While the "99%" Occupy, The World Shudders

The right says: ungrateful, pompous and thankless protesters. The right says: if you want more, that's fine...go earn it.  The right wants you to keep more of your hard earned money and insist you decide how to spend it and where it goes. Let's end the 'woe-is-me-ism' bondage and work, earn and give.  Redirect your passion to creating wealth, not destroying it...it's hard work...but worth it in the end.  

Hey Protesters, "Justice" is such a relative term, eh?  Reconsider your position? Ready to work, earn and give?

If you earn over $47, 000....YOU are the 1%. (1% relative to the real 1%...not the gimme gimme protesters in New York)

The Global Rich List calculations are based on figures from the World Bank Development Research Group. To calculate the most accurate position for each individual we assume that the world's total population is 6 billion¹ and the average worldwide annual income is $5,000².

Below is the yearly income in percentage for different income groups according to the World Bank's figures³.

Percentage of world population Percentage of world income Yearly individual income Daily individual income Bottom 10 percent 0.8 $400 $1,10 Bottom 20 percent 2.0 $500 $1,37 Bottom 50 percent 8.5 $850 $2,33 Bottom 75 percent 22.3 $1,487 $4,07 Bottom 85 percent 37.1 $2,182 $5,98 Top 10 percent 50.8 $25,400 $69,59 Top 5 percent 33.7 $33,700 $92,33 Top 1 percent 9.5 $47,500 $130,14 (Ouch protesters...ouch...)

*2 facebook friends, 2 links...thanks.

I Am Trying My Tail Off To Hire...I Need Help!

Canada sees biggest monthly job loss since 2009

The Canadian economy unexpectedly shed 54,000 jobs last month, the most since 2009, a sign faltering business and consumer confidence is slowing the pace of hiring.

Jobs numbers are subject to monthly volatility, but losses of this magnitude are “extremely rare,” aside from recessionary periods, said Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO Nesbitt Burns. In fact, the last such hefty job drop outside of recession was in September 1996, he added. “No question, this is an extremely loud warning shot for the economy.”

What's a manufacturing business owner of 11 yrs have to say on the matter?  Hopefully something.  I am trying extremely hard to hire people.  I am fighting like crazy to employ people, build skills and wages.  These stats are both concerning and what I have been telling readers are imminent if we continue to run our quasi-socialist nanny state programs via burdensome debt and taxes.

Listen politicians, decide what camp you are on so we know how to vote.  Do we want bigger government with higher taxes, resulting in more stats like these and more horror stories like Greece ka-booming? Or, will you end the failed Trudeau led 70's outpouring of program-loving, wealth depleting government intervention? 

Listen folks, taxes and gov. debt crush the private sector. Endless regulations, rules and measures of protection strangle business.  The free market becomes the 'restricted market', and we wonder why business is not hiring?

So the left argues, 'gov. spurs/grows the economy and protects workers'. Bull.  The gov. extracts wealth by the generators thereof and draws it unto themselves (with a regulating cost, of course) and inefficiently passes it of to 'bring up' the downtrodden.  This comes at a cost to economic output, and therefore real wages and hiring go with it.  The collective group of the 'downtrodden' increases and the fatal blow has occurred: they turn to government for more entitlement...and so the cycle goes.  Go the free market for wealth creation. Go to your friends/local faith group to be picked up.  My argument is not cruel, but sensible and logical.

If you are hardworking and want a better country for you and your kids, then fight to keep more of your money.  Work hard to give to charities/faith groups that efficiently meet the needs of those who need help. This model will build the economy and people exponentially better then our government infiltrated  marketplace.

I welcome your input.

Gov. Crushes It's Own. Oh, In The Name Of 'Helping'

Stressed-out employees to get new help as B.C. amends laws

Stressed-out employees in British Columbia will soon be eligible to receive expanded workers’ compensation benefits.

Labour Minister Margaret MacDiarmid said Thursday the Liberal government is amending the Workers’ Compensation Act to broaden mental stress benefits for workers beyond the current “acute reaction to a sudden and traumatic event.”
She said the proposed amendments mean workers suffering from cumulative work-related stress may be granted benefits under the amended law.


Clearly I am an art expert.



Can you see how the victimization of people actually hurts them?  The logic is that the government sees a need and therefore needs to meet the need.  They coddle the victim by babying them through a state run program to provide 'help'.  The government is continually breaking the backs of the actual producing taxpayers.  The culture of entitlement continues. They are violating our rights of freedom by insisting it's their job to 'create a stress free work envrionment'.  Listen breastfeeding politicians, abandon your vile policies and leave it for the free market to figure out. It's not your business to snoop around in the affairs of others.  End it.

The article goes on:

“We want to have psychologically healthy workplaces and many employers have taken those steps, but we need to do more of that,” said MacDiarmid, who worked as a family physician before entering politics.
She said there are estimates that the amended law could increase WorkSafeBC annual costs between $10 million and $18 million, but helping people pays off in many ways.

"We" is the government.  They see the need...create laws to meet the need by creating a victim class. The Gov. spends (via tax/borrowing) then they grow to meet the need.  How do people delude themselves into thinking this is compassion? It's not. The government is victimizing it's own people to justify their encroachment on the free market.  This will solve nothing.  B.C., you will continue to foster a latching generation that sucks and feeds off of social programs to 'get by the stresses/hardships/injustices/evils' of life.  This does not grow the economy! It rewards those who play the victim card. You are creating an incentive to be a victim and a dependent on government support.  B.C. government, you should be ashamed of yourself.  This policy is a joke and would fall under the weight of it's own logic, should there ever be a reasonable debate.

For those who want the B.C. gov. to save 10-18 million per year, read this.

here are 2 simple suggestions from the great site:

Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy can help you keep things in perspective.


Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.

 

Lot's of good suggestions.  The problem with the Left is the likely realization that oh so many of these techniques require 'personal responsibility' and 'building meaningful relationships '. Crap.  Since those are code words for 'less government' then we better throw those suggestions out and simply create the victim/program to justify government's expansion.

When will we ever learn?  Your comments are welcome.

Socialism Does What It's Set Out To Do

If bailouts kick the can down the road, the debt crisis will only get deeper.  Add to this the greater role political forces will naturally have in overseeing all their interventionist workings.  Smart (private) money is leaving risky debt.  New business is not attracted to big government making big rules overseeing big bailouts.  It however seems that kicking the can down the road is a better option then the one George Papandreou wanted to pull out a few days ago:

What a nasty quandary, succumb to a stock market that moves on government policy demanding more debt and more oversight...or...default resulting in chaos.  Great job nanny state.  It seems to follow that the same lack of foresight that got them into this situation is the same delusion that is enabling them to defer today's crisis down the road by big bailouts.

How is the message not obvious?

-Government, leave the markets alone.

-Let the idiot lenders fail and take their hit.

-Accept that sooner or later we will have to deleverage, which will have a contraction on most economies.

-Learn from the mistakes of our past (social utopia: tax, borrow and buy it now...pay later...uh, never).

For us Canadians, buckle up! It's going to get messy before it gets pretty. 

We need to advocate at home the value of a free market being free. Conservatives, here is your to do list:

1. Shrink the size of debt, programs and government employees.

2. Be more transparent/accountable...it's our money you have.

3. Repeat 1 and 2 over and over and over.

Canadians, I know we are not at the 'stupid-stage' that Greece is at, but we did elect an NDP opposition party...so don't get too comfortable...next thing you know, they could be in power and take us down  Greece's big debt ridden road.

Does This Judge See It Straight?

Lindsay Lohan
Sentence Delayed For Naked Playboy Pics

Lindsay Lohan was not immediately sent to jail because the judge decided to allow her time to complete her nude photo shoot for Playboy ... TMZ has learned.

Sources directly connected with Lindsay tell us ... Lindsay's lawyer, Shawn Holley, told the judge in chambers that Lindsay had a contract with Playboy -- a contract of nearly $1 million -- and the shoot must be completed this week.  If it isn't, Lindsay would be in breach of her contract.

So Judge Stephanie Sautner cut LiLo a break ... and gave her one week to surrender.  Lindsay will surrender for the camera in the next few days.

Justice is not only blind ... sometimes it's stark naked.

I somewhat fancy it when the left tells us to 'get with the times'.  In order for the left to justify the abdication of personal responsibility, there has to be an elimination of any moral (categorical) imperative that ought to govern one's actions.  If it feels good, do it...least we be burdened with the restrictions of a transcendent moral code.  By shoving away that moral code that otherwise would govern (God forbid, limit) our conduct, we have a bedrock from which to stand on to avoid personal responsibility.  I am fascinated by how Ms. Lohan and the Judge point out our societies moral vacuum (pose away...after all you will make a million) and corresponding abdication or responsibility (surrender later...no biggie).

I trust we can see what's going on and use our own intellect to discern our times.

On a personal note, I wish Ms. Lohan well and hope she finds peace and a beneficial place to release her talents.

Del Mastro Get's 2 Minutes For Tripping...

Justin Trudeau fumes at Tory MP’s ‘bad Catholic’ taunt

Dean Del Mastro, the parliamentary secretary to the Prime Minister, said on Facebook last month that it was “outrageous” the Catholic school board in Peterborough, Ont. had invited Trudeau to speak for a second time in three years.

Mr. Dean Del Mastro, it's on me:


Even if I gave you the complete benefit of the doubt, your comments still sound ridiculous, elitist and condescending.

I will presume you were sincere, kind and really care that because he does not live out his faith (to your satisfaction), he is therefore disqualified from speaking at this Catholic event.

It was the Catholic School Board who invited Mr. Trudeau.  Secondly, the purpose was to inspire children.  He is not speaking in front of the Pope at a mass on the subject of the Trinity.  I hope you see the difference in scope.

If imperfection was a disqualifier for speaking Mr. Del Mastro, then neither you or anyone would ever be able to speak at any event.  On the subject of inspiring children for international service and leadership I would look for the following qualities:

-passion
-sincerity
-demonstrating like character in his own life (on the subject at hand)
-posture/attitude of growing in personal faith (again, not perfection)

Despite disagreeing with Mr. Trudeau's political views, he clearly demonstrates the above qualities.  Therefore, he is a great choice (and perhaps Mr. Kenny too!).

Mr. Trudeau, accusations are a dime a dozen. I encourage you to dust off his comments and surround yourself with people who are encouraging you to go to that event and are proud of your journey in your faith.
For what it's worth, on behalf of right leaning, clear thinkers: I am sorry for the condescending comments from our camp.  Go have a great time at your event and let us know how it went!

Mr. Del Mastro, what is more important to you...being right and breaking relationship while losing credibility (Mr. Trudeau was quoted as saying he does not value your words), or building relationship and using that influence to speak into another's life?  I submit Mr. Del Mastro, the latter should be.  If you are about 'making call's' on the Catholic faith...I think loving your neighbour ranks miles higher then 'being right' on such a matter (I'm not Catholic, so I'm only guessing).  If so, Mr. Del Mastro, would you kindly reconsider your point of focus?

With that being said, I think we can all learn a lesson from this drama-fest.  Focus on building relationships, not on being right...unless the person is in imminent danger.  I have found when you build relationships where the other person perceives you care and value them...then you have a place to discuss such matters...until then, I have found it's best to:

This Woman Officer Should Audit The Fed

Great Read On Sowing And Reaping

Kim Kardashian called ‘selfish’ by ex-publicist: ‘She knew marriage was a bad P.R. move’ 

“Kim used to be the sweetest down-to-earth person, she was the coolest chick around! She has just become this different person who is eager and hungry for fame. She has a mass craving for attention,” he says.

Greek government vows to pass cuts in "fight for existence"

Finance Minister Evangelos Venizelos pledged on Friday to pass sweeping austerity measures in parliament next week, declaring that Greece was in a "fight for our existence" and defying union opposition and rebels in the ruling Socialist party's own ranks.

Social Utopia sounds wonderful in politics and entertainment.  Reality always brings us back down...sometimes in 72 days...sometimes over the course of many generations.

Let's decide today to sow seeds of thankfulness, personal responsibility and focus building relationships that last.  It's both good for the economy and our lives. 

We are not entitled to fame and fortune. No amount of government redistribution or press will satisfy that deep longing for us to be loved and valued.

If we sow seeds of entitlement, fairness, excess and a demanding attitude then by golly, that is what we reap. Sad that it's our own government sowing those seeds. 

A Rant And An Award...Saying The Same Thing

A commenter shares:

I vote Liberal provincially because I vote for education, health care and social services. I vote for an equal opportunity for all which of course is not the same as equal outcome for all. You may not want to hear that I vote to act on the "immediate need", but it is true. At the same time, I believe that meeting these immediate needs is an investment in people and consequently an investment in the future. "Help them now so they can help themselves". Train, counsel, rehabilitate, educate and in the meantime, fund until they can fend for themselves. Teach those who are not contributing members of society (those who cannot maintain jobs on their own) to become self-sufficient citizens. No one is being snatched here. I voted for a party to protect its citizens. ...  I vote for the programs that enable all citizens to contribute to the economy. In a Utopian world this would not be necessary. I applaud free market companies that contribute to this cause. However it is not enough. If it were, programs would not be necessary. Explain to me how the free market is looking after all citizens of this province? There is too much suffering. Thus, I vote my conscience and I vote for government to step in where the free market fails.

A reader who spoke from their heart in a past blog entry shared why they vote Liberal: thank you. I tried to shorten, yet respect context.

The logic I see is:
1. The free market has failed to make things equal and better for all Ontario citizens
2. Government has means to make things better, more equal...for all Ontarians, therefore they should.
3. Programs/spending is a means by which government can 'pick up the slack' where the free market falls short.
4. Therefore I vote to enable government to work with the free market to end the suffering of it's people. 

Problem with #1: the free market has not failed.  People within the free market have made choices.  The free market is not responsible for ensuring everyone makes good choices.  The free market is responsible for making choice available.  People who make poor choices typically (but not always) find themselves in though spots.  Taking money out via programs hurts the free market (penalizes success and rewards failure...kinda like the GM bailouts).  The forced transfer of wealth does not create incentive for those without...rather, it enables and reinforces entitlement from others within the free market.  This has the opposite affect that well intended liberals desire. 

You don't teach a person to contribute within the free market by forcing those with, to give to those without. You are subconsciously giving a message to those who receive that says, "you can't make it on your own...you need government programs".  It devalues a person to say they are 'entitled to programs that are paid for by force of law'.  Saying, "you get the benefits of this program because those who have are forced to give to you" is actually demoralizing to the individuals value.  That is not the 'structure' of how the free market works.  

I was offered 8 free weeks (paid for by government) if I hired gentleman on welfare.  I told the job lady, "what an insult to that individual...I don't want to communicate to the young man that he needs government handouts to win a job.  Tell the young man we will hire him without subsidy and allow the merits of his performance to carry him through".  The hiring agent called back and said to me, "Ryan, when I passed on what you said, he broke down and cried in my office.  He said in all his life he never felt so valued".  The reality is we were not built to thrive by 'forced giving' but rather giving of free choice.

I desire all the things this commenter wants in terms of results.  I want to see people cared for, chances given and hope restored.  I simply choose to think a superior way to accomplish this is through free will giving/investing in others lives...not forced giving through incompetent and inefficient politicians.

With respect to #2: I argued in past blogs the free market functions best when left alone and that forced transfer of wealth works against the free market.  Just because there are means to make something better for someone does not mean there is a responsibility.  I argued quite extensively that government is responsible for that which is in it's jurisdiction, nothing else.  Seeing a need does not create jurisdiction for government to spend on programs anymore then them 'seeing a need' to appoint 'watchers' over all of Canadian parents to ensure the kids are well looked after.  There has to be a logical argument as to why jurisdiction is created for the endless list of programs...to which, none have been provided by NDP or Liberal.  Should a strong argument be made, I am game to entertain and likely eventually dismantle it.  Yes, that was a challenge to the left.

If 1 and 2 are true, then government having the ability to pick up  slack has no bearing on it's obligation or responsibility to do such.  The free market's job is not to 'care for those who lack'.  The free markets job is to create wealth.  The heart of man seeing a need and responding to that need in compassion (and free will) is what should be the means by which we take care of those who lack.  You can't legislate a man's heart, either on the giving side, or the receiving side.  It's more powerful to give of your free will (time, talents or money), then it is to benefit from forced giving.  Test that theory, it will work almost every time.  Force your kids to colour you a picture, then force them to give it to you.  Note your reaction.  Then, wait, wait and wait for them to do it of their own accord...when they give you a picture they coloured of their free will then note your reaction.  What option won? Forced giving or Free will giving?  When it comes to government, why do we screw this obvious principle up?  Because of entitlement culture and a thankless people expecting because they are owed.  When we realize we are not owed by the world, and became thankful for what we have, perhaps then we will focus on building meaningful relationships where accountability and compassion reign. From this, the free market creates the wealth that the compassionate person gives and invests.  This is a superior way to handle needs of those who lack in any capacity. 

#4.  Therefore I arrive at the opposite conclusion with the same heart as the liberal.  I want people helped.  I just do it differently. 

Sometimes it's easier to 'throw out a concept' then it is to demonstrate it, so I have included a small blurb below regarding a major award my company won.  What I shared works in real life:

A dozen local employers were recognized Wednesday during the annual breakfast by the Employment Facilitation Network of Cambridge and North Dumfries. Employers received one-of-a-kind awards designed by local artists. Local artist Ron Keachie (left) presents an award to Ryan Jantzi, CEO of B&R Custom Machining. The event’s main focus was to recognize employers that have gone above and beyond by providing training and employment opportunities for individuals facing challenges and barriers in the workplace.

Time for Coup De Grâce? Try Coup De Greece.

 

 

 

Greek referendum ignites German anger

European politicians complained that Athens was trying to wriggle out of the rescue deal agreed only last week, concerned not so much about the fate of Greece as the possibly dire consequences for the entire currency union.

Translation?  The Greeks decided to jump off the ship only to realize the water was colder then expected. They began demanding others pay the price for their stupidity and insisted on other passengers to stop what they are doing and throw them a raft.  The Greeks were about to say, 'thank you for bailing us out', but then realized they are the socialist party and began to ask instead if the other nations could find a larger boat...after all, rafts are not that durable. 

The socialists have rejected their remedy (if you can be naive enough to call a bailout a remedy) because austerity violates their core principles. They would rather go bankrupt spending, then realize the stupidity of socialism.  I guess that's possible when another core principle of socialism (abdication of personal responsibility) works so deep in the mind of it's citizens. 

The Greeks are plying Russian roulette with a fully loaded chamber...the odds don't look good.  Drop the gun and run for austerity, personal responsibility and a huge does of humility. 

Canada, watch Greece fall and take note. Socialism does not work, it's a diseased cow that needs to be shot for it's own good. 
Greeks, you whine, cry foul and demand...with no security on your debts and no revenue to pay.  You are looking at a life line from 'bailout nation' and are spitting on it because it means forgoing your socialist agenda?!

Germany, France shoot the wounded solider and walk away from the deal.  Give them up to their own selfish vices.  Unless Greece tears it's clothes in sackcloth and ashes, begging for mercy...let them realize the fruit of their choices.  If there's one thing a prosperous socialist nation does well, is prevent people from realizing the consequences to their choices.  If there's one thing a broke socialist nation does well, is let everyone see the misery of their economic philosophy by losing freedom, wealth and employment.  If the Greeks truly see/feel and experience the latter, perhaps they will learn that there are consequences to choices.  This is the 'mercy killing' the wounded Greeks are actually begging for, regardless if they know it or not.  We were not built to whine, cry, play the victim and demand something for nothing.  When the Greeks see this (hard way if needed), all will be better off. 

I don't feel good telling it like it is, but I take solace in this message reaching the Greeks and them one day thanking me for caring enough to let them know there are better options.

Jux. Fathers

 

Edmonton soldier held infant daughter days before he died

I won't quote from this article as you can read what you see fit.  Canada suffered a tragic loss in the death of Master Cpl. Byron Greff.  I will consider another blog, another day to comment on the mission, but for now, I am devastated that Master Cpl. Byron Greff's heroic patriotism comes at his daughter (and entire families) expense.  May God's peace be on his family and may they be comforted during this tragic time.

And on the entire other opposite end of the 'heroic father' spectrum:

Phoenix Girl, 3, Dies After Stepfather Brutally Beat Her for Not Eating Hot Dog

I cannot wrap my head around either story.  I do believe this, fathers, we hopefully have a wake-up call to realize the privilege and responsibility we carry.  Consider your time with your family a gift and the best investment you can possibly make.  Time and love is something we should have a deep well of capital to invest from.  I am humbled by our hero at home and repelled by the "______" down south.  Both stories paint a grim picture letting us know about the impact and power of a father: I deeply encourage you today Dad's, let's step up our game.  Let's make an extra effort to express love, devotion and commitment to our children: be tomorrow's hero today.