Tom Delay: People Are Unemployed Because They Want To Be - Page 4

DrPhil · #1 03-09-2010, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ggirl617

If I really needed to, I could go out and get a job today. It might not be anything I want, but at least something. Is this not true for everyone (save the mentally and physically handicapped)?

Tell us what jobs you could get TODAY (even if it's not something you really want).

Let us know what you can ABSOLUTELY find so that others can do the same without having to compete with other unemployed people.

33girl · #2 03-09-2010, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ggirl617

If I really needed to, I could go out and get a job today. It might not be anything I want, but at least something. Is this not true for everyone (save the mentally and physically handicapped)?

You could get a job, but you might only be offered 10 hours a week. That isn't enough for anyone (save college student home for break living with parents) to live on.

Part time work used inappropriately is one of the things that's killing this country.

DrPhil · #3 03-09-2010, 02:01 PM

I'm not trying to be evil or get personal but, honestly, what makes Kevin so special that he could find a job "just like that?"

I don't think he's as different as he thinks he is unless he has strong and influential social ties that prevent any hint of struggle regardless of the circumstance.

Seriously.

MysticCat · #4 03-09-2010, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ggirl617

I'm not going to pretend that I know everything about this issue, but I don't understand why people who aren't mentally or physically disabled can't be completely self sufficient and take total responsibility for themselves

Completely self-sufficient with total responsibility for themselves? Most of us can't meet those criteria. If you're employed by someone else, you are not completely self-sufficient nor do you have total responsibility for yourself. You rely on your employer for income and benefits. Even if you're self-employed or own your own business, you likely rely on others to provide materials you need for your business or, at the least, enough others who will (and can) pay for your services.

True self-sufficiency is rare in modern economies.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Brilliant, as always! The bolded made me chuckle.

And you make me blush.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I'm not trying to be evil or get personal but, honestly, what makes Kevin so special that he could find a job "just like that?"

He's working in his dad's firm.

Not that there's anything wrong with that -- not at all. But I've been around long enough to know that doesn't necessarily provide eternal job security.

DrPhil · #5 03-09-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticCat

He's working in his dad's firm.

Not that there's anything wrong with that -- not at all. But I've been around long enough to know that doesn't necessarily provide eternal job security.

Ohhhh, bless his heart.

I say this with sincere warmth in my heart because I feel like I'm talking about a 10 year old. NOT because he works for his dad's firm (family firms and other businesses are fantabulous

) but because he thinks that means instant eternal employment.

Awwwwww *pinches his cheeks*

DaemonSeid · #6 03-09-2010, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrPhil

I'm not trying to be evil or get personal but, honestly, what makes Kevin so special that he could find a job "just like that?"

I don't think he's as different as he thinks he is unless he has strong and influential social ties that prevent any hint of struggle regardless of the circumstance.

Seriously.

Exactly...and that is my whole point...just because he has these ties doesn't mean everyone else has the wherewithal to do so, as demonstrated by the statements of people.

Same as he knows he will have a job 'the rest of his life'.

Tomorrow is never promised.

Trading Places, anyone?

agzg · #7 03-09-2010, 02:13 PM

This may get me flamed, but has anyone (especially those against welfare/unemployment benefits) thought about the fact that some wealthy white people prefer to KEEP some on welfare collecting welfare?

Senusret I · #8 03-09-2010, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agzg

This may get me flamed, but has anyone (especially those against welfare/unemployment benefits) thought about the fact that some wealthy white people prefer to KEEP some on welfare collecting welfare?

Not literally, but I do believe that the upper class needs the underclass.

Little32 · #9 03-09-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agzg

This may get me flamed, but has anyone (especially those against welfare/unemployment benefits) thought about the fact that some wealthy white people prefer to KEEP some on welfare collecting welfare?

Right, let's not think for a minute that there is not an institutional, political, and social investment in keeping the status quo--welfare included. That get's to the complexity of the issues that MC references, which trite, politically expedient declarations don't even begin to take into consideration.

ETA: @ Sen I, exactly. Much as they like to complain and point fingers.

agzg · #10 03-09-2010, 02:24 PM

Well, theoretically, keeping the "poor white trash" and others from being able to afford anything to better their own lives - either by making it impossible to find a job that would lift them out of poverty while on welfare or by gaining the education necessary to move up the social/class ladder, and allowing that cycle to loop from parent to child for eternity, certainly does lessen the competetition for me, doesn't it?

It doesn't necessarily have to be conscious thought - perhaps subconsciously.