A letter from the CEO of my company.

[DelcoCouple 1]

Yes it must be so nice to work for a firm where the CEO abuses his position to send political commentary to 5000 people. I can see why you are so proud citizen

PS you forgot to mention his political donations to the Republican party, but its OK most of us managed to figure it out anyways

Hows that other bastion of American commerce Enron doing these days? Once upon a time employees talked about it in the same childlike adulation, now of course they simply try and remove the egg from their face. And this is the beauty of peoples arrogance, it is so much fun to see the imbecilic smirk wiped away when reality delivers the inevitable kick up their a$$

Edited January 31, 2007 by DelcoCouple

[GaryC 7]

Yes it must be so nice to work for a firm where the CEO abuses his position to send political commentary to 5000 people. I can see why you are so proud citizen

PS you forgot to mention his political donations to the Republican party, but its OK most of us managed to figure it out anyways

Hows that other bastion of American commerce Enron doing these days? Once upon a time employees talked about it in the same childlike adulation, now of course they simply try and remove the egg from their face. And this is the beauty of peoples arrogance, it is so much fun to see the imbecilic smirk wiped away when reality delivers the inevitable kick up their a$$

Boy it must suck to be you!! Is this what it's like to be a liberal? See the bad side of everything? Whats wrong with counting our blessings? Whats wrong with being thankful for living in this wonderful country? Why is is a "republican" thing to be proud of our country? Aren't liberals proud of America? Why is it when someone points out the good things a liberal only sees the bad? Is this a basic philosophy of liberalism?

This guy started out as just another Caterpillar worker and through his own hard work started a company that employs thousands. So that puts him in the class with Enron? You have my pity. You seem like a joyless person.

[kitkat1 5]

While there are definitely paragraphs in that email that are not at all appropriate for a CEO to send out to his staff, I think there are also some words of wisdom for the people who constantly complain about life in the US and have never step foot outside of it to see how the rest of the world lives (not many on VJ fall into this group, I assume)

I kinda like this part -- good reminders of the things so many people forget . . . how good MOST of us have it . . .

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([i]this wasn't necessary - 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? [/i]

Edited January 31, 2007 by kitkat1

[Scott & Lai 12]

Yes it must be so nice to work for a firm where the CEO abuses his position to send political commentary to 5000 people. I can see why you are so proud citizen

PS you forgot to mention his political donations to the Republican party, but its OK most of us managed to figure it out anyways

Hows that other bastion of American commerce Enron doing these days? Once upon a time employees talked about it in the same childlike adulation, now of course they simply try and remove the egg from their face. And this is the beauty of peoples arrogance, it is so much fun to see the imbecilic smirk wiped away when reality delivers the inevitable kick up their a$$

So, because he is a CEO, expressing political opinions is "abuse"? I see no threat stated or implied in his letter.

[Jenn! 918]

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.

And where is this idea coming from that liberals only see the bad in America because they've never seen how life is in developing countries? Hmmmm....

[William33 110]

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!

Gary,

If you think that the pontificating of your boss is inspiring, then you are in the right job. Personally, I would be out the door.

But then again, I worked 20 years for the Goverment and now work in a quasi-Government job now. People just don't talk that way to the staff.

[kitkat1 5]

So, because he is a CEO, expressing political opinions is "abuse"? I see no threat stated or implied in his letter.

Well it was certainly an abuse of his role to say: 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 would not appreciate working for a man who grouped me in with "ungrateful, spoiled brats, etc" when in reality I am unbelievably aware of lucky I am to live in a free country with all of the things that I have access to . . .

[GaryC 7]

So, because he is a CEO, expressing political opinions is "abuse"? I see no threat stated or implied in his letter.

Well it was certainly an abuse of his role to say: 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 would not appreciate working for a man who grouped me in with "ungrateful, spoiled brats, etc" when in reality I am unbelievably aware of lucky I am to live in a free country with all of the things that I have access to . . .

Well Kitkat I know that you understand just how good we have it here. And judging from a few of the comments here I think "ungrateful, spoiled brats" fits perfectly. To not be thankful of the tremendous gift our forefathers gave us is the biggest sin of all. It shows how consented and ungrateful we have become.

[Alex+R 0]

To not be thankful of the tremendous gift our forefathers gave us is the biggest sin of all. It shows how consented and ungrateful we have become.

You mean like the Constitution? It doesn't seem like you usually have much respect for that. Maybe the majority of Americans have the foresight to see that while they majority of us have enough to eat, we're losing those civil liberties that are what we love so much about America. That's how I feel and that's one reason I'm dissatisfied.

Being dissatisfied does not mean being ungrateful, although the Nazis actually used that rationale to publicly shame dissenters! (*Not a comparison of the US to Nazi Germany, before you go on that tear. Just a comparison of the CEO's way of (group)thinking.)

[GaryC 7]

To not be thankful of the tremendous gift our forefathers gave us is the biggest sin of all. It shows how consented and ungrateful we have become.

You mean like the Constitution? It doesn't seem like you usually have much respect for that. Maybe the majority of Americans have the foresight to see that while they majority of us have enough to eat, we're losing those civil liberties that are what we love so much about America. That's how I feel and that's one reason I'm dissatisfied.

Being dissatisfied does not mean being ungrateful, although the Nazis actually used that rationale to publicly shame dissenters! (*Not a comparison of the US to Nazi Germany, before you go on that tear. Just a comparison of the CEO's way of (group)thinking.)

That is a very low blow Alex. I revere the constitution. In fact I probably hold it in much higher regard than you do. I want it followed as it was intended not this bastardization that the libs are trying to make it. If it isn't in the constitution then it shouldn't be a law. This implied intent BS is just a way for actavist judges to make law and call it constitution interpretation.

We haven't lost a single civil liberty but the way you make it sound we are now in communist Russia. Thats the way of libs. Pessimistic all the way. Like I said, it must suck to be you.

[Alex+R 0]

Gary, I think history will show that your line of thought is mistaken.

For the record, it doesn't suck too much to be me. Especially not 5 days til my fiance is Stateside for good.

[GaryC 7]

Gary, I think history will show that your line of thought is mistaken.

For the record, it doesn't suck too much to be me. Especially not 5 days til my fiance is Stateside for good.

And I firmly believe that history will show liberalism will be the doom of our country. It's the slippery slope to socialism. All you have to do is look at Europe to see that.

[Alex+R 0]

Hm, I thought the doom of our country would be jingoism and xenophobia. Go figure.

[yogib37 3]

To not be thankful of the tremendous gift our forefathers gave us is the biggest sin of all. It shows how consented and ungrateful we have become.

You mean like the Constitution? It doesn't seem like you usually have much respect for that. Maybe the majority of Americans have the foresight to see that while they majority of us have enough to eat, we're losing those civil liberties that are what we love so much about America. That's how I feel and that's one reason I'm dissatisfied.

Being dissatisfied does not mean being ungrateful, although the Nazis actually used that rationale to publicly shame dissenters! (*Not a comparison of the US to Nazi Germany, before you go on that tear. Just a comparison of the CEO's way of (group)thinking.)

That is a very low blow Alex. I revere the constitution. In fact I probably hold it in much higher regard than you do. I want it followed as it was intended not this bastardization that the libs are trying to make it. If it isn't in the constitution then it shouldn't be a law. This implied intent BS is just a way for actavist judges to make law and call it constitution interpretation.

We haven't lost a single civil liberty but the way you make it sound we are now in communist Russia. Thats the way of libs. Pessimistic all the way. Like I said, it must suck to be you.

Yes we are almost there. This Admin is screwing up the Constitution so bad. It is called the patriot act. That has taken a lot of my civil rights away. If I want to open a bank account I have to show I am not a threat. If I check out books from the libary and they can get the records.

they can bust into your home with out a warrent now and arrest you and put you in jail and not tell you why..and can leave you as long as they feel like. They just say he was a terriost and keep him in jail.

So a lot of civil rights been taken away. they are tapping people phones, putting people on the 'no fly list' and they wont let you know why you on it.. the Homeland dept is the Bush admin. SS Nazi's

So this CEO is out of line. He claims that a tax cut to help the country improve.. Hog wash.. it was to give the rich corp. companys and rich people more money to stuff into their bank accounts.. Like this CEO.

I am sure he is a REP. and I am sure he has his hand in bushes pocket.

I search your company and it is really PRO republican. The men and women over in Iraq are not defending the USA.. they are supporting Bushes and the republicans agenga to establish many militray bases in the Middle east.

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

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.

Alex, you and Rey are my heroes on VJ today! Rey's analogy in ET's thread was right on!