i do agree that unions did have their place at one time. they furthered the development of craftsmen and tradesmen, they were an asset to the companies too because the union leaders did all the foot work in finding common ground, identifying problem areas and helping provide solutions.

the tide has turned. (most) union leaders are now highly paid pseudo-executives, wannabes of the most virulent sort. unbeknownst to members, unions are now involved in politics as much or more than their host industries. unions have lost their way, as have federal-capitalist corporations...

as far as your "anti people-pro corporation postings" comment, the only people i am against are the people against corporations and the only corporations i am for are the corporations that are for people. this recent trend of twisting the federal government and private business together is very disturbing to me. this is actually part of what initiated the entitlement attitude, IMO... but that's off topic.

you're right about the home loans, it's a 'charge it' scenario but buyers who don't put the smidgen of effort into researching their options get what they deserve. most of the time they get those bad loans because of sheer laziness or the disorienting rush of a get it now impulse... either way it's the consumer's fault. just because wal-mart sells razors doesn't mean everyone should buy one and cut their wrists... just because you can doesn't mean you should.


i was in the same boat as you with education, i worked one, usually two, sometimes three jobs and took a full load of classes, trying to do the right thing for my family. and, for me it was straight out of state prison to college. framed houses, sold electronics at sears, did remodeling, sold pest control, did painting, freelance web design, telemarketing, i was even an off-road driver, you name it! i had only a GED and student loans that are still being paid for. point is, don't assume that my parents paid for my school either, they didn't pay one cent. i worked for my education and my wife's education...still do. of course it's who you know, but the right people to get to know are all around us all the time. it's not like you have to be born into a certain set of circumstances, we create our circumstances. how else does a former state inmate wind up teaching at a university, among other things that might seem unlikely?





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__________________
"But even when you cease to be slaves, you are yet far removed from being placed on an equality with the white race."

- Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States of America, Hero to the servants of big government, Racist War Monger