A letter from the CEO of my company.

[diadromous mermaid 36]

####### is a typical blowhard chopf##k CEO....

No, I have met him. He is a very nice guy that remembers his roots and respects all of his employees. There is nothing "blowhard" about him. Your just demonstrating class envy. It's not very pretty man, you should open your eyes.

There's also nothing wrong with remembering one's roots and appreciating the effort put forth by one's employees, but I think what is being expressed here is that along with the duties that a title and position in a coroporation bring, there's also stature and diplomacy that go hand-in-hand with that position. Were each coporate CEO to be as outspoken as to his or her views of the state of the country or world, as ####### has been in his correspondence throughout the ranks, each corporation would automatically be coloured by that viewpoint. In essence, the corporation's mission statement would become that of the individual hired as spokesperson and to direct the company's future. That, in a nutshell, is a misuse of position and its the access to the public.

[GaryC 7]

####### is a typical blowhard chopf##k CEO....

No, I have met him. He is a very nice guy that remembers his roots and respects all of his employees. There is nothing "blowhard" about him. Your just demonstrating class envy. It's not very pretty man, you should open your eyes.

There's also nothing wrong with remembering one's roots and appreciating the effort put forth by one's employees, but I think what is being expressed here is that along with the duties that a title and position in a coroporation bring, there's also stature and diplomacy that go hand-in-hand with that position. Were each coporate CEO to be as outspoken as to his or her views of the state of the country or world, as ####### has been in his correspondence throughout the ranks, each corporation would automatically be coloured by that viewpoint. In essence, the corporation's mission statement would become that of the individual hired as spokesperson and to direct the company's future. That, in a nutshell, is a misuse of position and its the access to the public.

You don't seem to understand. The companies mission statement matches what was in the email. The values that ####### was stating are the values of the company. As I said, of everyone that I know that got this email every one of them found it inspirational. No one that I know was offended and they all agreed with what it said.

[Alex+R 0]

Those that bash Mr. Blaudow have no clue what they are talking about. It's just their knee-jerk reaction to someone that made it. It demonstrates the difference between liberalism and conservatism.

I guess conservatives in America are more likely to look up to someone with more than them. To me this makes me think of a phrase used earlier in this thread: "childish adulation." How can there be a "Liberal Elite" and at the same time Liberals are envious of the elite? Just doesn't make sense.

[GaryC 7]

Those that bash Mr. Blaudow have no clue what they are talking about. It's just their knee-jerk reaction to someone that made it. It demonstrates the difference between liberalism and conservatism.

I guess conservatives in America are more likely to look up to someone with more than them. To me this makes me think of a phrase used earlier in this thread: "childish adulation." How can there be a "Liberal Elite" and at the same time Liberals are envious of the elite? Just doesn't make sense.

Your right, it does not make sense. There are the liberal elite that has it all but at the same time bashes others that also have it. Just look at Kennedy, Kerry and Rockerfeller. They are rich, privileged and yet they bash others that also have it. Your absolutely right Alex. It makes no sense to me at all. I can't see how anyone would even think about following those hypocrites.

[Fandango 1,439]

I think he seems like a nice guy, Gary....you can tell he's a caring and personable boss from his email AND from the fact that he even signs it '#######' it gives a very welcoming and informal vibe...which is very rare to see in a boss nowadays.

Don't bother defending him, cos the haters will hate and pick every word apart cos that's what they do...it's 'black and white' and nothing you ever say will change that. So don't waste your time! You know he's awesome, and for a worker to feel the way you do...well that says a lot for the company and the man who built it!

[GaryC 7]

I think he seems like a nice guy, Gary....you can tell he's a caring and personable boss from his email AND from the fact that he even signs it '#######' it gives a very welcoming and informal vibe...which is very rare to see in a boss nowadays.

Don't bother defending him, cos the haters will hate and pick every word apart cos that's what they do...it's 'black and white' and nothing you ever say will change that. So don't waste your time! You know he's awesome, and for a worker to feel the way you do...well that says a lot for the company and the man who built it!

Thanks Lisa. It's a rare thing when a company like this comes along. For the first time I really feel like a part of the company family rather than some commodity to be used. Hard work is rewarded and recognized. Those that want to just skate are quickly weeded out. The result is a very successful company that is a joy to work for.

[diadromous mermaid 36]

####### is a typical blowhard chopf##k CEO....

No, I have met him. He is a very nice guy that remembers his roots and respects all of his employees. There is nothing "blowhard" about him. Your just demonstrating class envy. It's not very pretty man, you should open your eyes.

There's also nothing wrong with remembering one's roots and appreciating the effort put forth by one's employees, but I think what is being expressed here is that along with the duties that a title and position in a coroporation bring, there's also stature and diplomacy that go hand-in-hand with that position. Were each coporate CEO to be as outspoken as to his or her views of the state of the country or world, as ####### has been in his correspondence throughout the ranks, each corporation would automatically be coloured by that viewpoint. In essence, the corporation's mission statement would become that of the individual hired as spokesperson and to direct the company's future. That, in a nutshell, is a misuse of position and its the access to the public.

You don't seem to understand. The companies mission statement matches what was in the email. The values that ####### was stating are the values of the company. As I said, of everyone that I know that got this email every one of them found it inspirational. No one that I know was offended and they all agreed with what it said.

Well, if that's the case, then ####### is simply reinforcing the values they (the company Bd and shareholders) wish the company to have in the public eye. OK. Which is why, in my initial statement, I queried....

Let's hope this CEO is also representing the unanimous views of the Board of Directors and shareholder group, otherwise, despite being the founder, his job might be up for grabs.

[GaryC 7]

Well, if that's the case, then ####### is simply reinforcing the values they (the company Bd and shareholders) wish the company to have in the public eye. OK. Which is why, in my initial statement, I queried....

He is stating the companies core values. When anyone is hired into ATS they are given a 2 day orientation. Those values are spelled out. We are told that if you work hard the rewards will be forthcoming. If you don't work hard the only thing in your future is the door. Everyone knows that going in. From what I see they are living up to their end of the bargain and I am living up to my end. This is not a company to work for if your a hard core union type. The company philosophy is 180 out from that.

Like I said before, the differences between Caterpillar (union) and ATS (non-union) are stark and glaring. The cat guys hate their job, hate their bosses and hate the company. The writing on the bathroom stalls is very revealing. The words strike comes up so often it is comical. ATS guys (at least the ones I know) like their jobs, like their boss's and like the company.

Oh well, I am starting to sound like a commercial for ATS. I will quit now. All I ask is that people are grateful for what they have and the gift that they have inherited from those that came before us. That does not mean that we shouldn't want more or strive for better but only to recognize the blessing we already have. The point of the email was to point out that when we forget those gifts we are bound to loose them. I doubt that to many can argue with that.

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

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.

Gary, I think your confusing gratitude with servitude. As employees, you don't have to be grateful to your employer any more than your employer should be grateful for your service. You are paid for your work - your work makes them money...it's a two-way street. If your employer doesn't want to pay you what you are worth, which I realize we've gotten into this argument before, but...it is NOT entirely determined by the market, you have a right to gripe...hell YES! Unthankful my #######...sheesh...you think wealth is spread to the lowly from the wealthy out of charity...holy cow. When it comes to jobs, it's contractual - not emotional.

Just curious - have you ever belonged to a union?

I think your confusing gratitude with entitlement. All the employer has a responsibility to me for is to give me the opportunity to work and improve myself. They are under no obligation for anything else. I earn what I am worth. Any company that does otherwise is headed down the path of going bankrupt. It is 100% determined by the market because the product he sells is valued 100% by the market.

But we are digressing here. This isn't about my company or my CEO. This is about being grateful for the blessings that our country and God has given us. Being grateful does not mean being satisfied. You should always strive for more. But you should also recognize that we are living in the best country in the world and it got that way through the sacrifices of the people that came before us.

Now, since you brought it up. Yes. I have been in several unions.

See your type in red - this is the breakdown of our argument. You believe that your worthiness in terms of pay and compensation should be left entirely up to the market. I know you believe that because you stated such. So then how is it that in this country we have CEO's who get pay raises while the company's profits are down? You say the market determines ones pay - a CEO (as ET has pointed out to you before) is just an employee like you so that kinda blows your idea about pay out of the water. There are many things I'm grateful for in my life, but that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye to economic injustice - yes, it really exists - the market isn't God. When I see such things as jobs being lost to overseas or south of the border, meanwhile CEO's ratio of pay being at an all-time high, then common sense tells me there is something wrong in this country and the right and just thing, IMO, is to bring light to it.

I'm not sure why you had such trouble with unions, but over my lifetime, I've been a member of the UFCW union, The Teamsters, and The Cartoonists Union, all of which ensured that I had a decent salary and benefits package. My union dues were nominal. When I worked in grocery retail - there was an enormous pressure for stores to minimize overtime - and often they were caught by the union encouraging employees to clock out but continue working off the clock to avoid overtime. Yes, there are problems within unions as there are within companies executives, however, without unions, there is no balance of power between the employer and the employees.

That's where we vastly differ. You seem to think an employee should be grateful for having a benevolent boss - I think that's a load of horse manure because both parties mutually benefit from the employment contract. It's a different mentality. I have much to be thankful for in my life, much gratitude, but I'm sorry - that gratitude doesn't extend to my boss or my employer...at least not for paying me...that's just part of the contract.

[Fandango 1,439]

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.

Gary, I think your confusing gratitude with servitude. As employees, you don't have to be grateful to your employer any more than your employer should be grateful for your service. You are paid for your work - your work makes them money...it's a two-way street. If your employer doesn't want to pay you what you are worth, which I realize we've gotten into this argument before, but...it is NOT entirely determined by the market, you have a right to gripe...hell YES! Unthankful my #######...sheesh...you think wealth is spread to the lowly from the wealthy out of charity...holy cow. When it comes to jobs, it's contractual - not emotional.

Just curious - have you ever belonged to a union?

I think your confusing gratitude with entitlement. All the employer has a responsibility to me for is to give me the opportunity to work and improve myself. They are under no obligation for anything else. I earn what I am worth. Any company that does otherwise is headed down the path of going bankrupt. It is 100% determined by the market because the product he sells is valued 100% by the market.

But we are digressing here. This isn't about my company or my CEO. This is about being grateful for the blessings that our country and God has given us. Being grateful does not mean being satisfied. You should always strive for more. But you should also recognize that we are living in the best country in the world and it got that way through the sacrifices of the people that came before us.

Now, since you brought it up. Yes. I have been in several unions.

See your type in red - this is the breakdown of our argument. You believe that your worthiness in terms of pay and compensation should be left entirely up to the market. I know you believe that because you stated such. So then how is it that in this country we have CEO's who get pay raises while the company's profits are down? You say the market determines ones pay - a CEO (as ET has pointed out to you before) is just an employee like you so that kinda blows your idea about pay out of the water. There are many things I'm grateful for in my life, but that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye to economic injustice - yes, it really exists - the market isn't God. When I see such things as jobs being lost to overseas or south of the border, meanwhile CEO's ratio of pay being at an all-time high, then common sense tells me there is something wrong in this country and the right and just thing, IMO, is to bring light to it.

I'm not sure why you had such trouble with unions, but over my lifetime, I've been a member of the UFCW union, The Teamsters, and The Cartoonists Union, all of which ensured that I had a decent salary and benefits package. My union dues were nominal. When I worked in grocery retail - there was an enormous pressure for stores to minimize overtime - and often they were caught by the union encouraging employees to clock out but continue working off the clock to avoid overtime. Yes, there are problems within unions as there are within companies executives, however, without unions, there is no balance of power between the employer and the employees.

That's where we vastly differ. You seem to think an employee should be grateful for having a benevolent boss - I think that's a load of horse manure because both parties mutually benefit from the employment contract. It's a different mentality. I have much to be thankful for in my life, much gratitude, but I'm sorry - that gratitude doesn't extend to my boss or my employer...at least not for paying me...that's just part of the contract.

What you call 'economic injustice' is what I call capitalism! We're not a socialist country, you do realize that?

[Alex+R 0]

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.

Gary, I think your confusing gratitude with servitude. As employees, you don't have to be grateful to your employer any more than your employer should be grateful for your service. You are paid for your work - your work makes them money...it's a two-way street. If your employer doesn't want to pay you what you are worth, which I realize we've gotten into this argument before, but...it is NOT entirely determined by the market, you have a right to gripe...hell YES! Unthankful my #######...sheesh...you think wealth is spread to the lowly from the wealthy out of charity...holy cow. When it comes to jobs, it's contractual - not emotional.

Just curious - have you ever belonged to a union?

I think your confusing gratitude with entitlement. All the employer has a responsibility to me for is to give me the opportunity to work and improve myself. They are under no obligation for anything else. I earn what I am worth. Any company that does otherwise is headed down the path of going bankrupt. It is 100% determined by the market because the product he sells is valued 100% by the market.

But we are digressing here. This isn't about my company or my CEO. This is about being grateful for the blessings that our country and God has given us. Being grateful does not mean being satisfied. You should always strive for more. But you should also recognize that we are living in the best country in the world and it got that way through the sacrifices of the people that came before us.

Now, since you brought it up. Yes. I have been in several unions.

See your type in red - this is the breakdown of our argument. You believe that your worthiness in terms of pay and compensation should be left entirely up to the market. I know you believe that because you stated such. So then how is it that in this country we have CEO's who get pay raises while the company's profits are down? You say the market determines ones pay - a CEO (as ET has pointed out to you before) is just an employee like you so that kinda blows your idea about pay out of the water. There are many things I'm grateful for in my life, but that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye to economic injustice - yes, it really exists - the market isn't God. When I see such things as jobs being lost to overseas or south of the border, meanwhile CEO's ratio of pay being at an all-time high, then common sense tells me there is something wrong in this country and the right and just thing, IMO, is to bring light to it.

I'm not sure why you had such trouble with unions, but over my lifetime, I've been a member of the UFCW union, The Teamsters, and The Cartoonists Union, all of which ensured that I had a decent salary and benefits package. My union dues were nominal. When I worked in grocery retail - there was an enormous pressure for stores to minimize overtime - and often they were caught by the union encouraging employees to clock out but continue working off the clock to avoid overtime. Yes, there are problems within unions as there are within companies executives, however, without unions, there is no balance of power between the employer and the employees.

That's where we vastly differ. You seem to think an employee should be grateful for having a benevolent boss - I think that's a load of horse manure because both parties mutually benefit from the employment contract. It's a different mentality. I have much to be thankful for in my life, much gratitude, but I'm sorry - that gratitude doesn't extend to my boss or my employer...at least not for paying me...that's just part of the contract.

What also really worries me is the willingness to accept that the CEO is better than his employees. The CEO has more money than his employees, therefore the CEO is better and deserves respect? The other missing link in the logic is that it's entirely based on the assumption that people deserve exactly as much respect as they have dollars in the bank. The psychology that allows this economic injustice to go on is not uncommon but is still very scary to me. The CEO fed into that psychology with his e-mail.

[garya505 2]

If some of the people here don't like the system here in the US I hear Hugo Chavez is workin' on a nice set-up down there in Venezuela they might like better.

[GaryC 7]

See your type in red - this is the breakdown of our argument. You believe that your worthiness in terms of pay and compensation should be left entirely up to the market. I know you believe that because you stated such. So then how is it that in this country we have CEO's who get pay raises while the company's profits are down? You say the market determines ones pay - a CEO (as ET has pointed out to you before) is just an employee like you so that kinda blows your idea about pay out of the water. There are many things I'm grateful for in my life, but that doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye to economic injustice - yes, it really exists - the market isn't God. When I see such things as jobs being lost to overseas or south of the border, meanwhile CEO's ratio of pay being at an all-time high, then common sense tells me there is something wrong in this country and the right and just thing, IMO, is to bring light to it.

I'm not sure why you had such trouble with unions, but over my lifetime, I've been a member of the UFCW union, The Teamsters, and The Cartoonists Union, all of which ensured that I had a decent salary and benefits package. My union dues were nominal. When I worked in grocery retail - there was an enormous pressure for stores to minimize overtime - and often they were caught by the union encouraging employees to clock out but continue working off the clock to avoid overtime. Yes, there are problems within unions as there are within companies executives, however, without unions, there is no balance of power between the employer and the employees.

That's where we vastly differ. You seem to think an employee should be grateful for having a benevolent boss - I think that's a load of horse manure because both parties mutually benefit from the employment contract. It's a different mentality. I have much to be thankful for in my life, much gratitude, but I'm sorry - that gratitude doesn't extend to my boss or my employer...at least not for paying me...that's just part of the contract.

Back with the CEO's pay again? The libs trot that out like its some sort of a debate ender. I really don't care if a CEO makes 50K or 500Mill. It is no concern of mine. If the Board of Directors and the shareholders allow it then it's fine with me. You keep trying to make this a class warfare issue. There is no economic injustice. Only people that don't take their future into their own hands. The only person you can count on to have your best interests at heart is yourself. It can't and shouldn't be dictated or legislated.

I'm not sure why you had such trouble with unions, but over my lifetime, I've been a member of the UFCW union, The Teamsters, and The Cartoonists Union, all of which ensured that I had a decent salary and benefits package.

If you had worked for a non-union shop and were good at what you do (I have no idea of your skill level) you would probably be making more with better benefits. That has been my experience over the years. If a company is forced to do something by the threat of a strike then that is the MAX they will ever do. If a company is paying you commensurate with your skills and value to the company then your future is in your own hands. One is giving your future to someone else. The other is taking your future in your own hands. It has worked for me and it can work for you. It does require that you work hard and sacrifice while you are building your skillset and value but once your there it is all worth it.

[GaryC 7]

What also really worries me is the willingness to accept that the CEO is better than his employees. The CEO has more money than his employees, therefore the CEO is better and deserves respect? The other missing link in the logic is that it's entirely based on the assumption that people deserve exactly as much respect as they have dollars in the bank. The psychology that allows this economic injustice to go on is not uncommon but is still very scary to me. The CEO fed into that psychology with his e-mail.

I really don't see where he is stating or even implying that he is better than anyone else. Wealth does not equal respect and no where in that email does it say that. Face it, you don't like people that have more than you because you are envious. Rather than being envious why not try working to get your piece of the pie. No one should just give it to you, it must be earned. The CEO of ATS earned everything he has it it pisses you off. To bad.

[Alex+R 0]

What also really worries me is the willingness to accept that the CEO is better than his employees. The CEO has more money than his employees, therefore the CEO is better and deserves respect? The other missing link in the logic is that it's entirely based on the assumption that people deserve exactly as much respect as they have dollars in the bank. The psychology that allows this economic injustice to go on is not uncommon but is still very scary to me. The CEO fed into that psychology with his e-mail.

I really don't see where he is stating or even implying that he is better than anyone else. Wealth does not equal respect and no where in that email does it say that. Face it, you don't like people that have more than you because you are envious. Rather than being envious why not try working to get your piece of the pie. No one should just give it to you, it must be earned. The CEO of ATS earned everything he has it it pisses you off. To bad.

With all due respect, Gary, you have no idea what I have. What makes you so sure I need to jealous of a CEO?

You can't make assumptions about economic status based on my dislike of your CEO's worldview.

PS I like the idea of me being pissed off because someone earned what they have. Why would that ever piss anyone off? You're going to have to look for a more logical explanation. That truck don't drive.

Edited January 31, 2007 by Alex+R