A letter from a greatful immigrant

1235

Comments

  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    ...as far as the law its how you look at it and what it is meant to accomplish
    its to get an American Workforce back in place off welfare, off unemployment, off draining the state and the country, get Americans back to work to help those get placed into jobs that employers may not want to hire like the recently released from incarceration.

    Also the students... the young who really need summer jobs or part time work to aid their schooling.

    These are Americans in need. Its time to take care of ourselves.
    ...
    I hear this all the time... but, I never hear about HOW to get it accomplished.
    Like, what about the people who used to manufacture washing machines and televisions? Good paying jobs with health care benefits that used to be the backbone of American manufacturing? Where do propose they work? In onion fields... cleaning toilets in hotels for minimum wage (or less)?
    If these jobs were covered by Americans under the protection of OSHA regulations (safe working environment, minimum pay, maximum work hours)... driving up operatin costs to the company. Would you complain about the cost of fruits and vegetables?
    I want Americans to be happy again...
    back to work doing something they feel is a valuable part of society


    I was a hotel maid for a long time ... good honest work ... met wonderful visitors

    some with much generosity leaving great tips for the housekeeper

    we always leave a great tip... please remember your hard working maid :D

    and yes I will complain about the cost of fresh foods ... grocery bill is ridiculous now
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    I do his payroll check :lol: he has no deductions single 0 both state fed
    he gets of course a lot of OT on average which pushes him into a much higher tax bracket
    this what I base the % on

    everyone is paying way too much in taxes ... thats pretty clear to the average American
    especially since its still not enough for the government to make ends meet :?
    and they want more
    :wtf:
    ...
    Since you are doing his payroll... then, why don't you adjust his W-4 so he can get more from each paycheck (instead of having his employer withhold the excess)? You should try to make it so he breaks even, instead of getting a tax refund.
    ...
    By the way... I make just over a six figure salary and paid about 16% income taxes last year. I am older, so I will probably get Social Security payments after I retire (and I do not have a problem paying my share if it helps the generations before me... including the ones who fought in WWII).
    ..
    Also, have you thought about a tax deferred saving account for him? That reduces his gross income and drops him lower on the Tax Table.
    well being a young man ... making sure he doesn't owe at the end of the year is top priority

    he said no also ... he wants to pay in and get a return

    the return is nothing compared to his friends with dependents of course

    helping our elderly no one has a problem with ... won't be long for me now...
    I may be disabled soon if not about 10 years for me I guess
    IF its available
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    well being a young man ... making sure he doesn't owe at the end of the year is top priority

    he said no also ... he wants to pay in and get a return

    the return is nothing compared to his friends with dependents of course

    helping our elderly no one has a problem with ... won't be long for me now...
    I may be disabled soon if not about 10 years for me I guess
    IF its available
    ...
    I'm not clear on this, since he doesn't mind his employer withholding excess taxing and looks forward to getting a tax refund... why is he complaining about the 33% withholding? He is definately NOT in the 33% tax bracket. Also, you understand why his refund isn't going to be similar to those with dependents, right... they have people who are dependending on their income throughout the entire year. Kids are expensive.
    And you will get your Social Security... but, also understand that Social Security is a supplemental income, not a retirement plan. Your lifetime savings and company pension should be the bulk of your retirement income. I'm currently back filling my retirement by stashing 25% of my before taxes income and taking advantage of the 'Catch-Up' plan for those of us over 50. I've been saving since I was 23, although, not always 25%... more like 8% to 12%. I am not relying on Social Security.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    well being a young man ... making sure he doesn't owe at the end of the year is top priority

    he said no also ... he wants to pay in and get a return

    the return is nothing compared to his friends with dependents of course

    helping our elderly no one has a problem with ... won't be long for me now...
    I may be disabled soon if not about 10 years for me I guess
    IF its available
    ...
    I'm not clear on this, since he doesn't mind his employer withholding excess taxing and looks forward to getting a tax refund... why is he complaining about the 33% withholding? He is definately NOT in the 33% tax bracket. Also, you understand why his refund isn't going to be similar to those with dependents, right... they have people who are dependending on their income throughout the entire year. Kids are expensive.
    And you will get your Social Security... but, also understand that Social Security is a supplemental income, not a retirement plan. Your lifetime savings and company pension should be the bulk of your retirement income. I'm currently back filling my retirement by stashing 25% of my before taxes income and taking advantage of the 'Catch-Up' plan for those of us over 50. I've been saving since I was 23, although, not always 25%... more like 8% to 12%. I am not relying on Social Security.
    when he gets OT it pushes him closer to that tax bracket and yes I know all about dependents
    I got two! and yes expensive they are ;)

    yes I know all this..
    I have a feeling you don't know what is going on with the Mom and Pop shops in our country.
    We are using our lifetime savings ... our 401K monies ... we are not unique...
    to keep the biz a float and keep jobs for our kids and continue to help our daughter through school.
    Also keep their couple of friends in good jobs so they can provide for their families.

    Glad you are set though, hope everything doesn't crash
    you know what they say about the best laid plans....
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    when he gets OT it pushes him closer to that tax bracket and yes I know all about dependents I got two! and yes expensive they are ;)

    yes I know all this.. I have a feeling you don't know what is going on with the Mom and Pop shops in our country. We are using our lifetime savings ... our 401K monies ... we are not unique...
    to keep the biz a float and keep jobs for our kids and continue to help our daughter through school.
    Also keep their couple of friends in good jobs so they can provide for their families.

    Glad you are set though, hope everything doesn't crash you know what they say about the best laid plans....
    ...
    Actually... I DO know about small businesses because I know several small business owners. They didn't become self employed to lose money or to barely stay afloat. They are given many tax advantages and have been given those advantages for decades. They had had to keep up with modern times, as market conditions changed... but, they are doing pretty good... having forecasted the rewards of the up market to cover the enevitability of the down market.
    I chose to go the corporate route because i'm just too fucking lazy to be self-employed.
    ...
    I think you'd be surprized... I know some stuff about this country and what is going on.
    ...
    P.S. If you are dipping into your 401K... bad move. You are going to take the hit in penalties in the form of taxes... taxes you haven't been paying on.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    when he gets OT it pushes him closer to that tax bracket and yes I know all about dependents I got two! and yes expensive they are ;)

    yes I know all this.. I have a feeling you don't know what is going on with the Mom and Pop shops in our country. We are using our lifetime savings ... our 401K monies ... we are not unique...
    to keep the biz a float and keep jobs for our kids and continue to help our daughter through school.
    Also keep their couple of friends in good jobs so they can provide for their families.

    Glad you are set though, hope everything doesn't crash you know what they say about the best laid plans....
    ...
    Actually... I DO know about small businesses because I know several small business owners. They didn't become self employed to lose money or to barely stay afloat. They are given many tax advantages and have been given those advantages for decades. They had had to keep up with modern times, as market conditions changed... but, they are doing pretty good... having forecasted the rewards of the up market to cover the enevitability of the down market.
    I chose to go the corporate route because i'm just too fucking lazy to be self-employed.
    ...
    I think you'd be surprized... I know some stuff about this country and what is going on.
    ...
    P.S. If you are dipping into your 401K... bad move. You are going to take the hit in penalties in the form of taxes... taxes you haven't been paying on.
    tell me about it.... you should see the tax bills the last few years :shock: :o

    bad move you say? then no you still do not understand

    it is the only way to keep the biz a float for our children this a number one for us
    as I'm sure it would be for you too.

    It enables my daughter to work her way through college and my son to make a good living when
    unemployment rate is exploding and also the two friends whose families depend on these jobs.

    Our business is 18 years old and was
    very successful prior to 9/11... and so remains... the hope for the future.

    There is always hope.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    tell me about it.... you should see the tax bills the last few years :shock: :o

    bad move you say? then no you still do not understand

    it is the only way to keep the biz a float for our children this a number one for us
    as I'm sure it would be for you too.

    It enables my daughter to work her way through college and my son to make a good living when
    unemployment rate is exploding and also the two friends whose families depend on these jobs.

    Our business is 18 years old and was
    very successful prior to 9/11... and so remains... the hope for the future.

    There is always hope.
    ...
    So... dipping into your 401K in not a bad move... which, by logic, would mean it is a 'Good' move? Really? I always thought that a 'substantial penalty for early withdrawal' was a bad thing. I suppose you must know better, since you say so. But, please, do not take offense if I do not follow your advice.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • JOEJOEJOEJOEJOEJOE Posts: 10,619
    Fyi

    It is very expensive to take early 401k distributions.

    There are excise taxes levied on premature distributions in addition to the regular income tax.

    The average Taxpayer in California nets less then 50 cents on the dollar on early 401k distributions.
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    tell me about it.... you should see the tax bills the last few years :shock: :o

    bad move you say? then no you still do not understand

    it is the only way to keep the biz a float for our children this a number one for us
    as I'm sure it would be for you too.

    It enables my daughter to work her way through college and my son to make a good living when
    unemployment rate is exploding and also the two friends whose families depend on these jobs.

    Our business is 18 years old and was
    very successful prior to 9/11... and so remains... the hope for the future.

    There is always hope.
    ...
    So... dipping into your 401K in not a bad move... which, by logic, would mean it is a 'Good' move? Really? I always thought that a 'substantial penalty for early withdrawal' was a bad thing. I suppose you must know better, since you say so. But, please, do not take offense if I do not follow your advice.
    can I get a heart... it's not logic it's love and devotion to our kids and 2 other young men struggling to take care of their families ... little children who are like family to us.... it has nothing to do with advice... sorry you do not understand.... I never suggested it as advice I said it is what we are forced to do.

    and This is living! We do not regret taking care of our own.

    Our doors would be closed by now if we had not taken the money.
    Four young people would be unemployed
    and one grandfather who would have a very tough time finding work which in turn
    means he can not aid his 4 young men in his family.


    And again there is always hope for the future. Everything will be alright some day.

    Giving is Living!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    JOEJOEJOE wrote:
    Fyi

    It is very expensive to take early 401k distributions.

    There are excise taxes levied on premature distributions in addition to the regular income tax.

    The average Taxpayer in California nets less then 50 cents on the dollar on early 401k distributions.
    as I said tell me about it....
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    can I get a heart... it's not logic it's love and devotion to our kids and 2 other young men struggling to take care of their families ... little children who are like family to us.... it has nothing to do with advice... sorry you do not understand.... I never suggested it as advice I said it is what we are forced to do.
    and This is living! We do not regret taking care of our own.
    Our doors would be closed by now if we had not taken the money.
    Four young people would be unemployed and one grandfather who would have a very tough time finding work which in turn means he can not aid his 4 young men in his family.

    And again there is always hope for the future. Everything will be alright some day.

    Giving is Living!
    ...
    Well... I have to admit... I do not understand you.
    I thought that maybe you understood the penalties (in taxes) that you would incur for early withdrawal... yet, you seem surprized that your taxes have gone up. Taxes haven't increased... you are paying the penalty for the early withdrawal. That is why your tax rates have gone up and mine have gone down.
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5217651_calcula ... lties.html
    If you do not regret your decision to take on this increased tax burden... why are you complaining about it? I'm confused.
    I'm saying it would be a 'bad move' on my part to draw from my 401K. I would only do that as a last resort... the very last resort. Like, eating Top Ramen every day til I'm 59 1/2 last resort.
    I also do not understand how your 18 year business that was sucessful til September 11, 2001... did not rebound in the (albeit) inflated markets til the 2008 crash. Are you stating that your business was only sucessful for 8 of the 18 years? That's what I don't understand... it's been unsucessful for the past 10 years.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    can I get a heart... it's not logic it's love and devotion to our kids and 2 other young men struggling to take care of their families ... little children who are like family to us.... it has nothing to do with advice... sorry you do not understand.... I never suggested it as advice I said it is what we are forced to do.
    and This is living! We do not regret taking care of our own.
    Our doors would be closed by now if we had not taken the money.
    Four young people would be unemployed and one grandfather who would have a very tough time finding work which in turn means he can not aid his 4 young men in his family.

    And again there is always hope for the future. Everything will be alright some day.

    Giving is Living!
    ...
    Well... I have to admit... I do not understand you.
    I thought that maybe you understood the penalties (in taxes) that you would incur for early withdrawal... yet, you seem surprized that your taxes have gone up. Taxes haven't increased... you are paying the penalty for the early withdrawal. That is why your tax rates have gone up and mine have gone down.
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5217651_calcula ... lties.html
    If you do not regret your decision to take on this increased tax burden... why are you complaining about it? I'm confused.
    I'm saying it would be a 'bad move' on my part to draw from my 401K. I would only do that as a last resort... the very last resort. Like, eating Top Ramen every day til I'm 59 1/2 last resort.
    I also do not understand how your 18 year business that was sucessful til September 11, 2001... did not rebound in the (albeit) inflated markets til the 2008 crash. Are you stating that your business was only sucessful for 8 of the 18 years? That's what I don't understand... it's been unsucessful for the past 10 years.
    Yes I understand penalties in taxes and we have paid a lot
    as we knew we would the last few years.
    All was calculated well before we took the money.... of course ... all paid in a lump some not with interest over future years.

    I was complaining for the young people who are saddled with over the top taxes and deficit with more in site.
    Not for the taxes we paid personally.... although a direct result of the economy and struggle so many are experiencing.

    Taxes are too high this is how many feel. Perhaps not you though :?

    Our biz took a big hit when Clinton and his rich buds showed up in Atlanta and promoted the condemnation of 100 small business properties for a Marta switching station, ours being one.
    They invested in multiple high rise plans in that area.

    We, as the other 99, were casualties of their plans....

    forced to sell our property and move. This just a year or so before 911.
    So for us that was a double whamy. A very big one. Hard to recover from that and the economy was already dipping prior to this time.

    2008 ? was not a great year for printing... not like anything near the 90's.
    We have not seen a surge in the printing industry since then...
    many many companies have gone under around us big and small alike.

    We are successful in that we are holding on, doing what we have to,
    hoping an eventual turn in the economy will bring more success.
    It just might. We are still downsizing, bought out our partner, plan a move
    to a more economical location... updating equipment etc.
    We plan on fighting.
  • brianluxbrianlux Moving through All Kinds of Terrain. Posts: 42,432
    pandora wrote:
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    can I get a heart... it's not logic it's love and devotion to our kids and 2 other young men struggling to take care of their families ... little children who are like family to us.... it has nothing to do with advice... sorry you do not understand.... I never suggested it as advice I said it is what we are forced to do.
    and This is living! We do not regret taking care of our own.
    Our doors would be closed by now if we had not taken the money.
    Four young people would be unemployed and one grandfather who would have a very tough time finding work which in turn means he can not aid his 4 young men in his family.

    And again there is always hope for the future. Everything will be alright some day.

    Giving is Living!
    ...
    Well... I have to admit... I do not understand you.
    I thought that maybe you understood the penalties (in taxes) that you would incur for early withdrawal... yet, you seem surprized that your taxes have gone up. Taxes haven't increased... you are paying the penalty for the early withdrawal. That is why your tax rates have gone up and mine have gone down.
    http://www.ehow.com/how_5217651_calcula ... lties.html
    If you do not regret your decision to take on this increased tax burden... why are you complaining about it? I'm confused.
    I'm saying it would be a 'bad move' on my part to draw from my 401K. I would only do that as a last resort... the very last resort. Like, eating Top Ramen every day til I'm 59 1/2 last resort.
    I also do not understand how your 18 year business that was sucessful til September 11, 2001... did not rebound in the (albeit) inflated markets til the 2008 crash. Are you stating that your business was only sucessful for 8 of the 18 years? That's what I don't understand... it's been unsucessful for the past 10 years.
    Yes I understand penalties in taxes and we have paid a lot
    as we knew we would the last few years.
    All was calculated well before we took the money.... of course ... all paid in a lump some not with interest over future years.

    I was complaining for the young people who are saddled with over the top taxes and deficit with more in site.
    Not for the taxes we paid personally.... although a direct result of the economy and struggle so many are experiencing.

    Taxes are too high this is how many feel. Perhaps not you though :?

    Our biz took a big hit when Clinton and his rich buds showed up in Atlanta and promoted the condemnation of 100 small business properties for a Marta switching station, ours being one.
    They invested in multiple high rise plans in that area.

    We, as the other 99, were casualties of their plans....

    forced to sell our property and move. This just a year or so before 911.
    So for us that was a double whamy. A very big one. Hard to recover from that and the economy was already dipping prior to this time.

    2008 ? was not a great year for printing... not like anything near the 90's.
    We have not seen a surge in the printing industry since then...
    many many companies have gone under around us big and small alike.

    We are successful in that we are holding on, doing what we have to,
    hoping an eventual turn in the economy will bring more success.
    It just might. We are still downsizing, bought out our partner, plan a move
    to a more economical location... updating equipment etc.
    We plan on fighting.
    I'm in small business also- as a used book dealer. America has not been kind to small business for some time- certainly since before Obama- so that's not the issue. I'm not against taxes, but it does irk me that small business owners pay an unfairly higher-than-average percent in taxes while corporations pay a lower-than-average percent. We just keep plugging away, keeping our noses above water!
    "Pretty cookies, heart squares all around, yeah!"
    -Eddie Vedder, "Smile"

    "Try to not spook the horse."
    -Neil Young













  • polaris_xpolaris_x Posts: 13,559
    brianlux wrote:
    I'm in small business also- as a used book dealer. America has not been kind to small business for some time- certainly since before Obama- so that's not the issue. I'm not against taxes, but it does irk me that small business owners pay an unfairly higher-than-average percent in taxes while corporations pay a lower-than-average percent. We just keep plugging away, keeping our noses above water!

    there was an article the other day saying that the top 25 coprs pay their ceo's more than they do taxes because of loopholes and tax havens ... it boggles my mind how people don't see that the gov't is really governing in the interests of corporations and not people ...
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    brianlux wrote:
    I'm in small business also- as a used book dealer. America has not been kind to small business for some time- certainly since before Obama- so that's not the issue. I'm not against taxes, but it does irk me that small business owners pay an unfairly higher-than-average percent in taxes while corporations pay a lower-than-average percent. We just keep plugging away, keeping our noses above water!
    ...
    I always hear the arguement from opposition to corporate taxes and/or taxes on the richest 2% as either 'Job Killers' or 'Class Warfare'... to me... that is bullshit. The CEO of my corporation made $19,000,000.00 in 2008. An annual salary of over $20,000,000.00!!! I am paid quite well, yet make 0.005% of his salary. I'm not complaining about my salary or that I should be making $20 million dollars... but seriously... I am probably paying more in taxes (percentagewise) and there is the probability indollars because I don't have the tax shelters he is afforded, namely, the stock options.
    I don't see a problem boosting his taxes to cover shortfall on Americans that are going through hardships. I'm sure he works hard and long hours (except when he is playing 18 holes at his exclusive country club)... but, really... 20 million a year? For one family? I'm pretty sure I couldn't spend 20 million in my lifetime, let alone, one year (unless I developed a serious cocaine/prostitute addiction).
    Also, his salary increased as our company laid off over 7,000 people since 2007. I guess that means, he is doing a good job... I guess.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    Yes I understand penalties in taxes and we have paid a lot
    as we knew we would the last few years. All was calculated well before we took the money.... of course ... all paid in a lump some not with interest over future years.
    I was complaining for the young people who are saddled with over the top taxes and deficit with more in site.
    Not for the taxes we paid personally.... although a direct result of the economy and struggle so many are experiencing.
    Taxes are too high this is how many feel. Perhaps not you though :?
    Our biz took a big hit when Clinton and his rich buds showed up in Atlanta and promoted the condemnation of 100 small business properties for a Marta switching station, ours being one. They invested in multiple high rise plans in that area.
    We, as the other 99, were casualties of their plans... forced to sell our property and move. This just a year or so before 911. So for us that was a double whamy. A very big one. Hard to recover from that and the economy was already dipping prior to this time.
    2008 ? was not a great year for printing... not like anything near the 90's. We have not seen a surge in the printing industry since then... many many companies have gone under around us big and small alike.
    We are successful in that we are holding on, doing what we have to, hoping an eventual turn in the economy will bring more success. It just might. We are still downsizing, bought out our partner, plan a move
    to a more economical location... updating equipment etc. We plan on fighting.
    ...
    Well, good luck to you on that. It sounded like you were harping on immigrants and poor people. The 50% of Americans that possess just over 2% of the wealth of the nation. The guideline is, you fall within this segment if your are a family of 4, living on $22,000.00 or less a year.
    "C.E.O.’s of the largest American companies earned an average of 42 times as much as the average worker in 1980, but 531 times as much in 2001. Perhaps the most astounding statistic is this: From 1980 to 2005, more than four-fifths of the total increase in American incomes went to the richest 1 percent. That’s the backdrop for one of the first big postelection fights in Washington — how far to extend the Bush tax cuts to the most affluent 2 percent of Americans. Both parties agree on extending tax cuts on the first $250,000 of incomes, even for billionaires. Republicans would also cut taxes above that. "
    My take is... these guys (the 1% that possesses over 20% of the Nation's wealth) can afford to take one for the team. i mean, how many Rolls-Royces can you drive at the same time?
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    not to change the subject ...

    I have a house full of Latino men putting in whole house carpeting today ...
    man oh man I am the grateful one ... impressively strong, fast, thorough, polite....
    did I say fast!

    I questioned 3400 square feet getting done in one day ... but life is good!

    And the color a lovely just so pale gold :D
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    "Cosmo"
    Well, good luck to you on that. It sounded like you were harping on immigrants and poor people.
    Thanks!.... I feel good about the recent changes being made at ImageLink.
    hmmm really :? cause I like both...
    just want to get our legal citizens back to work...
    probably just like you do I would imagine....somebody must have some answers right?

    I was discussing the Georgia law here in the thread that was all
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    not to change the subject ...

    I have a house full of Latino men putting in whole house carpeting today ...
    man oh man I am the grateful one ... impressively strong, fast, thorough, polite....
    did I say fast!

    I questioned 3400 square feet getting done in one day ... but life is good!

    And the color a lovely just so pale gold :D
    ...
    I know a flooring contractor who collects a crew at the local Home Depot and pays them a flat rate. If the rate is $9.50 a sq. ft. (labor/materials), he'll pay them 7% to 10%, depending on the job. That is why they work so quickly... the sooner they are done, the sooner they get back to the Home Depot to pick up their next gig.
    If he were to hire a full time crew, he'd have to pay minimum wage and cover insurance, which would be passed on the the homeowner.
    This is what has come to pass in America. Americans hate the immigrants, until they need them to do the manual labor at always low prices... always.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    "Cosmo"
    Well, good luck to you on that. It sounded like you were harping on immigrants and poor people.
    Thanks!.... I feel good about the recent changes being made at ImageLink.
    hmmm really :? cause I like both...
    just want to get our legal citizens back to work...
    probably just like you do I would imagine....somebody must have some answers right?

    I was discussing the Georgia law here in the thread that was all
    ...
    The way to get them back working... to take over the jobs that are being done by (some of them ARE LEGAL) immigrants is for American workers to compete for those jobs at the competative rate. This means, Americans will have to work for less than minimum wage and not expect any job safety requirement or insurance for on-the-job injuries. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't be able to afford that new carpeting.
    ...
    And... I guess I got the feeling you were going after the immigrants and poor people with these comments:
    ...
    "Yes I was speaking of food stamps and yes the children born to illegal immigrants can get food stamp coverage and other aid.

    Is it now over half the population in America is on food stamps?

    Instead he see his money going to the illegal immigrant family in line at the grocery store.... people who stormed our country. Lets talk who thinks they are entitled!

    Its not that we don't want to give a reasonable amount but when will this flooding into America stop and with hands out for more more more.

    but we can still afford to take care of an army of illegal immigrants and unemployed?

    At least Ga is trying to take a stand and say out.. don't come here we will put others to work in your place you are draining our economy.

    We can put those on unemployment back to work... we can help find work for those recently released from prison or jail.

    We can take back our country and try to make it work again."
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    not to change the subject ...

    I have a house full of Latino men putting in whole house carpeting today ...
    man oh man I am the grateful one ... impressively strong, fast, thorough, polite....
    did I say fast!

    I questioned 3400 square feet getting done in one day ... but life is good!

    And the color a lovely just so pale gold :D
    ...
    I know a flooring contractor who collects a crew at the local Home Depot and pays them a flat rate. If the rate is $9.50 a sq. ft. (labor/materials), he'll pay them 7% to 10%, depending on the job. That is why they work so quickly... the sooner they are done, the sooner they get back to the Home Depot to pick up their next gig.
    If he were to hire a full time crew, he'd have to pay minimum wage and cover insurance, which would be passed on the the homeowner.
    This is what has come to pass in America. Americans hate the immigrants, until they need them to do the manual labor at always low prices... always.
    We were assured these young men are legal American workers ...
    and I am so impressed with their work ethic and energy... omg!

    And I don't think we got a great deal on this but hope to sell the house quicker with new carpet.
    It desperately needed it.

    I do not hate illegal immigrants, I know a little about what goes on in their country and would only hope we could have enough jobs to have everyone make a good living here. But it doesn't look like that is happening,
    not at all.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    We were assured these young men are legal American workers ...
    ...
    That's what the flooring contractor I know tells all of his customers, too.
    Which may be true... but, they still make less than the minimum wage.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    "Cosmo"
    Well, good luck to you on that. It sounded like you were harping on immigrants and poor people.
    Thanks!.... I feel good about the recent changes being made at ImageLink.
    hmmm really :? cause I like both...
    just want to get our legal citizens back to work...
    probably just like you do I would imagine....somebody must have some answers right?

    I was discussing the Georgia law here in the thread that was all
    ...
    The way to get them back working... to take over the jobs that are being done by (some of them ARE LEGAL) immigrants is for American workers to compete for those jobs at the competative rate. This means, Americans will have to work for less than minimum wage and not expect any job safety requirement or insurance for on-the-job injuries. Otherwise, you probably wouldn't be able to afford that new carpeting.
    ...
    And... I guess I got the feeling you were going after the immigrants and poor people with these comments:
    ...
    "Yes I was speaking of food stamps and yes the children born to illegal immigrants can get food stamp coverage and other aid.

    Is it now over half the population in America is on food stamps?

    Instead he see his money going to the illegal immigrant family in line at the grocery store.... people who stormed our country. Lets talk who thinks they are entitled!

    Its not that we don't want to give a reasonable amount but when will this flooding into America stop and with hands out for more more more.

    but we can still afford to take care of an army of illegal immigrants and unemployed?

    At least Ga is trying to take a stand and say out.. don't come here we will put others to work in your place you are draining our economy.

    We can put those on unemployment back to work... we can help find work for those recently released from prison or jail.

    We can take back our country and try to make it work again."
    Well of course I stand by all I said and in a perfect world we would all enjoy work a good life here in America.

    But that is not the case and it is getting worse. That is the biggest factor.... out of control.
    So if the rich refuse to give more and the corporations continue with their greed something has to give.

    I don't think it should fall on our working class young people's shoulders to take care of the more and more that are unemployed and needy and illegal also.

    I support laws that may help this situation... which I am sure you would also.
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    We were assured these young men are legal American workers ...
    ...
    That's what the flooring contractor I know tells all of his customers, too.
    Which may be true... but, they still make less than the minimum wage.
    They seem very happy with their job ... happy in general and extremely hard working.

    I guess that is appreciation.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    Well of course I stand by all I said and in a perfect world we would all enjoy work a good life here in America.

    But that is not the case and it is getting worse. That is the biggest factor.... out of control.
    So if the rich refuse to give more and the corporations continue with their greed something has to give.

    I don't think it should fall on our working class young people's shoulders to take care of the more and more that are unemployed and needy and illegal also.

    I support laws that may help this situation... which I am sure you would also.
    ...
    Well, this is just the way it has become. Until Americans are willing to pay increased prices for food picked by American workers making minimum wage or more... nothing is going to change.
    And what make them 'illegal'? The documentation, right? Undocumented immigrants.
    My approach would be taking the path of a humanitarian solution that uses a migrant worker work visa, rather than building walls and posting armed guards?
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    Well of course I stand by all I said and in a perfect world we would all enjoy work a good life here in America.

    But that is not the case and it is getting worse. That is the biggest factor.... out of control.
    So if the rich refuse to give more and the corporations continue with their greed something has to give.

    I don't think it should fall on our working class young people's shoulders to take care of the more and more that are unemployed and needy and illegal also.

    I support laws that may help this situation... which I am sure you would also.
    ...
    Well, this is just the way it has become. Until Americans are willing to pay increased prices for food picked by American workers making minimum wage or more... nothing is going to change.
    And what make them 'illegal'? The documentation, right? Undocumented immigrants.
    My approach would be taking the path of a humanitarian solution that uses a migrant worker work visa, rather than building walls and posting armed guards?
    that sounds like a very good idea and we need a plan also that helps our American workers get jobs....
    cause there are so many unemployed now who are dying to get back to work.
  • CosmoCosmo Posts: 12,225
    pandora wrote:
    that sounds like a very good idea and we need a plan also that helps our American workers get jobs....
    cause there are so many unemployed now who are dying to get back to work.
    ...
    It's not an easy problem to solve. People are out of work, but not dying to the point of to getting paid the going rate of what some businesses are paying. and people who say, "I would take ANY job" are probably not being truthful. There is no way anyone is taking a minimum wage, 7 to mid-night shift at the Jack In The Box, 22 miles from home in leiu of collecting unemployment.
    As for manufacturing jobs... they are gone and not coming back until American workers are willing to work for the same pay as Chinese or Indian (India) workers. The only way those jobs will come back would be if Americans would pay a lot more for those goods... like possibly, 10 grand for a 40 inch LCD television... 3,000 dollars to replace a washing machine... 14 dollars for a bag of oranges. When we are willing to pay those prices, then we can get those jobs back.
    Allen Fieldhouse, home of the 2008 NCAA men's Basketball Champions! Go Jayhawks!
    Hail, Hail!!!
  • pandorapandora Posts: 21,855
    Cosmo wrote:
    pandora wrote:
    that sounds like a very good idea and we need a plan also that helps our American workers get jobs....
    cause there are so many unemployed now who are dying to get back to work.
    ...
    It's not an easy problem to solve. People are out of work, but not dying to the point of to getting paid the going rate of what some businesses are paying. and people who say, "I would take ANY job" are probably not being truthful. There is no way anyone is taking a minimum wage, 7 to mid-night shift at the Jack In The Box, 22 miles from home in leiu of collecting unemployment.
    As for manufacturing jobs... they are gone and not coming back until American workers are willing to work for the same pay as Chinese or Indian (India) workers. The only way those jobs will come back would be if Americans would pay a lot more for those goods... like possibly, 10 grand for a 40 inch LCD television... 3,000 dollars to replace a washing machine... 14 dollars for a bag of oranges. When we are willing to pay those prices, then we can get those jobs back.
    what a crazy mess this is ... looks like we just can't win
  • ByrnzieByrnzie Posts: 21,037
    Doug Stanhope on Immigration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW20EMJr6o4
  • ByrnzieByrnzie Posts: 21,037
    http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oc ... ter-threat

    Alabama immigration threat: prove your legal status or lose water supply


    Poster put up in town hall illustrates potential impact of new laws which are now subject of appeal by federal government


    Ed Pilkington
    Guardian.co.uk, Friday 7 October 2011


    Alabama-immigration-poste-007.jpg

    The poster is mildly worded, but carries a very big punch. "Attention to all water customers," it begins. "To be compliant with new laws concerning immigration you must have an Alabama driver's licence …"

    And then comes the hit: "… or you may lose water service."

    The warning, posted in the offices of a public water company in the small town of Allgood in Alabama, is the most graphic illustration yet of the draconian new immigration law coming into effect in the state. Under section 30 of the new law, HB56, anyone who lacks proper immigration papers is deemed to be committing a crime if they try to enter into a "business transaction" with the "state or a political subdivision of the state".

    The law does not spell out what constitutes a "business transaction" or what particular state bodies are implicated, but judging from the poster put up by the Allgood Alabama Water Works company it is being interpreted widely enough to include the basic essentials of life.

    "This demonstrates the cruelty of the new law by denying the most basic facilities to people. It's designed to make life so miserable that people self-deport, and this poster is a vivid example of what that looks like," said Jessica Karp of the National Day Laborers union.

    Allison Neal, legal director of the Alabama branch of the American Civil Liberties Union, said: "If you want to see the harm that the law will cause, then you can't get much clearer than cutting off water services."

    The mayor of Allgood, who is responsible for the town's water supply, was unavailable for comment. It is believed that the poster is still prominently displayed within the town hall.

    It is thought to have been put up several weeks ago while HB56 was still being debated in the Alabama assembly. The Montgomery Water Works and Sanitary Sewer Board is also understood to have made moves to oblige water customers to prove their legal immigration status.

    A coalition of local groups as well as the federal Department of Justice are trying to have the new law put on hold pending appeals. The DoJ lodged its call for a stay with the 11th circuit appeals court on Friday, but earlier this week a judge in Alabama allowed several key provisions of the act to go ahead.

    In addition to section 30, with its prohibition on undocumented people from entering into "business transactions", the newly effective provisions include a requirement on Alabama police officers to investigate the immigration status of anybody they have stopped for traffic violations or other infringements wherever the officers have a "reasonable suspicion" that the individuals might be illegally present in the state.

    Again, what constitutes a "reasonable suspicion" is unspecified. Fears are spreading among immigrant groups that it will lead to racial profiling of Hispanics.

    Already, almost 2,300 children have been taken out of Alabama schools by families fearful that the new law will force teachers to enquire about the kids' immigration status as well as that of their parents.
Sign In or Register to comment.