24 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

This was perhaps his most blunderous statement, and one that the right has and should seize upon.

I think the President was trying to say 'We're all in this together and those who are successful are thriving because we live in a country where everyone is free to take risks and start a business. That's why millions all over the world would love to live here. It is indeed the land of opportunity. It does not mean, however, that you have different rights or obligations than the people who work for you, or the people who built the sytem, the roads, the trucks that carry your goods. In fact, those people work for someone just like you. We're all in this together, and each must pay his fair share.'

Somehow, I doubt that would have made it better, but I think that's what he was trying to say.

By the way, the notion that if one wants to be rich they just have to work harder is one I disagree with. Ditch diggers, farm workers, dishwasher, and roofers are among the hardest working people around, but they're not going to get rich, no matter how hard they work at what they are doing.

[ducky]

This was perhaps his most blunderous statement, and one that the right has and should seize upon.

I think the President was trying to say 'We're all in this together and those who are successful are thriving because we live in a country where everyone is free to take risks and start a business. That's why millions all over the world would love to live here. It is indeed the land of opportunity. It does not mean, however, that you have different rights or obligations than the people who work for you, or the people who built the sytem, the roads, the trucks that carry your goods. In fact, those people work for someone just like you. We're all in this together, and each must pay his fair share.'

Somehow, I doubt that would have made it better, but I think that's what he was trying to say.

By the way, the notion that if one wants to be rich they just have to work harder is one I disagree with. Ditch diggers, farm workers, dishwasher, and roofers are among the hardest working people around, but they're not going to get rich, no matter how hard they work at what they are doing.

Excellent post, Steve. The president should consult you before speaking.

I agree that being a hard worker won't always make you rich, but not everyone feels that need. Some are content just being able to provide for their families.

[old soldier]

if I was an advisor to obama I would have them put a reminder shock device on him that would give him a little shock whenever he tried to make a statement that was not on the teleprompter. talking without a script seems to get him in trouble.

[The Average Joe]

By the way, the notion that if one wants to be rich they just have to work harder is one I disagree with. Ditch diggers, farm workers, dishwasher, and roofers are among the hardest working people around, but they're not going to get rich, no matter how hard they work at what they are doing.

Well, working harder makes you much more likely to get ahead than not, so while not true in every circumstance, true enough that I will stand by the notion. A ditch digger that works harder than his competition will get more jobs, and will therefore be more successful than a lazy ditch digger.

[Carl G]

Well, working harder makes you much more likely to get ahead than not, so while not true in every circumstance, true enough that I will stand by the notion. A ditch digger that works harder than his competition will get more jobs, and will therefore be more successful than a lazy ditch digger.

The Average Joe - you are just so wrong. The lazy ditch digger goes to work for Cal Trans, gets paid prevailing wages, gets a fat retirement package, and lives a long life since he spends most of his day standing in a group of ten watching one person work.

[The Average Joe]

LOL, I thought that, then decided not to go into the union thing as it undermined my point. Still, we are talking about entrepreneurs, not those suckling the government teet. Whole different animal.

[benning]

Hey y'all
Real business owner here. From my viewpoint he is making a very logical and true argument. I did not create the water system, the water delivery system, the water quality assurance system, the water disposal system that my coffee store uses (not my real company). True, I pay for the water and I paid and continue to pay, through my taxes, my share of the infrastructure that serves my company and helps it be profitable. But that is EXACTLY his point. We all need each other (and we all need to help pay for) the things we use and take for granted in our businesses. The coffee store model will absolutely not work without taxes and the value those taxes provide. He's basically saying, hey business owners, taxes provide value to you and on some level you should be happy to step up and pay them, especially when you're doing well.

[Robert Giacometti]

Hey y'all
Real business owner here. From my viewpoint he is making a very logical and true argument. I did not create the water system, the water delivery system, the water quality assurance system, the water disposal system that my coffee store uses (not my real company). True, I pay for the water and I paid and continue to pay, through my taxes, my share of the infrastructure that serves my company and helps it be profitable. But that is EXACTLY his point. We all need each other (and we all need to help pay for) the things we use and take for granted in our businesses. The coffee store model will absolutely not work without taxes and the value those taxes provide. He's basically saying, hey business owners, taxes provide value to you and on some level you should be happy to step up and pay them, especially when you're doing well.

Welcome back, its nice to see you posting again!

I'm agreeing for the most part in what you are saying above. The debate really is about what role should government play in everything and then how do we pay for that role?

In the coffee business above, should the owner who works 60 plus hours week, be made to pay more in taxes to fund social programs they don't believe in? Should the owner have to work 60 hours per week, to make a comfortable living and then be made to pay taxes to support defined pension plans and medical benefits for public employees, they as an owner won't ever realize themselves? What happens when the taxes/fees the owners of businesses have to pay get so onerous, that they have to lay of employees to survive themselves?

Everytime there is a new law passed, there is a cost to Government! Everytime we expand some social program, there is a cost that has to get paid from somebody!

Who is supposed to pay for the growing deficit, our children?

Almost every business owner I know has been willing to pay for their share of the cost of a basic government. They understand that they do have an obligation to contribute to the bettermnet of society, because they enjoy the benefits as well!

The problem is that Government and all its growth has become to large and too burdesome and too SELF SERVING! Businesses see this every single day and have reached a limit on how much good money they are keep throwing down a black hole, to sustain this growing Government!

What we really need are TRUE REFORMS that reinvent the roll of Government so its sustainable in 2012 and in the future!

[4thgenFolsomite]

in my experience, successful people work smarter, not necessarily harder. you can work hard as a ditch digger and you may never get ahead. but if you work smart, you learn how to leverage it or look for another job. that is what america's all about, opportunity.