64 "One Reason Why 'OWS' is Happening"
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The way I see how the middle and lower classes feel.
One Reason Why “OWS” Is Happening
Maybe not so much the middle class, lower class or average person, but the so-called upper class and rich people have a very hard time understanding why there is so much unrest in this country because of the gluttony and greed.
No matter where you fit into the different classes for just a little while, at least while reading this, place yourself in this situation.
You finished top five in your class in high school. You managed to work your way through some college, but things just got a little too tough to be able to get any kind of degree, so you had to quit and you had to get a job as a laborer or carpenter, maybe even on a sanitation crew. (There is nothing wrong with any of those jobs.) It is just the fact that you had to go out after all of that education and actual work for a living. You were actually doing OK and found the love of your life, decided to get married and settle down. You were able to buy a quaint little house and decided to have children. (Since the average family had 2-1/2 children, you passed on the ½ of a child and go for the full 3 children.)
Everything was going OK until the bottom fell out of the economy a few years later. You are now a father of three beautiful children. You have a wonderful wife and a great family. The bank is threatening to take your home away because you have fallen behind on your mortgage payments since your hours at work have been cut and you haven’t brought home more than 5 full paychecks in the last two years. You are really beginning to stress out, not knowing what to do.
You come home from work one day to the family, wife and kids meeting you at the door, and settle down to a humble meal of cornbread and beans. Not much left in the cupboards since it is almost payday and you are now barely living from payday to payday.
After dinner and playing with the kids and chatting with the wife you decide to turn on the TV and watch it for a little while. As you go through the channels you see someone on there that you think you recognize from school, so you flip back the two channels to look. This is not a channel you would normally watch, but you want to see if this is the person you thought it was.
As you watch you see it is a channel where they auction off old classic cars. As you watch, you say to yourself, “I’ll watch this for a few minutes. I like old cars and maybe we’ll see one like I had in school so I can show the kids.”
You see the person in question and it is who you thought it was. He was one that took all of the easy courses in high school and when he went to college he never had to work, did nothing worthwhile and once he got out of college was able to travel. His dad was a very rich businessman that made his money off of the stock markets and loan businesses. Anyway, this guy never worked a day in his life.
As you watch the auction you see him actually bidding on cars. He wins the bid on one that goes for $60,000. Then as you watch, getting a little sick to your stomach, he starts bidding on another car. He wins the bid on this one going for $89,900.
OK, that’s enough. It is turning your stomach just to think how hard you worked all of your life and you are about to lose everything but your family. Hopefully it won’t come to that anyway.
So, when you look at a situation like this it is understandable how people can have hard feelings for the rich.
What is so sad is the fact that there are some rich people that actually worked for what they have, but there are so many, especially these days, that they either get their riches from hurting other people, or they have everything handed to them from parents or relatives that got rich off of others.
It turns my stomach to see those at the auctions throwing that money around like it is nothing. Honestly, do they have to show their glutinous greed for everyone to see? I guess there is nothing wrong with spending their money the way they want, but why do they have to flaunt it? It’s the way they sit back and, so arrogantly, make their bids.
Maybe I’m wrong to feel this way, but I don’t think I am the only one that feels this way. There has to be at least one or two others out there.
Greg
Following are a couple more reasons that my nephew wanted to include, so I am including them on my hub just as he stated.
“Good work! I definitely agree with what you wrote, but there are other things that make me dislike them too. One is how they can use their power to manipulate people into supporting their own agenda; they demonize anything that may weaken their power or riches. Two examples: unions are demonized to where the people they really will help think they are bad. Now I'm not saying unions are perfect, they have their own demons, but they are for the people against the wealthy class in the long run. The wealthy use their influence with the media (and their influence is huge) to turn the common person away from the very programs that good people have fought so hard to establish for the benefit of them.
The other thing that makes me dislike the wealthy is how they can't have empathy for the common man, like the man in your story. They think just because they are wealthy that you should be wealthy, and if you aren't, then you did something wrong. And if you are suffering, its your own fault, society doesn't owe you anything. From my experience the wealthy people who look down on the un-wealthy are the ones who had everything handed to them, some of the wealthy who made it on their own still care and understand. Also, the wealthy guy who looks down on the un-wealthy and says they don't deserve any social assistance is probably the same guy who moved his plant out of the small American town to a third world company so he could be even wealthier.”
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Great hub. I agree with you, but I think until the social consciousness of people change, things will remain the same.People must want to see that their fellowman does not go without for things to get better..EXIT greed...I am still hoping!!
Good work Greg yet again. History has shown us over and over that as fewer and fewer people gather up more and more of the wealth with-in a system, the over-all economy gets weaker and weaker and will eventually collapse from with-in. When will we ever learn.
Appreciate you and your nephews heartfelt story and your honest take on things gregas. Brings to mind the Charlie Daniel's song. 'A poor girl wants to marry, and a rich girl wants to flirt; a rich man goes to college, and a poor man goes to work.'
A rich person is not bad because they are rich. A rich person is bad when they live by different rules, when they exploit their workers, when they get rich at the cost of others. Nice hub.
Not fixing an upper limit of how much a person wants, is the problem of infinite greed of humanity. There must be a time and limit when one should call it a day to leave opportunities to others. Thanks for your concern, like that of mine.voted up.
Well, I've not been wealthy--at least not in this lifetime--but neither have I ever had hard feelings toward those who are. Seems to me there are at least two reasons why:
1. I'm powerfully aware that my own life is up to me. Yes, I do understand the plight of the husband and father struggling to provide for his family. Been there, done that, not just once but many times: 6 divorces, 2 bankruptcies, 1 foreclosure on my record.
But I've never ever faulted the rich man for his arrogance. If he makes the mistake of wallowing in it, he'll pay--either in this lifetime or the next. Not my problem.
2. The uber-wealthy car buyer in your example is spending money, and to me that's a good thing. The thousands he throws around go back to work in the economy. The auctioneer makes a living. The seller of the collectible autos gets a chunk of change that is for all I know much needed--to finance life-saving surgery for his wife or daughter, perhaps.
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However, many of us fail to realize we are fully and always the architects of our own destinies. So yes, you have it right: These reasons (as illustrated in your Hub) are undoubtedly part of the impetus behind OWS.
Up and Interesting.
You have written an article with an open and honest heart but deep down I feel you realise that resentment and envy just attract more of the same. For the one finger we point at others there are three pointing back at ourselves. Feeling negative towards others and judging them is never a solution to our own problems. The only way to be happy and content in our own lives is to change our minds and harness the power of the subconscious to work with us rather than sabotage our dreams and efforts.
I'll just say that anyone with an assoiciate's degree in accounting could run any one of those five big megabanks just fine, and would gladly do the job for 70K a year. All they do is borrow from the Fed at 0% and lend to Uncle Sucker at 4%, then mark those treasury bonds as assets and use them to back their loans to regional and foreign banks. How hard is that?
I may be wrong, but I think some of the readers missed the point of this Hub. My take was that the author is frustrated by the deeds of the wealthy, and the methods they use to get there and stay there. Some are just spoiled into wealth while others step on everyone else on their way up. I know some have worked hard to get where they're at as well, but who hasn't worked hard. I feel no jealousy toward the wealthy, but I don't like how many of them spend lots of money specifically to set up roadblocks to prevent those who are less fortunate from ever getting there.
Wonderful and very heart felt words in my opinion. I do believe there is a great divider among the exuberantly wealthy and those who are at the brink of poverty. There needs to be a way to close the gap. Yet, as you wrote, the power of greed surpasses the common good of the majority. This world is a very unjust place to breathe, yet I remain hopeful to the term, what can be given, can be taken.
OK, I am really behind on my comments, so I am goint to answer in a string.
Sooner, thank you for the vote. I agree, if the company is making good money it is partialy due the the employees and they should be compensated with at least a little extra, aside from their regular pay. Greg
Pickles, Thank you, and yes the rich do need to open their eyes and see the needs of the less fortunate. Greg
Dmop, Thank you, and yes the more the rich rake in the weaker the ecinomy weakens. Greg
Alastar, Thank you. hat song is pretty much the way it goes. Though there are some that actually work to go to college. Those usually aren't the ones that use people. Greg
Harald, Thank you. You are correct there. It is what they do to get rich or what they do after they get rich that determines the good or bad. Greg
Rambansal, Thank you for the vote. There should be no upper limit, just a point of how you handle it once you get to a certain point. Let's don't take away any freedoms for this, just try to show people a more humane side. Greg
Ghost, Thank you. Don't get me wrong, like you I take total responsibility for my past actions. I don't dislike anyone because they're rich, more power to them. It is the way so many of them got there. Greg
Spirit, Thank you. I didn't write this because it's the way I feel because I really haven't had it that bad. I do know some that have though. And, as Ghost said we are all the architects of our own destinies, and I of mine. I just feel taht these kind of feelings could be what led to the "OWS" situation, because so many people don't have jobs and let the envy grow since they are unable to do anything about their situation. Greg
OK, another short string of comments from me.
Jed, Thank you. You're right, it doesn't take someone that makes millions a year to run a business, but that's what we have and there isn't much we can do about that. Greg
Dmop, Thank you for the extra support. I just have a feeling that situations like this and the lack of jobs is what ignighted the "OWS", at least to a point. Greg
Hi Jen, Thank you. If the wealthy would put money into jobs that people could live on and justify the work of the ones that are fortunate enough to have jobs, that might help, at least a little. Greg
I only want to mention the ones, and some here I know that will not believe; that we have homeless children and people starting to be hungry that are not yet homeless but heading that way. It is time we all take a serious look. We let it happen and if we don't stop it it might even reach the ones who think it can never happen to them. Governments today are about power...over everyone.
Hi Jackie, Thank you. And yes, those who are able should help the ones that truely need help now. If you have any suggestions to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor, please let me know. I am trying to put something together in that order. Greg
wow this is an amazing hub. You hit on the nail.. unfortunately this has been happening since the beginning of time. there had to be something we could do for the homeless. for the the needy.
Love this hub
voted up
debbie
Hi Debbie, Thank you for the vote. I am asking on my hub comments for any ideas that we can possibly use to put something together to lessen the gap between the rich and the poor. If you have any, please let me know. Greg
As much as I dislike the idea of more regulation, there should be some sort of regulation regarding how profit is shared among all employees with-in an organization. Companies that reach a certain level of profitability should have to share at least some of that profit with the people who helped them get there. It's just ridiculous that the top level individuals get more than they will ever need while they pay their workers 8.00 an hour.
Hi Dmop, I agree with you 100%. I to hate "more" regulation. But you have a good idea there. We need to research how to regulate that. Thank you. Greg
My first suggestion would be to stop sending it to other countries and feed ours first. Charity begins at home. It is not the government's money they are feeding other countries with and we should insist ours be taken care of first. Makes perfect sense to me and always has. We have elderly and children we could start with; surely no one would have anything against helping them and believe they deserve it? Stars want to look greater adopting from and helping other countries hungry as they walk by ours. It is time to speak up and have a say first of all. Our cities want to dump homeless in the country to make their streets look better. If they built shelters then that would be OK. Let them eventually raise gardens and maybe have Volunteers doctors and foods and clothing directly to them instead of through God only knows who, doing God only knows with it. Give them something to live for. A meal and a warm bed. Mercy from fellow human beings is all.
Hi again Jackie, Thank you for coming back with some good suggestions. I am adding these to my list. Greg
Wonderful hub Greg. I do not have the right words to use for fear of being politically incorrect. I have been in this country for slightly over five years and for sometime I did not understand this sentiment against some of the wealthy, but many times before I understood the system I kept wondering why my bank would charge me three times over, $105 in bank fees for using my debit account card for items costing $6 when I had money on my savings account or why so much? Well, I know what to do now but I still think that is a serious case of greed gone out of hand. Banks make so much, I, very little, but they are not there to help me get better. They want every little penny I have got for themselves and when they are done, they will not care less whether or not I exist. It amazes me. Thanks for writing, I can see that this is a subject many feel very strongly about.
Hi Donna, Thank you. Yes, you do have to watch out for those bankers, they will take every penny thay can get and not blink an eye. Greg
some people become rich by their hard work,but some use unfair means.If someone becoming rich by their hard work,they feel jealous,takes every care that he should not be rich.Interesting, voting up gregas and sharing.
Hi Nity, Thank you for the vote. The problem is that we are getting people that are getting rich dishonestly and the majority of the ones that inherit, get it from the dishonest ones. Greg
Totally awesome hub, I love your honesty and open heart.
Hi Acaetnna, Thank you. I would like some suggestions on how we might be able to lesses the gap between the rich and the poor. I have a coupleof suggestions and I am working on something. Greg
oh.. great hub just awesome..Like this hub very much.voted up.
Hi Cookie, Tbank you for for the vote. Greg
Hi, Greg. This is an excellent hub. Many people are suffering from the actions of a Government that didn't look out for our interests. The lending institutions were out of control, banks and many corporations underhanded. A World Power helping other countries when charity should begin at home. The wealthy should pay their fair share of taxes. Lord knows the middle class, which will probably cease to exist if the economy doesn't improve, are taxed to death. I do believe we are responsible for the choices we make, the "architects of our own destiny" as Ghost said. However, frustrations and low morale, along with lack of funds and hope impedes our progress in creating change. voted up.
Hi Sandi, Thank you for the vote. And as Ghost said, we are "the architects of our own destiny", to a certain extent. I am working on a hub that covers that aspect. I am looking for suggestions that could help lessen the gap between the rich and poor and I have received a couple. I need more so I can put something together. Greg
Great Hub, that sounded eerily like my life. I don't hate the wealthy but I am disgusted by many of the decisions they force feed us through lobbying and commercialism all the while fooling the masses of a freedom that no longer exists. Awareness is key, so as long as we keep the conversation alive and teaching our children well then we can force positive change. "They can not sell what we will not buy" Fantastic Hub:)
I would be interested in helping you with that, Greg. I have always been responsible for my choices, my debt and now find myself overwhelmed. I would be sooo interested in finding a solution. LMK how I can contribute:)
Hi Tammy, Thank you. That's true about the not buying. The problem is, a lot of the stuff they sell we need to exist. That is a good suggestion for what I am looking for. Greg
Hi Sandi, I will be in touch with you. Thank you. Greg
I like this hub. It seems like me, especially the picture, mother with five kids. Yes, most of us have to do something that far from our hope. The competition is very tight, and I feel dizzy sometimes. Thank you gregas! Good Work!
Hi Neny, Thank you for the visit and comment. Greg
the rich rule the world everywhere, including democracies where OUR will supposedly decides who rules us (the word serves seems so quaint and outdated) .The will of the people though is manipulated by money contributed by caucuses who influence the way yo think and ultimately 'HELP' you decide in favor of the candidates who will ensure that their investments in him /her pay off with huge returns.
It is easy to way we should wake up but the money is so huge and manipulation so subtle that we have just no control over what happens.
These caucuses (which includes unions) then block any legislation which could actually contribute to taking the nation forward. No wonder the deficit keeps growing and the rich keep getting richer.
Recently read a book called "that used to be us" which states that the USA has mortgaged its future by living beyond its means and that the deficits are financed by the govt bonds that China buys from the proceeds of the goods USA buy from them.
It makes an interesting observation and I quote"Let us just hope that China never attacks Taiwan because we have a treaty with them that says we will fight for them if this should ever happen, except that now we will have probably have to borrow money from China to do it.
So have the rich manipulated a great country and made it so vulnerable and hence poor.
Hi Neele, Thank you for the follow and the comment. The rich "do" control everything, but there has to be a way we can give us a chance. You sound like you know what you are talking about. I am trying to get ideas from others so I can put something together. If you have any, please let me know. Greg
Good hub and great points made. The rich have always appeared to get richer as the poor get poorer. Such as noted in todays society and our sad economy. Voted up and interesting!
I am in India Greg and maybe taking advantage of some of the outsourcing you talk about. I happen to have lately read up about the american economy and it stuck me very very strongly that We here face the same problems.The issue at the core of it is of course that we as human beings have the same problems everywhere.
what we can do at the individual level is to VOTE right and not get carried away by all the psycho babble and when the need comes for us to stand up and be counted on the streets NOT to step back.
Well done! What discourages me is the propensity for allowing these things to happen. The voters are the ones who send the most powerful message. After that, it is the boycotters and the strikers. Yet we still buy products from companies that we know are reprehensible and we still hand over money for products that we know are causing us harm.
For example, when gas hits $4 per gallon, it is time to now buy gas and to take a little extra effort to cut back on the bad driving habits. But do we do this? no!
As for college, I started out with nothing and had one thing going for me: nothing was going to stop me from getting my degree. If I had dropped out, I would have had no one to blame but myself. My classmates included single parents, Patty Hearst, Vietnam combat veterans, cancer survivors, and severely handicapped people. No one got to whine too much with those folks as a daily reminder of the value of an education. I am upset for those who could do as I did, but who can't even get into junior college classes because there is no room.
Great hub! I'm a proud support of the occupy movement.
Hi GTK, Thank you for the comment and votes. It is funny how it seems to work that way, isn't it!!! Greg
Hi Neele, Thank you. The voting is actually what worries me. We have people that are told that it is their resposibility to vote. These people take it to heart to do their good deed and vote. The problem is, that way too many vote just to vote. I would feel a lot better if they would research before they vote. Don'e vote because of what they see on TV or because a friend tells them how they should vote or just so they can say they voted Take the responsibility to know what you are voting for. A vote like the afore mentioned can, and usually is, worse than no vote at all. Greg
Hi Xenonlit,Thank you. As I just commented to Neele, the oh so powerful vote will make things happen. They just can't vote just to say they voted They have to know what they are voting for. And yes, we do all need to change our habits. It is just that the only ones that WIL change are the middle and lower classes, NOT the rich. They won't be forced to change, and so there we are, still in the same situation. Greg
Hi Gatti, Thank you. Greg
I am not wealthy, but I have a different mindset. Why be envious of anyone? I think that people need to appreciate what they have and realize that life is not always perfect. We are not entitled to anything, and if anyone wants something then they still have the opportunity to go out and get it for themselves. Maybe it is time for people to be entrepreneurs and create for themselves rather than turning a bolt for 8 hours in a factory. Another thing that crosses my mind is, hey, if no one is making a certain product in America, then that means that there is a business opportunity out there for one of us to go and make it. People need to view the positive of our times, instead of us always feeling sorry for ourselves. This is still America, and we need to harness our American spirit.
There will always be rich people, and there will always be poor people. There is no point in letting someone else effect your mindset or value of yourself.
Hi Man, Thank you. I'm not wealthy either and I have never had anything handed to me. I have worked all my life. There are people who do get better oppertunities than others. I don't complain about what I don't have, just like Ghost said, we are the architects of our own lives.
But you have to admit that there are way too many people out there taking advantage of the less fortunate. What the banks are doing to people is one example. They DO take advantage of oppertunities and it is the lower class of people that pay, or should I say suffer.
Not everyone has the same mindset in order to be an entrepreneurs, or the abillity to go to college.
Some people, myself being one, have made some bade decisions in their lives, as one of my hubs shows, "The Y's in the Road of life", and missed those oppertunities.
And if we didn't have some of these people turning bolts 8 hours a day who would be doing it? That doesn't mean they have to be looked down on and used and taken advantage of, now does it.
Yes, there will always be rich and there will always be poor, but the rich don't need to take advantage of the poor either. I could go on and get started on unions and so on, but I think I have made my point, but you feeling the way you do and, obviously having had oppertunities, won't understand. Greg
And just so you know man, you didn't even get the jest of my story. Greg
What gets me here in Britain, is that the wealthy ones are often the ones who get the freebies, especially the ones in government - free holidays, air trips, cruises. What's wrong with them paying their way like everyone else?! The poorer, honest man is always the worst off, but then sometimes the happiest too! Voted up and interesting.
Hi Ann, Thank you. The rich are the ones that get all of the free stuff and benefits here too. The so-called lower class haves to earn everything they ever haveand still get taken advantage of. Greg
Excellent Hub and right on target. It was very heartening to read through the comments and see how many of us agree with your analysis. Its not their wealth that bothers us...its how they got it and the hardship imposed on so many other hardworking families that distress us so. Thank you for an important discussion. SHARING
Hi PHD, Thank you. That's right, it's the human stepping stones that they use to get their wealth, and then don't even look back at the ones that really got them where they are. If they would just give back some to the hard workers that got them where they are, they would be sooooo much richer, by far. Greg
Yes, we all admire those who became wealthy through hard work. But a lot of people work hard and never get that break that changes their life for the better. Luck has a great deal to do with who succeeds and who fails in this society.
If you have been lucky, it is beyond any measure of decency for you to judge those who have worked just as hard and not gotten the breaks you have.
But even worse is for you to use the power you have to make your life even better at the expense of those who have so much less than you.
Great topic. Great comments.
Hi Kathleen, Thank you. Very well said. I believe it does have a lot to do with luck and getting breaks and oppertunities. And then having the oppertunity to take advantage of those oppertunities. I know of oppertunities I have had that I wasn't able to take advantage of them at the time, and then never got them again. Unless the money is handed down to you, a lot of times it is all a matter of timing. Greg
Hello Greg,
Greed does play such a role...great hub! Many do not know how to live on less and we live in such a materialistic world, creating this vision that many cannot obtain, leaving one feeling inadequate, but it is not a true picture of the blessed man. He is one that rises in the morning, does an honest day’s work, providing for his family. The money grabbers will fall, taking down with them every high thought, selfish ambition they ever strived for, and in the end... What will carry the man through? The integrity of heart...
Thank you for sharing this passionate piece.
Sunnie
Hi Sunnie, Thank you. if we don't do something about it now, our children and grandchildren, and my great grandchildren, which I have 6, are going to be in the same situation as we are now, probably worse. Greg
Wow! I could spend an hour just reading the comments! I did not (blush) read them all.
However, I would like to know, in spite of sounding uninformed, what is OWS?
I do like the hub, it was wonderful and definitely hit home with me. I don't hate the wealthy for being rich, just wish they would use it to help their fellow man more.
As far as closing the gap between the rich and the poor, I have no idea, other than the obvious. Tax them at a higher level and close the loopholes that help them get out of taxes!
Perhaps, it has been disregarded already, but, to me, if you put a 5% tax on income, regardless of what they do with it, give a tax break on incomes of less than $100,000, this should do the job quite nicely. I know it sounds naive, but I think it would work.
Andee
Hi Andee, Thank you and welcome. FYI, OWS is the "Occupy Wall Street" movement. I don't have anything against someone being rich either. It is just the fact that most of them got that way from stepping on and using others and at the expense of someone else, usually the lower class.
As for the tax thing, I feel that a "flat tax would settle a lot. For one thing people wouldn't be having a 'bunch' of kids for a right-off and that in itself might slow down the population and make people think twice about having so many kids they can't support them. That's just one aspect, probably the coldest one, but this world had better start thinking about the population too, and soon. Greg
Oh! I have not heard it called OWS before! I think that is neat how they are doing that for what they believe, though I have to admit, I don't understand what it is about.
Hi Andee, If you follow the hubs you will get an education you won't believe. There are a lot of oppertunities to express yourself also. Greg
I am working at getting to know HubPages, I have some hubs in the draft stage (though they are not like this one) and I am learning many things. Thank you very much for helping to educate me! :-)
It's how I feel, that's for sure.
Nice hub and thought provoking. A lot of what we see is not the way it seems, but of course alot of it is actually worse. Yes, it would be nice if the rich helped more of those in need but many of them do.
The selfish people are the ones we are really mad at, and there are poor selfish folks too, just look at those sphincters who cut us off in traffic or in line to name a couple of examples.
I do kind of have to agree with michiganman with regards that we should try not to focus on what we don't have but should try to work towards what me might have. And also, as you have pointed out, we should be careful whom we vote for, or else our candidates just might win.
Hi Andee, I am willing to help you in any way I can. just ask. If you need, I will send you my e-mail. Greg
Hi Xenonlit, Thank you. I know a lot of people that feel that way. Work your rear end off and still get the shaft. But I guess most people just consider that the way of life. I just don't think it's fair. Greg
Hi Ardenfr, Thank you. It wouldn't even have to be rich helping the poor. If someone would could just do something about the poor being stepped on by the rich for them to get where they are. There are most of us that work toward the things we could have and still get screwed. And yes, know what you're voting for. Greg
hi Gregas. great Hub. I'm generally politically conservative. But I have come to realize over the past few years that there are the very rich and then there are the rest of us. I;m a banker and I have been laid off 3 times in my life. Each time because the bank I worked for was sold. Just a few at the top made millions from stock and we had to be satisfied with a few weeks severence!
I do have some respect for the rich. I once read that the most popular vehicle for US millionaires was the Ford F150 a real working vehicle. Most people who are rich work very hard. They are not living off of other money their parents made The biggest jerk I ever met made $400k a year, but he was still in his office at 10PM when most people were home.
lHi Bikk, Thank you. I have nothing against rich people either, as long as they worked for what they have. It's the ones that step on and use people to get where they are, and there are an awful lot of those, that I don't like. Greg
Not gonna get into any protracted back and forth, just a thought or two. I did see a bit of irony in the story of the man who came home to a "humble dinner of cornbread and beans" - yet he has enough disposable income to afford multi-channel cable. Also, I've been a working man all my life and I never cashed a paycheck that was signed by a poor man. Just sayin'.
Hi Scooter, Thank you. There's no argument with what you say though there are reasons for the way it happened. As for cashing a paycheck signed by a poor man, obviously you have never lived from payday to payday. When you sign a check tat is gone before you get it, that's a poor man;s paycheck. Been there, done that. Greg
May I respectfully inquire why you automatically presume I've not lived paycheck to paycheck? I've lived that way most of my life. When I was younger the wealthiest man in the world was J Paul Getty who said, "The most philanthropic thing a rich man can do is to meet a payroll every week." Most of the folks politicians label "the wealthy" ($250,000 a year or more) are sole proprietors who are doing just that, such as my friend in Texas City, Texas who owns a restaurant and employs about 30 people - they all get paid before he does, yet politicians want to penalize him as "wealthy" because his business makes $300,000 a year - that money does NOT stay in his pocket, it goes to pay salaries, utilities, vendors, and TAXES, TAXES, TAXES; then, and only then, does he get to put something in his pocket to feed his family, pay his house note, car payment, etc. I do appreciate your sentiments though, because the self-same politicians who go after people like my friend are themselves enjoying inherited wealth (Ted Kennedy (RIP), Jay Rockefeller, Nancy Pelosi, etc.) Nice talking with ya, hope it's sunny in the Rockies.
We attend auctions, gregas, but in our case it's in an attempt to make money by buying for less and selling for more. I've been where your hero has been and to be quite honest,I've never been anywhere else except in survival mode. Nice Hub - thank you.
Hi John, Thank you. I know the feeling. It seems that survival mode is quite popular, especially these days. Not everyone can accept the fact hat NOT everyone gets the same oppertunities as some others and have to make do the best way they can. Greg
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Sooner28 Level 6 Commenter 3 months ago
Amazing hub! I'm tired of people making money by exploiting the hard work of others. All employees should be compensated fairly and treated with respect. And this country needs a universal health care system! Voted up.