is Loving China.. considering learning Mandarian
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Your letting a few bad apples spoil your entire assessment. Unions are like guns, people make them bad, there existence is not bad.
The Northern States that do not have "right to work" laws, I would tend to agree with you that some Unions have brought a bad name on themselves in that environment. I do not believe a labor Union should be able to have dominant power over an industry. Down here in the south where Unions must openly compete in a right to work environment, it is a whole other story. So comparing a Union in Texas versus a Union in New York is like comparing apples to oranges.
Calling all Unions bad however is narrow minded.
Visit http://wwww.pinksheets.com daily. A good place to look is the financial reports section http://www.pinksheets.com/pink/allreps.jsp.
Only look at Companies that have made an effort to be transparent or trusted. http://www.pinksheets.com/pink/otcguide/investors_market_tiers.jsp
When looking at financial reports as an investor, make sure the annual reports are independently audited. If your a trader, you want a pink sheet that has liquidity. You can find that information here.
http://www.pinksheets.com/pink/marketactivity/trade_stats.jsp
The most important factor in becoming a successful pink sheet investor or trader is to absolutely IGNORE the message boards as a source for picks. They should also not be used as a source for due diligence. At best they are entertaining.
Once you become seasoned however, they can become a very useful tool, but not for the reasons you might think.
That is a very misleading statement. Not all pink sheet issuers are scams. There are a number of Pink Sheet issuers that actually pay quarterly cash dividends such as AMNF. Some are foreign large cap companies. The problem is that it takes a very experienced investor to navigate the pink sheet market safely. The vast majority of pink sheet companies talked about on message boards are companies who are being targeted to a group of investors who lack experience in making sound decisions.
Simply put, any pink sheet company that gets heavily touted through spam promotion and message boards are typically not good investments. To say all pink sheet companies are scams however is a bit naive.
Yep, agree 100% and it is the core reason our Country is in the toilet.
I lean left on many issues, however my core values do fit the libertarian party. I think a few here have tried to spin my own words in an effort to paint me a certain way. It is however hard to have an intelligent discussion when some are so quick to stereotype.
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=41921565
Your putting words in my mouth in an attempt to try and stereotype me or spin the argument in your favor. I promise you I am far more complicated than a stereotype and I look down on people who try an manipulate a conversation in that fashion.
If you had any sense of logical or abstract thinking, you would have understood that the point of my argument was that even with a pool of "Cheap Labor", as a result of illegal immigrants, Unions are still able to thrive in right to work states such as Texas. From that one should be able to determine that it has nothing to do with the cost of labor, it has to do with the bottom line of the company in question as they both compete equally in the same market.
Somehow you took that comment and turned it into a debate in an attempt to gain leverage over the core argument.
For that reason, having a debate with you will always be about winning your argument and not about discussing the issue intelligently. I'm here for intelligent discussion, not school yard fighting. Welcome to my ignore list.
What, in your opinion, is Obama doing or proposing that you don't agree with?
I forgot to answer your question. I believe he needs to tackle campaign finance reform first, before attempting to do anything else. I think health care reform needs to be even more radical, I believe health care should be made non-profit. I believe Marijuana should be made legal and taxed. I do not believe in "bailing out" private companies, let them fail, that goes for GM. I have a whole list of things I disagree with Obama on, however, he is president, the American people voted and I will respect the majority's decision. I'm not going to sit here and stew over things I can't control. I don't live my life in fear or hate of what I can't change.
If life gives me lemons, I make lemonade. I try to maintain an optimistic outlook , but when looking at this country, I guess in some ways I have already given up. I do what I need to do to make my life easier and happier. I don't fill it with constant worry and fear.
I'm starting to see a trend here.. I've completely lost the point of your argument. It seems that no matter what I say, some how I am the "enemy".
If I remember correctly, the start of this thread was that I believed the problems with our Country stemmed from an uneducated complacent citizenry. It then spun out the Union versus Non-Union argument.
I've provided my thoughts and reasons, but all you have done is question my thoughts and or demonize my thought process. I have yet to see you provide an honest debate of any subject matter presented. Mainly all I see is the typical rants and slogans of right wing propaganda. In fairness, the left wing is just as guilty.
You need to quit making this an us versus them debate. That is exactly what they want you to do, that is the purpose of propaganda. You are allowed the ability to freely think.
If you want to take the conspiracy theory approach that all Unions have mob thugs breaking legs in order to maintain dominance then that is your opinion. It is an opinion I feel is misguided by a lack of understanding the dynamics.
Instead of me answering your question directly, I will answer it with a question to you.
In a Right to Work State such as Texas, where cheap labor is a dime a dozen due to illegal Mexican immigrants. Where Unions do not have the ability to dominate a market because of the Right to Work laws. Explain to me how the "free market" is unable to kill trade Unions in Texas if they are costing employers to much to hire?
Ya know.. on second thought I will answer your question..
honestly, tell me how do they do it w/o using the above?
They do it with a better trained, more professional quality work force. Higher wages, provide a better quality of life, a better quality of life promotes a happier work force, a happier work force will provide its employer quality work. Quality work reduces cost to the employer thereby allowing them to provide higher wages.
When you get paid shit, you will feel like shit and won't provide your employer with an honest days work. You will have more turnover rates and will only be able to hire less skilled workers. That is how Unions survive in Right to Work States such a Texas.
The difference is one feels that paying for higher quality workers will result in a higher quality output, resulting in higher profits. The other feels that paying less will be more profitable, however lower pay attracts less skilled workers, which in turn drives up costs due to mistakes and problems on the job. In the end, both approaches work and both companies have similar profit margins. I guess it just depends on how you wish to reward your fellow man for the work he performs for you.
Don't wag your finger unless your willing to look at your own party's shortcomings. Neither side is perfect and for every Democrat shortcoming you point out, I'm sure I can find an equally bad shortcoming of a Republican.
I have never said Obama was "my guy", I'm a Libertarian remember. I voted for him because I had basically two choices to make, Obama or McCain. When McCain picked Palin to be his running mate that killed any chance McCain would get my vote.
I pretty much felt the exact same as actor Matt Damon, "It's like a really bad Disney movie". So I voted for Obama because the alternative seemed far more scarier to me. Watch this video..
Cherry picking things to promote an agenda is common from both sides.
Again, your judging an entire element by the actions of a few. Your also providing a law suit dated back in 1973 during an entirely different time in our Nations history.
The individual who was caught Embezzling money got what he deserved as should any criminal. I highly doubt the membership of the Union knew he was embezzling money and if they did I'm sure he would have been removed.
Your trying to demonize an entire group based on the actions of a few.
I brought up a point that, on average, Union's do benefit their members by providing better wages than non-union workers. You counter that with ALL unions are bad because a few people do bad things.
By that logic, Republicans are nasty people and so are Democrats. Corruption is in everything, it is human nature. Your logic is flawed in that respect.
This us versus them strategy isn't going to solve anything you know.
I'm neither a Democrat or a Republican, my political views fall somewhere in the middle, fiscal conservative, social liberal (Libertarian).
The entire debate centers on US versus Them, FOX versus CNN, Democrats versus Republicans, Evangelicals versus Agnostics.
It really is sickening and no wonder nothing can get accomplished in this Country. Americans should be ashamed of themselves, the rest of the world see it anyway.
When I lived in Germany I asked many Germans what they thought of Americans, the most common answer was arrogant and selfish. I guess that explains the bitter divides, nobody can seek a middle ground, and neither side is willing to compromise.
I would agree with that 100%. The fact that "citizens united v. federal election commission" has a very good chance of ruling in favor of the plaintiff scares me even more. We can't fix anything in this country until we fix how the money effects politics. That is something nobody wants to tackle from either party, makes Health Care reform look like a walk in the park.
Capitalism can't be sustained in a pure form.. and a true "Free market" will never exist as long as Humans are involved.
http://www.scotuswiki.com/index.php?title=Citizens_United_v._Federal_Election_Commission
I know quite well what a Republic is. However our "Republic" is a Democracy. That is like saying "I'm not tactical, I prefer to be strategic".
I understand the one side of the argument that states the U.S. is not a Democracy because we elect representatives who, in turn, make policy decisions on our behalf. However that is also similar to people who claim Buddhism is a Religion, when it can be argued it is not. It is a matter of the interpretation of the core definition of the term. We could play word spin and the definition game till the cows come home, but it serves no purpose in the greater argument.
Our "Republic" of elected representatives are guided by lobbying dollars and special interest, not by the people who elect them, so in essence we don't have either a true Republic or a Democracy, but instead a Fascist Nation.
Main Entry: de·moc·ra·cy
Pronunciation: \di-ˈmä-krə-sēFunction: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural de·moc·ra·cies
Etymology: Middle French democratie, from Late Latin democratia, from Greek dēmokratia, from dēmos + -kratia -cracy
Date: 1576
1 a : government by the people; especially : rule of the majority b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
2 : a political unit that has a democratic government
3 capitalized : the principles and policies of the Democratic party in the United States <from emancipation Republicanism to New Deal Democracy — C. M. Roberts>
4 : the common people especially when constituting the source of political authority
5 : the absence of hereditary or arbitrary class distinctions or privileges
I firmly believe in 100 years Americans will be making clothes and plastic dolls for China. Of course it makes sense to keep our biggest trade partner happy. We are a debtor Nation to China... who invests in Debtors? They invest in Creditors.
"The 19th century belonged to England, the 20th century belonged to the US, and the 21st century belongs to China. Invest accordingly." Warren Buffet
I'm talking about averages here, don't take it literally. Of course there are exceptions, to not believe otherwise would be ignorant. However, I stand by my comments that "THE MAJORITY" of non-union plumbers receive substandard compensation when comparing to Union members. I also stand by my comment that "THE MAJORITY" of one man shop plumbing contractors has fallen due to rising costs of insurance.
I'm not talking out my butt here.. I just completed my continuing education course just this past week. One of the topics was Insurance coverage and how the State was passing legislation to require proof of Insurance by Master Plumbers who renew their license because so many had dropped coverage. I also spoke to many non-union guys who wanted to join the Union but couldn't pass the entrance exam. I know my industry.
We can argue till the cows come home, but until you can cough up a Plumbing license, I guess I'm the only one qualified to make any arguments on this topic.
To answer your question, he hasn't been in office long enough for me to judge him yet. He has been in office what? 8 months or so? Getting anything done in Government in 8 months is an extremely naive notion at best.
In contrast, I have been putting a business together and I'm in my second year. I've had some failures along the way, but my business is doing quite well now. I still consider myself very much a start-up. Things take time, 8 months is not enough time to judge performance.
Obama is bringing about some drastic changes, if he wasn't we wouldn't be here arguing about it. Folks asked for change and he has tasked congress to begin making those changes. Not everyone will be happy with the changes made, but change is happening.
The Obama administration has been far more transparent than the last, they are not perfect, but certainly better. We have a President now that when he speaks to world leaders he doesn't sound like a back woods hick. Our standing among other nations have improved, especially with their populations. I could go on and on.
Something that effects us here on Investorshub, the SEC has been noticeably cracking down quite a bit more on scams. They also seem to be taking a more aggressive role these days. They are far from perfect, but improvements are noticeable.
If you don't see the changes being made all around us, maybe you should turn off FOX news and watch the BBC or a Foreign news channel where you can get a better, less biased view of what is happening in our Country.
Your comment blatantly shows your ignorance on the subject and only further proves my point.
A plumbing service company, Union or Non-Union on average charges between $65-$85 an hour. Most shops have a two hour minimum call out and some charge a "truck fee".
There are very few one man plumbing shops anymore, the cost of maintaining insurance has pushed many out of the business.
Just because YOU pay a plumber a lot of money doesn't mean his employer is paying him a lot of money.
I didn't say ALL non-union plumbers don't have benefits, but without a doubt there is a huge difference between the two groups in terms of quality of life. You will rarely ever find a major, massive commercial construction project in Houston being built by a non-union contractor. On that same token, you will rarely ever see a Union plumber building a track home or doing residential service.
There is a big difference in the quality of mechanic and level of skill between the two groups. Union members are required to undergo a 5 year formal apprenticeship program whereas non-union shops have a more informal training program.
Well, one way to at least get change started would be to eliminate all together political campaign financing, specifically by Corporations and special interest groups. Go to a public finance system where only individual people can donate, and those donations are capped.
For our Government to even start to work like it should, you need to remove the influence of money. However, that is capitalism isn't it? Your not going to have one without the other, so we can argue till the cows come home but not much will change, at least not in our life time. Capitalism is broken and by itself will never work. The Europeans, who have been around far longer than we have, already figured that out and now have a hybrid from of Government. They also have a completely different culture than us. Their Government and culture is the result of many years of war, strife and failure. It is in essence our culture that is the problem. We have not yet been around long enough to destroy ourselves in order to refine or evolve our culture.
That is one reason my daughter will learn Mandarin and all my investments and business are currently China based. I've already given up on this Country to ever produce any solid changes. Americans are more concerned with fast food, reality TV and their blackberry's than they are with hard work and contributing back to society. Ever notice how basic customer service has almost vanished in the U.S.? We have become a Nation of fat, selfish, arrogant stupid people. It will take a miracle to change that.
I hate to break the news to you, but they went bankrupt. That is what happens. A new group of debtors is brought in, in this case the U.S Gov.
This doesn't change whether it is a private or gov takeover after a bankruptcy. All preexisting shareholders pretty much always loose when a company goes bankrupt.
You don't know much about Unions do you.
I was a member of Plumbers Local Union 68 from 1991-2002 before joining the Army. I'm from Texas which is a "right to work" State, or as you would like to call it a "free market jobplace".
A Union Plumber in Texas makes total about $38 an hour. His take home pay is about $25. The rest is for Pension, health care and vacation.
A non Union Plumber in Texas makes at best $20 an hour, receives no benefits, health care or pension. Amazingly enough, both groups have plenty of work and neither non Union or Union companies seem to be going out of business.
Interesting huh? I guess that means that the non-union guys are working for Companies that would rather make more profit then let the wealth "trickle down".
Your afraid.. fear once again is a Fascist tool. Those in power use the fear of others to stay in power. Remember the terror alerts?
I owned quite the arsenal myself prior to joining the Army. The 9-11 attacks are what caused me to join at age 28 leaving behind a cushy Project Managers job. Having been in Iraq twice though, if I was raised in that situation I would be out killing Americans too, so my opinions on this whole "terrorist" spill have changed somewhat. I sold most of my guns before heading into the Army. I have a CHL in Texas and I was once a member of the NRA as well.
However, I got past the fear mongering and saw the organization for what it was. A huge money making, profitable business, using propaganda and fear to grow its ranks. Nobody is going to take your guns away or your right to bear arms. Lord knows if they tried we would have all those same crazies at the Tea Parties out shooting up everything. I also don't think those in the Military would support fighting against their fellow citizens.. we are after all a volunteer Army. Common sense gun control is fine, it's not going to lead to book burnings and a dictatorship. That is just silly talk.
Please get over the fear.. it is sad to be afraid of your Government.. especially a Democratically elected one.
We the people own GM, not the President. When compared to Bush, Obama has been a saint with regards to the Constitution.
Again, for like the 100th time. I blame stupid people for voting in stupid people and stupid people for keeping stupid people in power.
Is the concept really that tough?
I served 5 years in the Army, served two tours in Iraq and lived in or traveled to 12 different Countries. I would say I have a fairly diversified experience of culture and people.
You should read the book "It Can't Happen Here" published in 1935 by Sinclair Lewis. Pretty interesting book when taking into account recent events in our Nations history.
I vote my position every time I go to the ballot box. You should vote your position as well, it is called a Democracy. That Democracy elected Obama, end of story. You have 4 years and then you can cast your vote again.
I believe America is in the toilet because of its collective stupidity and arrogance. I voted for the person I felt had the best chance to make the changes I wanted.
I don't expect to have it my way all the time, this isn't Burger King.
Let me ask you something. If I had a magic wand and I went *presto.. shazaam.. and then all of a sudden College was made free and every educational project ever envisioned was made a reality, do you think that would change anything?
An individual has to have the desire to learn, that is something I can't make happen. Hey, last time I checked the world wide web was affordable. If anyone wants to learn something it is only a few clicks away.
Your right people did act, they voted the Republicans out.
Obama is not super genius. That is why Presidents appoint people to various positions. For all we know Obama may not have any Securities experience. So your argument is pointed.
Your complaint should be with the SEC Chairman, not the President. Chain of command my friend, Chain of command. I'm sure Obama has more important things to worry about than the "uptick" rule.
"Where do we go from here?" I don't know, you tell me? I'm simply making an observation and making my assumptions based on those observations.
I would imagine if I believe Americans on average are stupid, then it would be reasonable to believe I would want to see more done in the areas of education right? Since I can't control whether people have a desire to learn, I can't answer your question with a specific.
Your question is like asking does God exist. I don't try to dwell on things I can't control.
Interesting comment, I didn't realize my assumptions had changed any. "Spiraling out of control" would define a situation in which an instance is rapidly changing and becoming unstable as a result. I didn't realize my opinions had changed or morphed. I believe the concept was simple. Americans, on average, are stupid.
As for being petty.. I guess that is a point of view.
You still having a hard time understanding?
I'm not advocating anything, I'm stating the sad state of affairs is because America is full of stupid people.
Well of course they would. That organization does everything it can to educate its members on the subject. Not because they want their members to be better educated about how the Government works, but because they have an agenda to push that is effected by that system.
Obama? That is the job of the sitting Chairman of the SEC, what does Obama have to do with it?
You do understand the role of the office of the President in our Country correct?
TO say its not perfect, way to many uneducated vote is the reason to dissolve into socialism...
No, an uneducated population tends to be more susceptible to Fascism, of which our Country already is. A weak, collapsing society would be more susceptible to Socialism.
some of us are more educated than you are aware of..it's obvious
Obvious? I would hope so. I'm not aware of anything about an anonymous poster on Ihub. For all I know you could be the most intelligent man recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
it might help if you stopped being so ticky tack in your arguments
Implying that I am being "ticky tack" must mean you are being offended. Why are you being offended? A confident person doesn't worry what others think of him and thus has no reason to be offended in any manner.
People get it.....corporations are running and ruining America but Obama buying most of GM.....that's socialism......plain and simple
I believe the term was invested in order to provide a influx of capital into a distressed market. That investment was collateralized by equity (or ownership as you put it). It would be Socialism if GM didn't have a Union and the Government mandated both employment and wages. I think the term "Socialism" in this situation might be a bit of stretch.
Obama wanting to set up a national healthcare system.....THAT is socialism as well.......
Nope, sorry again Socialism is an economic system, not a political one. Please do some research on the subject, I don't think you understand what Socialism really is. Your basically repeating Propaganda.
I'm sorry but I simply don't like explaining what I say more than twice. If you don't get it the second time, I have to assume you won't get it the third or fourth time.
Let's have a little experiment. Be honest with this experiment and give it a shot. Tomorrow, ask all of your friends, co-workers and family you run across these two questions.
What are the three branches of Government and their purpose?
How many children did Michale Jackson leave behind?
Come back tomorrow and tell us how everyone did. Then you will have the answer to your question below.
So you tell me how blaming voters as UN-EDUCATED holds water?
Then maybe you need to take Economics 101 and the two of you get together afterwards and discuss what you learned.
No, I'm pretty sure the people that voted for Obama understood he stood for change, significant, radical change. That is at least the reason I voted for him.