A letter from the CEO of my company.

[GaryC 7]

This is a global email the CEO of my company sent.

ANY MONDAY Volume 155 Jan 29, 2007

Happy Monday,

The year is well under way and we are off to a good start. 2006 was certainly a good year even though we ended just a little short of our plan. Thank you again for all your hard work during 2006. I am confident we will be “right on” for 2007.

I am sure many of you may have seen the attached comments but a friend sent it to me and it certainly reflected how I feel. I am sure many of you may not agree and that is fine. At least we live a country where can agree to disagree.

The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the president. In essence 2/3s of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So, I starting thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes; an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy.

Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. Yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn't kill his wife but if he did … insane!

Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:

''What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.' Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.''

I suggest we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don't, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ''greediest and most ungrateful generation.'' A far cry from the proud Americans of the ''greatest generation'' who left us an untarnished legacy.

I hope you enjoyed the reminder as I did.

God bless you,

#######

[Ban Hammer 12,878]

good post

[DelcoCouple 1]

At least his name is appropriate.

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

At least his name is appropriate.

Ain't nothing like telling the little guys just how good they got it, while shouting it down from a mountain top.

[StarProg 0]

Perhaps there should be a law saying everyone has to visit a third world country for a week before they reach the age of 18. I know I sure changed my outlook on life after my first visit to the Philippines. Let's say it was a life changing revelation. And I have learned to live without much that I used to take for granted.

[Fandango 1,439]

yay for ####### tellin it like it is!

[melly 0]

70% of people in this country own a home???

Also, Steven of Steven and Jinky, that picture is disturbing!!! What the sam hill is it??

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

70% of people in this country own a home???

Also, Steven of Steven and Jinky, that picture is disturbing!!! What the sam hill is it??

Go see Pan's Labrynth...then you'll know! (I'm beginning to sound like an advertisment)

[William33 110]

I wonder how large "#######'s" golden parachute will be, once the stockholders give him the bounce?

Meanwhile, he suggests you should be happy with whatever you get. What a #######.

[Heracles 417]

Perhaps there should be a law saying everyone has to visit a third world country for a week before they reach the age of 18. I know I sure changed my outlook on life after my first visit to the Philippines. Let's say it was a life changing revelation. And I have learned to live without much that I used to take for granted.

You said it...

Coming from Australia, it never seizes to amaze me how so many people of particular backgrounds have this poor me poor me attitude yet refuse to acknowledge the current hardship, poverty, fear for their life etc faced by their "brothers" in their home countries, as we speak.

[Scott & Lai 12]

yay for ####### tellin it like it is!

[Alex+R 0]

Allow me to participate in the collective eye-roll at this myopic blowhard.

It goes without saying that many Americans don't have it so great. But did he think that if Americans are unhappy with the direction of the country, we might be unhappy with our role in the suffering of those in other nations?

I don't hear Americans complaining about prosperity; in fact a majority of Americans are satisfied with the economy right now. This guy needs to pull his head out of you-know-where.

[Alex+R 0]

And PS, re: the maligning of the media: do us all a favor and don't comment on the media until you know what you're talking about, asshat.

And btw, the current market research shows people love good news more than bad. That's why many newspapers are turning to publishing only cheery news on the front page.

and can I LOL any louder at

Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage.

I think this guy's picture is next to the word chopfcuk in the dictionary.

[jordanianprincess 0]

What a crock of sh!t and abuse of his position as CEO. He isn't a freaking guidance counselor. Like other posters have stated, I'd like to see the size of his golden parachute.

and Alex+R

[GaryC 7]

At least his name is appropriate.

Ain't nothing like telling the little guys just how good they got it, while shouting it down from a mountain top.

HEHEHE!! You have no idea just how much fun I am having laughing at your stereotypical response! The company I work for (Advanced Technology Services) was founded by "#######" 12 years ago. He was in fact doing the very same job I am doing now only for Caterpillar. He and a friend borrowed some money and start their own business. Now he employs 5000 people. His mountain top is an office that is literally open door. I can in fact walk into his office at any time and have a chat. I have never worked for a company that pays me so well, treats me so well and is so open and inclusive. You really have no clue just how much I was waiting for that Steve! You never fail to amuse!