy.

I've noticed since I first started working that I seem to have more money in my pocket when a republican is president. The past couple of years I blame the Democrat congress. But under the Bush #43 presidency I got a better job and a few pay raises. I don't know how this Obama thing is going to work out but it doesn't seems to be going well. I support some of his policy's like opening trade with Cuba and uh, that's about it. I like how Reagan brought us out of Carter though. Let the people bring us out of this not the government. I'm a republican - you should always be proud of who you are.

Wow, did I just go on a political rant? Sorry about that.

Oh, boy... Wait until barry (smokindvm) reads this. You'll know when it happens - there'll be a huge mushroom cloud in the west...

In his world, "Republican" is a ten letter curse word. There's little else you can say that's worse...

**knightnorth** · 04-20-2009, 01:56 PM

Really?

Well, I'll shut up then. I'll respect others. I work in DC with politicians and we seem to blend our differences well with each other. I seem to overstep my bounds when I leave the beltway.

**ggiese** · 04-21-2009, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by SmokinDVM

Most "rich people", and I do mean the vast majority, inherited their money. About the same percentage of those rich folks couldn't figure out how to wipe their ass if they lost everything.

It's a very minute percentage of rich people that started out their lives in a lower income bracket. The funny thing is the number of morons who upon finally getting to the point of making $200,000 to $250,000 per year think they've made it into the "rich club".

That being said, I hate most moochers.

barry - I've been researching EVERYWHERE and I just cannot find anything to substantiate your statement. Would you mind quoting sources please???

**Irish79** · 04-21-2009, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by ggiese

barry - I've been researching EVERYWHERE and I just cannot find anything to substantiate your statement. Would you mind quoting sources please???

Some people just love stirring the pot and getting people all riled up! lol

**ashauler** · 04-21-2009, 12:02 PM

Originally Posted by Irish79

Some people just love stirring the pot and getting people all riled up! lol

I don't get it.

Just what is this post intended to do other than "stir the pot"? Perhaps you should read more and post a bit less. I'm just sayin'.

**ggiese** · 04-21-2009, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Irish79

Some people just love stirring the pot and getting people all riled up! lol

Thanks for letting us know!!

**SmokinDVM** · 04-22-2009, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by ggiese

barry - I've been researching EVERYWHERE and I just cannot find anything to substantiate your statement. Would you mind quoting sources please???

Funny, I found plenty of information very easily. Oh, I know what your problem is...first you have to look somewhere other than FOX.

Nationwide, billionaires are richer and more numerous for the second year in a row, according to Forbes magazine 2005 survey. The Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans starts at $750 million and 78 percent of them were billionaires in 2004. In the past year, 69 more Americans became billionaires, which gives the country almost half the world's billionaires. In 2004, the combined net worth of the nation's wealthiest was $1 trillion, an increase of $45 billion in one year; they increased their wealth by $300 billion providing truth to the term "the rich get richer."

At the same time, the common working person's dreams of wealth become harder to achieve. Wages for most Americans didn't improve from 1979 to 1998 and the median male wage in 2000 was below the 1979 level despite productivity increases of 44.5 percent. Despite gains made in income during the 1990s, wages are now on a downward spiral. In May, The Financial Times reported that wages are falling faster than at any time in the last 14 years. Meanwhile hidden unemployment soars as U.S. economists declare a "jobless recovery."

Contrary to American beliefs about equality of opportunity, a child’s economic position is heavily influenced by that of his or her parents.
• Forty-two percent of children born to parents in the bottom fifth of the income distribution remain in the bottom, while 39 percent born to parents in the top fifth remain at the top.
• Children of middle-income parents have a near-equal likelihood of ending up in any other quintile, presenting equal promise and peril for those born to middle-class parents.
• The "rags to riches" story is much more common in Hollywood than on Main Street. Only 6 percent of children born to parents with family income at the very bottom move to the very top.

http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2007...ns_isaacs.aspx