The fact is...the richest 2% of people in this country DO owe the middle class something. The awful packaged mortgages, ponzi scams, raiding employee funds, AIG, Enron, the S&L debacle, outsourcing, oil company profits(multinational by the way). When will we stop voting against our own best interests as the workers of this country? Why do some support the unlimited acquisition of wealth by a few powerful and greedy ones at the expense of the great employees and working class of our Country?
Why is it OK for a CEO to take millions from his company right before the company nose dives and the stock tanks? Quit blaming the stupid government for these actions, quit acting like the private sector is closer to God and the government is automatically the evil one.
I was a Marine, a US Coast Guard skipper, a Deputy Sheriff, Harbor Patrolman and now a Public School Teacher and I proudly defend the thousands of people like me who have saved lives, taught kids right and wrong, stood in the face of evil to protect society....we civil servants don't shout loud enough about how we keep this Country going.
Sure, try to neutralize my arguement by pointing to bad politicians, wrongdoing by the government, I've heard it all and it doesn't amount to a coat of paint in contrast to the sacrifice and commitment I've seen and lived in the "public sector".
If you're worried about "what we leave our children" you better be worried about the corporatacracy that the United States is becoming.
So Doyle lets make sure you and I agree on a couple of things...
1. You are an awesome example of a guy that has lived out service to your country and community. I have had the honor of shaking your hand, laughing with you and riding with you... Thank you for all the things that you have done, no sarcasm intended but a serious heartfelt thank you.
2. Only a few of the things you listed are illegal and I think that is an important fact. Enron, ponzi schemes and such are absolutely illegal and I agree that those were a problem. As a country we need to look at them closely so we can put more oversite in place, not govt oversite just oversite.
3. While I hate outsourcing myself it is not illegal, if a company can save a lot of money they are going to do it. Until enough people complain to companies nothing will change. We want lower cost but it is a fact that thecost to manufacturer in the US is higher. The US workers have driven many of the jobs out of the country because of the demand for outrageous wages regardless of education, experience or quality.
4. The Golden parachutes that many CEO's took as an example during this last economic downfall are perfectly legal. While most Americans find the greed to be dispicable it is not illegal. As a matter of fact most of those CEO's had contracts in place to pay them REGARDLESS of how they drove the companies into the ground. This is why I was so frustrated when the bailout money was being paid to all levels of management at companies that used bailout money, there were contracts in place. We all heard of the CEO's that took the money they had legal contracts for, who do you blame? Should you blame the CEO for taking the money he was contractually obligated or do you blame the attorneys who drew it up and the board of directors or the shareholders?
5. Don't take this last point as though I am criticising you at all, as I said I respect EVERY thing you have done for this country. All of the positions it appears were your choice, you chose to be a Marine (of course unless you were drafted) a deputy, harbor patrolman, skipper and a teacher. At any point in your career you had the option to apply to be a CEO or start your own business. I learned many years ago that as a Police officer or a firefighter I would never make a lot of money. I wanted a family and to put my kids through college so I left the jobs I loved serving and moved into the corporate tech world where the pay was better. Your service is greatly appreciated and it takes a special person to deal with the things you have but you can't be upset with people that made other choices and now are rich.
I don't blame JUST the governement I also blame the leasership of many companies for the economic downturn. Bad management absolutely ruined many companies.
So why be mad at Bill Gates or Jack Welch for having tons of money, they made some great choices and with those choices came a great reward...
Cap
