Government Involvement in Employment

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

Explain THAT one.

I also don't get the small business death arguement. These bills typically apply to employers with 100+ employees.

You really are clueless about business and/or economics huh? The figure you threw out before about the 100 plus is wrong. It was 50 plus. Also even if it was 50 plus only businesses then that means they will lay offs more people than smaller companies. Even more so if they now have to compete unfairly with a smaller business that did not just get hit with a huge unfair tax. (And a tax it is)

Also we all know when any government meddling HAS ever happened in the past it only means that it will BECOME broader and eventually include smaller businesses. Now since you seem so in love with Obama the Socialist and Socialism then what happens when all of sudden a lot of layoffs happen and then these consumers have no money to spend on goods and services. And also that small businesses make up the largest workforce and they all of a sudden have no customers? That is right they will have to lay off too and many have to close up shop.

Right the estimates are starting to come in that all this new Socialism is going to cost many jobs and at a time when we are having huge unemployment going on. We have seen this before though and historically always have. The great depression was deepened and extended by the Socialism that Roosevelt tried. The only thing that brought us out of that was a great war.

Actually it IS 100+ for the first 3 years then it extends to 50 (to be exact). And if i'm so clueless let me ask you this. Have you actually seen the otherside of the coin...have you worked under a government that requires basic rights for employees such as paid time off or healthcare?

I'm a realist who acknowledges that there are people out there who can not get a better job that has extra benefits. Does this mean they deserve to work 365 days a year and die or live a life of pain without proper medical treatment?

Edited July 19, 2009 by lancer1655

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

Also if you are arguing that the government should not be involved in business how far does that really go. If I remember right it was the government that said 3 year olds couldn't work in factories. I guess we better drop that...and government worker safety...yep we don't need that either.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

I don't know. My best friend has his own small business in Germany. He employs a staff of 4 full- and one part time. He's making a very good living, runs a decent business and isn't going anywhere - most certainly not out of business - because he gives his employees 4-5 weeks of paid vacation per year (depending on their seniority). The people he does business with - many of them small business owners themselves - treat their employees equally well and they all manage to survive - no scratch that - they manage to run a successful small business making a very good living.

The argument that providing paid vacation time to employees kills small businesses just doesn't hold any water - not a single drop.

[Heracles 417]

I don't know. My best friend has his own small business in Germany. He employs a staff of 4 full- and one part time. He's making a very good living, runs a decent business and isn't going anywhere - most certainly not out of business - because he gives his employees 4-5 weeks of paid vacation per year (depending on their seniority). The people he does business with - many of them small business owners themselves - treat their employees equally well and they all manage to survive - no scratch that - they manage to run a successful small business making a very good living.

The argument that providing paid vacation time to employees kills small businesses just doesn't hold any water - not a single drop.

I second that. Australia's unemployment rate is at 5.8%. The average wage surpasses the US. They have four weeks mandated vacation time. Plus two weeks sick leave. I know of many small business owners there who are still doing quite well. They key is to ensure that everyone provides these benefits; which makes it fair.

Common sense really. A rested employee will perform better.

Edited July 19, 2009 by haza

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

European businesses would then never have a shot competing with these superior US businesses. And yet, the companies in those socialist countries with their inferior businesses manage to compete in the US market better than the is the case the other way around. That's mighty odd, isn't it?

[luckytxn 2,265]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

European businesses would then never have a shot competing with these superior US businesses. And yet, the companies in those socialist countries with their inferior businesses manage to compete in the US market better than the is the case the other way around. That's mighty odd, isn't it?

Actually they don't compete better. That is wishful thinking

[Heracles 417]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

European businesses would then never have a shot competing with these superior US businesses. And yet, the companies in those socialist countries with their inferior businesses manage to compete in the US market better than the is the case the other way around. That's mighty odd, isn't it?

Actually they don't compete better. That is wishful thinking

Largest company in the world in now Shell.

At the end of the day, does it really matter how large a company is? It's only about what I receive in my checking account. It's about quality of life and the country around people. Most American's don't receive squat. To be honest I don't know of one person earning less than $60K in Aus. I am not talking college educated here either. Some of my blue collar cousins are on over $150K. How many blue collar workers are on $150K or even $100k here? My guess, not even 1%., who probably work 65+ hour weeks.

Edited July 19, 2009 by haza

[luckytxn 2,265]

At the end of the day I want to take home most of my pay for the work I put in. I always made 55-60 thousand a year for some time now and I put away a good amount and own several pieces o f choice land and 2 retirement accounts and a house many good toys. My bank account is very nice affording me to take time off to spend with my new bride. I put away a nice rainy day fund and done very well.

Now times are hard for many but I thought ahead when most did not and made sure I would be ok. No government had to insure this as it should be.

[Heracles 417]

At the end of the day I want to take home most of my pay for the work I put in. I always made 55-60 thousand a year for some time now and I put away a good amount and own several pieces o f choice land and 2 retirement accounts and a house many good toys. My bank account is very nice affording me to take time off to spend with my new bride. I put away a nice rainy day fund and done very well.

Now times are hard for many but I thought ahead when most did not and made sure I would be ok. No government had to insure this as it should be.

I don't understand how anyone would be against basic protection, especially blue collar workers. You should get a fair wage and at least four weeks vacation. I'm a right wing conservative, but some of the ideals of repubs here are beyond me. Unless you guys are worth at the very least $10 mill, I cannot understand how anyone would be against fair (ethical) working conditions.

I'm guessing you're also against proper severance packages?

Edited July 19, 2009 by haza

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I don't know. My best friend has his own small business in Germany. He employs a staff of 4 full- and one part time. He's making a very good living, runs a decent business and isn't going anywhere - most certainly not out of business - because he gives his employees 4-5 weeks of paid vacation per year (depending on their seniority). The people he does business with - many of them small business owners themselves - treat their employees equally well and they all manage to survive - no scratch that - they manage to run a successful small business making a very good living.

The argument that providing paid vacation time to employees kills small businesses just doesn't hold any water - not a single drop.

Those lazy Germans and their extended C-S-tahs.

[luckytxn 2,265]

I get a nice and fair working condition now. I do a good job and I get paid well and fairly. I want the government to leave me be and go do its job that the constitution says is their job.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

European businesses would then never have a shot competing with these superior US businesses. And yet, the companies in those socialist countries with their inferior businesses manage to compete in the US market better than the is the case the other way around. That's mighty odd, isn't it?

Actually they don't compete better. That is wishful thinking

Really? Wishful thinking? Is that what it is? Europe produces for and exports to the US way more than is the case the other way around. How is that possible seeing that not only are the European businesses inferior to their US counterparts but also do they have to overcome the additional burden of a dirt cheap dollar.

[Heracles 417]

I get a nice and fair working condition now. I do a good job and I get paid well and fairly. I want the government to leave me be and go do its job that the constitution says is their job.

What about everyone else? Does the guy at Walmart receive a fair wage? I have spoken to many people who work second or third jobs just to survive. Never heard of anyone working a 40 hour week in AUS and not being able to make ends meet.

A drive throughout numerous parts of the country is downright depressing. Not to mention dangerous. Their quality of life is clearly on par with third world countries. Never seen a trailer in my life in AUS, unless people were camping or on a trip.

Edited July 19, 2009 by haza

[one...two...tree 2,762]

I get a nice and fair working condition now. I do a good job and I get paid well and fairly. I want the government to leave me be and go do its job that the constitution says is their job.

What about everyone else? Does the guy at Walmart receive a fair wage? I have spoken to many people who work second or third jobs just to survive. Never heard of anyone working a 40 hour week in AUS and not being able to make ends meet.

A drive throughout numerous parts of the country is downright depressing. Not to mention dangerous. Their quality of life is clearly on par with third world countries. Never seen a trailer in my life in AUS, unless people were camping or on a trip.

Just curious - what is the pay for a job like at a local hardware store or a shoe salesman in AUS? Because 30 years ago, a person here in the states could make a living just doing that but not anymore.

[luckytxn 2,265]

Why is the US different then? Is it that our businesses are inferior and need that extra few weeks a year to stay alive??

No, our businesses are superior because our government doesn't tell them how they ought to be run.

European businesses would then never have a shot competing with these superior US businesses. And yet, the companies in those socialist countries with their inferior businesses manage to compete in the US market better than the is the case the other way around. That's mighty odd, isn't it?

Actually they don't compete better. That is wishful thinking

Really? Wishful thinking? Is that what it is? Europe produces for and exports to the US way more than is the case the other way around. How is that possible seeing that not only are the European businesses inferior to their US counterparts but also do they have to overcome the additional burden of a dirt cheap dollar.

It is nice when they have governments there that obstruct any business out side their own to do business. Of course we have some but not even close to their level. No their business models can't compete with our models unless they have their government protecting them from us.

I also have a friend running a business in Germany and he has quite a few employees. He is disgusted with their work ethic and laziness.

Edited July 19, 2009 by luckytxn