PRESIDENT JAFO (Just Another F'ing Observer) is seen as Incompetent by the rest of the world....shocker.
Jefferson, Madison, FDR and the rest of the former Presidents must be spinning in their graves.
Is it 2012 yet?
Friday, June 18, 2010
Mort Zuckerman: World Sees Obama as Incompetent and Amateur
The president is well-intentioned but can't walk the walk on the world stage
By Mortimer B. Zuckerman
Posted June 18, 2010
President Obama came into office as the heir to a great foreign policy legacy enjoyed by every recent U.S. president. Why? Because the United States stands on top of the power ladder, not necessarily as the dominant power, but certainly as the leading one. As such we are the sole nation capable of exercising global leadership on a whole range of international issues from security, trade, and climate to counterterrorism. We also benefit from the fact that most countries distrust the United States far less than they distrust one another, so we uniquely have the power to build coalitions. As a result, most of the world still looks to Washington for help in their region and protection against potential regional threats.
Yet, the Iraq war lingers; Afghanistan continues to be immersed in an endless cycle of tribalism, corruption, and Islamist resurgence; Guantánamo remains open; Iran sees how North Korea toys with Obama and continues its programs to develop nuclear weapons and missiles; Cuba spurns America's offers of a greater opening; and the Palestinians and Israelis find that it is U.S. policy positions that defer serious negotiations, the direct opposite of what the Obama administration hoped for.
The reviews of Obama's performance have been disappointing. He has seemed uncomfortable in the role of leading other nations, and often seems to suggest there is nothing special about America's role in the world. The global community was puzzled over the pictures of Obama bowing to some of the world's leaders and surprised by his gratuitous criticisms of and apologies for America's foreign policy under the previous administration of George W. Bush. One Middle East authority, Fouad Ajami, pointed out that Obama seems unaware that it is bad form and even a great moral lapse to speak ill of one's own tribe while in the lands of others.
Even in Britain, for decades our closest ally, the talk in the press—supported by polls—is about the end of the "special relationship" with America. French President Nicolas Sarkozy openly criticized Obama for months, including a direct attack on his policies at the United Nations. Sarkozy cited the need to recognize the real world, not the virtual world, a clear reference to Obama's speech on nuclear weapons. When the French president is seen as tougher than the American president, you have to know that something is awry. Vladimir Putin of Russia has publicly scorned a number of Obama's visions. Relations with the Chinese leadership got off to a bad start with the president's poorly-organized visit to China, where his hosts treated him disdainfully and prevented him from speaking to a national television audience of the Chinese people. The Chinese behavior was unprecedented when compared to visits by other U.S. presidents.
Obama's policy on Afghanistan—supporting a surge in troops, but setting a date next year when they will begin to withdraw—not only gave a mixed signal, but provided an incentive for the Taliban just to wait us out. The withdrawal part of the policy was meant to satisfy a domestic constituency, but succeeded in upsetting all of our allies in the region. Further anxiety was provoked by Obama's severe public criticism of Afghan President Hamid Karzai and his coterie of family and friends for their lackluster leadership, followed by a reversal of sorts regarding the same leaders.
Obama clearly wishes to do good and means well. But he is one of those people who believe that the world was born with the word and exists by means of persuasion, such that there is no person or country that you cannot, by means of logical and moral argument, bring around to your side. He speaks as a teacher, as someone imparting values and generalities appropriate for a Sunday morning sermon, not as a tough-minded leader. He urges that things "must be done" and "should be done" and that "it is time" to do them. As the former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, Les Gelb, put it, there is "the impression that Obama might confuse speeches with policy." Another journalist put it differently when he described Obama as an "NPR [National Public Radio] president who gives wonderful speeches." In other words, he talks the talk but doesn't know how to walk the walk. The Obama presidency has so far been characterized by a well-intentioned but excessive belief in the power of rhetoric with too little appreciation of reality and loyalty.
In his Cairo speech about America and the Muslim world, Obama managed to sway Arab public opinion but was unable to budge any Arab leader. Even the king of Saudi Arabia, a country that depends on America for its survival, reacted with disappointment and dismay. Obama's meeting with the king was widely described as a disaster. This is but one example of an absence of the personal chemistry that characterized the relationships that Presidents Clinton and Bush had with world leaders. This is a serious matter because foreign policy entails an understanding of the personal and political circumstances of the leaders as well as the cultural and historical factors of the countries we deal with.
Les Gelb wrote of Obama, "He is so self-confident that he believes he can make decisions on the most complicated of issues after only hours of discussion." Strategic decisions go well beyond being smart, which Obama certainly is. They must be based on experience that discerns what works, what doesn't—and why. This requires experienced staffing, which Obama and his top appointees simply do not seem to have. Or as one Middle East commentator put it, "There are always two chess games going on. One is on the top of the table, the other is below the table. The latter is the one that counts, but the Americans don't know how to play that game."
Recent U.S. attempts to introduce more meaningful sanctions against Iran produced a U.N. resolution that is way less than the "crippling" sanctions the administration promised. The United States even failed to achieve the political benefit of a unanimous Security Council vote. Turkey, the Muslim anchor of NATO for almost 60 years, and Brazil, our largest ally in Latin America, voted against our resolution. Could it be that these long-standing U.S. allies, who gave cover to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Iran's nuclear ambitions, have decided that there is no cost in lining up with America's most serious enemies and no gain in lining up with this administration?
The end result is that a critical mass of influential people in world affairs who once held high hopes for the president have begun to wonder whether they misjudged the man. They are no longer dazzled by his rock star personality and there is a sense that there is something amateurish and even incompetent about how Obama is managing U.S. power. For example, Obama has asserted that America is not at war with the Muslim world. The problem is that parts of the Muslim world are at war with America and the West. Obama feels, fairly enough, that America must be contrite in its dealings with the Muslim world. But he has failed to address the religious intolerance, failing economies, tribalism, and gender apartheid that together contribute to jihadist extremism. This was startling and clear when he chose not to publicly support the Iranians who went to the streets in opposition to their oppressive government, based on a judgment that our support might be counterproductive. Yet, he reaches out instead to the likes of Bashar Assad of Syria, Iran's agent in the Arab world, sending our ambassador back to Syria even as it continues to rearm Hezbollah in Lebanon and expands its role in the Iran-Hezbollah-Hamas alliance.
The underlying issue is that the Arab world has different estimates on how to deal with an aggressive, expansionist Iran. The Arabs believe you do not deal with Iran with the open hand of a handshake but with the clenched fist of power. Arab leaders fear an Iran proceeding full steam with its nuclear weapons program on top of its programs to develop intermediate-range ballistic missiles. All the while centrifuges keep spinning in Iran, and Arab leaders ask whether Iran will be emboldened by what they interpret as American weakness and faltering willpower. They did not see Obama or his administration as understanding the region, where naiveté is interpreted as a weakness of character, as amateurism, and as proof of the absence of the tough stuff of which leaders are made. (That's why many Arab leaders were appalled at the decision to have a civilian trial of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed in New York. After 9/11, many of them had engaged in secret counterterrorism activities under the umbrella of an American promise that these activities would never be made public; now they feared that this would be the exact consequence of an open trial.)
America right now appears to be unreliable to traditional friends, compliant to rivals, and weak to enemies. One renowned Asian leader stated recently at a private dinner in the United States, "We in Asia are convinced that Obama is not strong enough to confront his opponents, but we fear that he is not strong enough to support his friends."
The United States for 60 years has met its responsibilities as the leader and the defender of the democracies of the free world. We have policed the sea lanes, protected the air and space domains, countered terrorism, responded to genocide, and been the bulwark against rogue states engaging in aggression. The world now senses, in the context of the erosion of America's economic power and the pressures of our budget deficits, that we will compress our commitments. But the world needs the vision, idealism, and strong leadership that America brings to international affairs. This can be done and must be done. But we are the only ones who can do it.
Copyright © 2010 U.S.News & World Report LP All rights reserved.
Friday, June 18, 2010
JAKE & ELWOOD WIN POINTS WITH THE VATICAN
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Jake & Elwood - You done well.....Not only did you complete your " Mission from God ", you managed to get in good with the Vatican.....Must have helped having Jake up there in Heaven playing gigs....must be a rocking band in Heaven....
Good for you boys - You've come a long way from when you got thrown out of Sister Mary Stigmata's office -
Sister Mary Stigmata: [after chasing Jake and Elwood out of her office with a ruler for using foul language]
" You are such a disappointing pair. I prayed so hard for you. It saddens and hurts me that the two young men whom I raised to believe in the Ten Commandments have returned to me as two thieves, with filthy mouths and bad attitudes." [pauses and points at them] - "Get out, and don't come back until you've redeemed yourselves..."
Curtis: Boys, you got to learn not to talk to nuns that way
=======================
Vatican endorses "The Blues Brothers"
By Eric J. Lyman Eric J. Lyman – Thu Jun 17, 2:57 am ET
TAORMINA, Sicily (Hollywood Reporter) – When Jake and Elwood Blues, the protagonists in John Landis' cult classic "The Blues Brothers," claimed they were on a mission from God, the Catholic Church apparently took them at their word.
By Eric J. Lyman Eric J. Lyman – Thu Jun 17, 2:57 am ET
TAORMINA, Sicily (Hollywood Reporter) – When Jake and Elwood Blues, the protagonists in John Landis' cult classic "The Blues Brothers," claimed they were on a mission from God, the Catholic Church apparently took them at their word.
On the 30th anniversary of the film's release, "L'Osservatore Romano," the Vatican's official newspaper, called the film a "Catholic classic" and said it should be recommended viewing for Catholics everywhere.
The film is based on a skit from "Saturday Night Live." In the story, Jake and Elwood -- played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, respectively -- embark on an unlikely road trip featuring concerts, car chases, clashes with the police and neo-Nazi groups, and attempts at revenge from a spurned lover, all, ostensibly, to raise money for the church-run orphanage where they grew up.
But aside from a brief appearance from Kathleen Freeman as a wrist-slapping nun referred to as "The Penguin" and the brothers' periodic claim that they were on a mission from God, spirituality does not play a significant role in the film.
In addition to Belushi and Aykroyd, the film featured an all-star cast including musicians James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Chaka Khan, in addition to noted actors John Candy, Carrie Fisher, Charles Napier, and Henry Gibson, and cameo roles for Frank Oz, Steven Spielberg, Landis, Mr. T, and Paul Reubens.
With the recommendation, "The Blues Brothers" joins the list of dozens of films recommended by Catholic authorities that includes Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments," "Jesus of Nazareth" from Franco Zeffirelli," Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ," Victor Flemming's "Joan of Arc," and "It's a Wonderful Life" from Frank Capra
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Thursday, June 17, 2010
Anthony Cordesman writes on where we stand in AFGHN
Anthony Cordesman writes a lengthy but brilliant dissertation on where we find ourselves in the AFGHN conflict...
Very Insightful and must-read for anyone who wants to gain greater understanding to the larger issues than are being put forth by POTUS, dithering politicians and others who sit in comfort while others toil under the sun in the desert...
The opening salvo of his writing should leave you wanting more:
" There is nothing more tragic than watching beautiful theories being assaulted by gangs of ugly facts. It is time, however, to be far more realistic about the war in Afghanistan. It may well still be winnable, but it is not going to be won by denying the risks, the complexity, and the time that any real hope of victory will take. It is not going to be won by “spin” or artificial news stories, and it can easily be lost by exaggerating solvable short-term problems.
The Strategic Importance of Afghanistan and the Case for Staying in the War
Two critical questions dominate any realistic discussion of the conflict. The first is whether the war is worth fighting. The second is whether it can be won. The answers to both questions are uncertain. The US has no enduring reason to maintain a strategic presence in Afghanistan or Central Asia. It has far more important strategic priorities in virtually every other part of the world, and inserting itself into Russia’s “near abroad,” China’s sphere of influence, and India’s ambitions makes no real sense. Geography, demographics, logistics, and economics all favor other nations, and no amount of academic hubris can realistically model American reform of the “Stans” in ways that are cost-effective relative to other uses of US resources. "
Read the rest and exercise your gray-matter - it is well worth the time invested.
http://csis.org/publication/realism-afghanistan-rethinking-uncertain-case-war
Very Insightful and must-read for anyone who wants to gain greater understanding to the larger issues than are being put forth by POTUS, dithering politicians and others who sit in comfort while others toil under the sun in the desert...
The opening salvo of his writing should leave you wanting more:
" There is nothing more tragic than watching beautiful theories being assaulted by gangs of ugly facts. It is time, however, to be far more realistic about the war in Afghanistan. It may well still be winnable, but it is not going to be won by denying the risks, the complexity, and the time that any real hope of victory will take. It is not going to be won by “spin” or artificial news stories, and it can easily be lost by exaggerating solvable short-term problems.
The Strategic Importance of Afghanistan and the Case for Staying in the War
Two critical questions dominate any realistic discussion of the conflict. The first is whether the war is worth fighting. The second is whether it can be won. The answers to both questions are uncertain. The US has no enduring reason to maintain a strategic presence in Afghanistan or Central Asia. It has far more important strategic priorities in virtually every other part of the world, and inserting itself into Russia’s “near abroad,” China’s sphere of influence, and India’s ambitions makes no real sense. Geography, demographics, logistics, and economics all favor other nations, and no amount of academic hubris can realistically model American reform of the “Stans” in ways that are cost-effective relative to other uses of US resources. "
Read the rest and exercise your gray-matter - it is well worth the time invested.
http://csis.org/publication/realism-afghanistan-rethinking-uncertain-case-war
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
For the love of our K-9 Companions
As any casual reader may discern, I am a true fan of our K-9 companions - No animal has been as important to the safety, well being, security and success of our lives as the Dog.
Here are some collected words that ring true to those of us who pay tribute to these noble creatures;
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." – Unknown
"The world was conquered through the understanding of dogs; the world exists through the understanding of dogs." – Nietzche
From the dog's point of view, his master is an elongated and abnormally cunning dog. ~Mabel Louise Robinson
I think we are drawn to dogs because they are the uninhibited creatures we might be if we weren't certain we knew better. They fight for honor at the first challenge, make love with no moral restraint, and they do not for all their marvelous instincts appear to know about death. Being such wonderfully uncomplicated beings, they need us to do their worrying. ~George Bird Evans, Troubles with Bird Dogs
I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth
If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then giving Fido only two of them. ~Phil Pastoret
With the exception of women, there is nothing on earth so agreeable or necessary to the comfort of man as the dog. ~Edward Jesse, Anecdote of Dogs
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window. ~Steve Bluestone
Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog's face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window. ~Steve Bluestone
To his dog, every man is Napoleon; hence the constant popularity of dogs. ~Aldous HuxleyThey never talk about themselves but listen to you while you talk about yourself, and keep up an appearance of being interested in the conversation. ~Jerome K. Jerome
Did you ever walk into a room and forget why you walked in? I think that is how dogs spend their lives. ~Sue Murphy
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras
The dog is a gentleman; I hope to go to his heaven, not man's. ~Mark Twain, letter to W.D. Howells, 2 April 1899
Near this spot are deposited the remains of one who possessed Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the Virtues of Man, without his Vices. This Praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery if inscribed over human ashes, is but a just tribute to the Memory of Boatswain, a Dog. ~George Gordon, Lord Byron, "Inscription on the Monument of a Newfoundland Dog"
Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made. ~Roger Caras
In the world which we know, among the different and primitive geniuses that preside over the evolution of the several species, there exists not one, excepting that of the dog, that ever gave a thought to the presence of man. ~Maurice Maeterlinck
My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to 99 cents a can. That's almost $7.00 in dog money. ~Joe Weinstein
If a dog will not come to you after having looked you in the face, you should go home and examine your conscience. ~Woodrow Wilson
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Bitten by the Bug....
I have to admit that I am a serious afinciado of classic cars - OLD STEEL is the best.....new cars are all whiz-bang and such, but I prefer the tried & true older cars that don't need a computer to drive down the road....The classic cars were simpler - If it has fuel, air & a spark, it's going to run. That's why I LOVE my 1963 Willys Jeep...it is a vestige from a simpler time when automobiles were "just automobiles" and not these computerized pieces of junk that the auto makers are trying to foist on us....
Back to my recent affliction - I have been bitten by the " Bug ". I purchased a 1966 VW Beetle for restoration....I owned a 1969 VW Karmann Ghia when I was in college back in the day, and it was a lot of fun to drive....so I guess it is something that I have had for some time....
The VW that I purchased is in waiting for her restoration and is a classic Beetle, with all the panache' that a 44 year old classic could be expected to have, especially the metal dashboard, and classic Beetle shape. I'll be trying to figure out what she needs and then going from there....one thing is for sure, this WON'T be a hippie vehicle - no "foot-print-of-the-great-American-Chicken" a.k.a. The Peace Symbol on this classic VW.....I'm looking to paint her up with a unique design which will be fitting of her restored status.
Enclosed is a clever VW ad from the past. Pictures of the soon-to-be-restored VW will be posted at a later date when I am able to make her presentable.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Separation from the Flag Pole
It is a strange and wholly unbelievable phenomenon to see how people act when placed in circumstances that should present an opportunity to excel. Instead, many act in an oppositional and obtuse manner that defies logic when it is observed by others who are in the same situation. I speak from experience as I have witnessed this pattern of behavior before and it has never been explained in any manner that would make sense to me or any other person of integrity, principles or honor.
My first real encounter with this was when I was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was with a unit that had been together for a number of years and I had trained with in the field and on regular occasions. We were augmented with another group from CT and that was the start of the issues. The CT group had not had any senior enlisted leadership for some time and acted undisciplined and unprincipled. We arrived in Norfolk, VA at the deployment center and the biggest miscreant of the bunch showed up for quarters still under the influence from his previous night’s drinking.
Now let’s set something straight, I enjoy my beer as much as the next man but all responsible people know better than to get soused the night before an important day or before you need to be on duty. This principle as lost on the cement-head petty officer who acted like the drunken lout he was, and when we were ready to report him as such, it was keboshed by a senior enlisted (Chief) who didn’t want the drunk’s career to go into the tank. This was not what I wanted to see as these would soon be some of the people I would be risking my life with in short order.
The situation did not get better once we headed to the dirty side of the world, and in short order, I found myself in place with a legion of drunks, liars, cheats and outright malfunctioning jerks. They acted out, cheated on their wives and didn’t care how badly they disgraced themselves or the uniform. I would up transferring out of the unit once I deployed back home after a long and lengthy discussion with the unit XO back stateside. These people were not only risking their lives, but mine as well and without care.
I vowed to never allow myself to fall in with such low-lifes as these, regardless of situation. I would protect my own safety, honor and integrity by walking away from those who would injure any aspect of my personal and professional integrity.
Flash forward to present day and I have witnessed this same phenomenon again, in a small group of people working out here in the Afghanistan desert. They are not part of my group, but have “self identified” by acting out in a manner that is consistent with the lack of morals, character and honor that shows them for jerks that they truly are. They have shown that “Separation from the Flagpole” is something that occurs when a certain type of person (i.e. low-life idiots) get away from a normal situation (close proximity to authority, spouse, family and/or home) and suddenly adopt an “anything goes and screw everybody” mentality that demonstrates for all the world to see what kind of stupid jerks they REALLY are.
It is sad that those who care and try to make sure we do our best in everything we do have to endure the presence of these jerks. They should go elsewhere as in a place such as this; there is no room for error or stupidity. Each can get you and others killed, maimed or so severely messed up that it could take a division of Marines to get you outta hot water.
“Professionals are predictable, amateurs are dangerous.” This is on display among this group of self-centered, low-lifes who are masquerading as someone who should be here when in reality, they should be home, or maybe for most in a place where they cannot effect the lives of good people. If it were in my personal purview, I would have their arses on a plane outta the AOR it would make their ancestors dizzy. They are the worst kind of amateurs, as they have no grasp for how badly they are failing life as professionals, colleagues for those who they work with or as just plain people. It is sad to say but these idiots shouldn’t be allowed to hold any kind of responsibility as they cannot be trusted.
"Separation from the flag pole" should not change a person for the negative, but instead it should challenge you to double your efforts and provide life lessons on how good you can be when under difficult times. That is the mark of a true professional, and something these idiots will never grasp or understand.
My first real encounter with this was when I was activated for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I was with a unit that had been together for a number of years and I had trained with in the field and on regular occasions. We were augmented with another group from CT and that was the start of the issues. The CT group had not had any senior enlisted leadership for some time and acted undisciplined and unprincipled. We arrived in Norfolk, VA at the deployment center and the biggest miscreant of the bunch showed up for quarters still under the influence from his previous night’s drinking.
Now let’s set something straight, I enjoy my beer as much as the next man but all responsible people know better than to get soused the night before an important day or before you need to be on duty. This principle as lost on the cement-head petty officer who acted like the drunken lout he was, and when we were ready to report him as such, it was keboshed by a senior enlisted (Chief) who didn’t want the drunk’s career to go into the tank. This was not what I wanted to see as these would soon be some of the people I would be risking my life with in short order.
The situation did not get better once we headed to the dirty side of the world, and in short order, I found myself in place with a legion of drunks, liars, cheats and outright malfunctioning jerks. They acted out, cheated on their wives and didn’t care how badly they disgraced themselves or the uniform. I would up transferring out of the unit once I deployed back home after a long and lengthy discussion with the unit XO back stateside. These people were not only risking their lives, but mine as well and without care.
I vowed to never allow myself to fall in with such low-lifes as these, regardless of situation. I would protect my own safety, honor and integrity by walking away from those who would injure any aspect of my personal and professional integrity.
Flash forward to present day and I have witnessed this same phenomenon again, in a small group of people working out here in the Afghanistan desert. They are not part of my group, but have “self identified” by acting out in a manner that is consistent with the lack of morals, character and honor that shows them for jerks that they truly are. They have shown that “Separation from the Flagpole” is something that occurs when a certain type of person (i.e. low-life idiots) get away from a normal situation (close proximity to authority, spouse, family and/or home) and suddenly adopt an “anything goes and screw everybody” mentality that demonstrates for all the world to see what kind of stupid jerks they REALLY are.
It is sad that those who care and try to make sure we do our best in everything we do have to endure the presence of these jerks. They should go elsewhere as in a place such as this; there is no room for error or stupidity. Each can get you and others killed, maimed or so severely messed up that it could take a division of Marines to get you outta hot water.
“Professionals are predictable, amateurs are dangerous.” This is on display among this group of self-centered, low-lifes who are masquerading as someone who should be here when in reality, they should be home, or maybe for most in a place where they cannot effect the lives of good people. If it were in my personal purview, I would have their arses on a plane outta the AOR it would make their ancestors dizzy. They are the worst kind of amateurs, as they have no grasp for how badly they are failing life as professionals, colleagues for those who they work with or as just plain people. It is sad to say but these idiots shouldn’t be allowed to hold any kind of responsibility as they cannot be trusted.
"Separation from the flag pole" should not change a person for the negative, but instead it should challenge you to double your efforts and provide life lessons on how good you can be when under difficult times. That is the mark of a true professional, and something these idiots will never grasp or understand.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Say Goodbye to Full-time Jobs With Benefits
WTF? - Is this one more sign that the corporate mindset of the companies in America doesn't care what happens to the workforce as all employees are seen as disposable?? This CNN Report does not bode well for those who need work or are currently employed...
As a dedicated HR professional, this is NOT what companies should be doing, especially in a downturn economy....like all cycles, the pendulum will eventually swing back and then the employers will regret this short sighted approach to how you take care of your employees.
The Number 1 lesson of Leadership is " Take care of the troops, and they will take care of the mission." - Obviously, this lesson is lost on the corporate decision makers who follow this misguided idea....
Say goodbye to full-time jobs with benefits
Many people looking for work are having trouble finding the traditional full-time job with benefits.
By Chris Isidore, senior writerJune 5, 2010: 11:12 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Jobs may be coming back, but they aren't the same ones workers were used to.
Many of the jobs employers are adding are temporary or contract positions, rather than traditional full-time jobs with benefits. With unemployment remaining near 10%, employers have their pick of workers willing to accept less secure positions.
In 2005, the government estimated that 31% of U.S. workers were already so-called contingent workers. Experts say that number could increase to 40% or more in the next 10 years.
James Stoeckmann, senior practice leader at WorldatWork, a professional association of human resource executives, believes that full-time employees could become the minority of the nation's workforce within 20 to 30 years, leaving employees without traditional benefits such as health coverage, paid vacations and retirement plans, that most workers take for granted today.
"The traditional job is not doomed. But it will increasingly have competition from other models, the most prominent is the independent contractor model," he said.
Doug Arms, senior vice president of Ajilon, a staffing firm, says about 90% of the positions his company is helping clients fill right now are on a contract basis.
"[Employers] are reluctant to bring on permanent employees too quickly," he said. "And the available candidate landscape is much different now. They're a little more aggressive to take any position."
Cathy, who asked that her last name not be used, lost her job as a recruiter for a financial services firm in February 2009. She started working on a contract basis four months later. She believes that many employers are taking improper advantage of the weak labor market.
"I work in HR, I understand that sometimes you need to hire a contractor because you have a project and you won't need the person when it's done in three months," she said. "But that's not what's happening here."
Cathy said her co-workers who had permanent jobs didn't treat her differently, but she still felt like a second-class citizen.
"At one job they were giving out H1N1 flu shots but the contract workers weren't eligible to receive them," she said. "I said 'You guys are still in trouble if I get the flu.'"
Much of the change is due to employers' desire to limit their costs. Stoechmann equates the shift to the one seen in retirement plans, in which employers moved away from the traditional pension plan toward defined contribution plans, which passes more of the burden onto the employee.
Demographic factors are feeding the shift as well. Stoechmann said many younger workers are more open to the idea of not tying themselves to a single employer.
And as baby boomers reach the age when they are eligible for Medicare and not dependent upon their employer for health insurance, many are more open to contract work.
Health care reform legislation passed earlier this year, which will create a mandate for employers to provide health benefits for employees but not contractors, will also feed the trend.
"Once you have an employer mandate in place, you create an incentive for employers to get around that mandate," said Susan Houseman, a senior economist studying labor issues at the W.E. Upjohn Institute.
Houseman also believes the jobs market could stay tilted in favor of employers for much of the coming decade, because of the depth of job losses and the lingering weakness in the economy.
Sara Horowitz, the founder and executive director of the Freelancers Union, an advocacy group for freelancers and independent contractors, said that employment laws and protections have been slow to recognize the shift. For example, independent contractors aren't eligible for unemployment benefits. And they have to pay both the employee and the employer match on their Social Security taxes.
But Horowitz said not everyone who works as a freelancer or independent contractor is unhappy with their situation.
She estimates about 30% are satisfied with the arrangement, about equal to the number who desperately want to find a full-time job with benefits. The other 40% are somewhere in the middle, feeling pleased by aspects of their job and unhappy about others.
"It's not that most want to be freelancers or don't want to be freelancers. They're just following the work, and the work itself is evolving," she said.
As a dedicated HR professional, this is NOT what companies should be doing, especially in a downturn economy....like all cycles, the pendulum will eventually swing back and then the employers will regret this short sighted approach to how you take care of your employees.
The Number 1 lesson of Leadership is " Take care of the troops, and they will take care of the mission." - Obviously, this lesson is lost on the corporate decision makers who follow this misguided idea....
Say goodbye to full-time jobs with benefits
Many people looking for work are having trouble finding the traditional full-time job with benefits.
By Chris Isidore, senior writerJune 5, 2010: 11:12 AM ET
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Jobs may be coming back, but they aren't the same ones workers were used to.
Many of the jobs employers are adding are temporary or contract positions, rather than traditional full-time jobs with benefits. With unemployment remaining near 10%, employers have their pick of workers willing to accept less secure positions.
In 2005, the government estimated that 31% of U.S. workers were already so-called contingent workers. Experts say that number could increase to 40% or more in the next 10 years.
James Stoeckmann, senior practice leader at WorldatWork, a professional association of human resource executives, believes that full-time employees could become the minority of the nation's workforce within 20 to 30 years, leaving employees without traditional benefits such as health coverage, paid vacations and retirement plans, that most workers take for granted today.
"The traditional job is not doomed. But it will increasingly have competition from other models, the most prominent is the independent contractor model," he said.
Doug Arms, senior vice president of Ajilon, a staffing firm, says about 90% of the positions his company is helping clients fill right now are on a contract basis.
"[Employers] are reluctant to bring on permanent employees too quickly," he said. "And the available candidate landscape is much different now. They're a little more aggressive to take any position."
Cathy, who asked that her last name not be used, lost her job as a recruiter for a financial services firm in February 2009. She started working on a contract basis four months later. She believes that many employers are taking improper advantage of the weak labor market.
"I work in HR, I understand that sometimes you need to hire a contractor because you have a project and you won't need the person when it's done in three months," she said. "But that's not what's happening here."
Cathy said her co-workers who had permanent jobs didn't treat her differently, but she still felt like a second-class citizen.
"At one job they were giving out H1N1 flu shots but the contract workers weren't eligible to receive them," she said. "I said 'You guys are still in trouble if I get the flu.'"
Much of the change is due to employers' desire to limit their costs. Stoechmann equates the shift to the one seen in retirement plans, in which employers moved away from the traditional pension plan toward defined contribution plans, which passes more of the burden onto the employee.
Demographic factors are feeding the shift as well. Stoechmann said many younger workers are more open to the idea of not tying themselves to a single employer.
And as baby boomers reach the age when they are eligible for Medicare and not dependent upon their employer for health insurance, many are more open to contract work.
Health care reform legislation passed earlier this year, which will create a mandate for employers to provide health benefits for employees but not contractors, will also feed the trend.
"Once you have an employer mandate in place, you create an incentive for employers to get around that mandate," said Susan Houseman, a senior economist studying labor issues at the W.E. Upjohn Institute.
Houseman also believes the jobs market could stay tilted in favor of employers for much of the coming decade, because of the depth of job losses and the lingering weakness in the economy.
Sara Horowitz, the founder and executive director of the Freelancers Union, an advocacy group for freelancers and independent contractors, said that employment laws and protections have been slow to recognize the shift. For example, independent contractors aren't eligible for unemployment benefits. And they have to pay both the employee and the employer match on their Social Security taxes.
But Horowitz said not everyone who works as a freelancer or independent contractor is unhappy with their situation.
She estimates about 30% are satisfied with the arrangement, about equal to the number who desperately want to find a full-time job with benefits. The other 40% are somewhere in the middle, feeling pleased by aspects of their job and unhappy about others.
"It's not that most want to be freelancers or don't want to be freelancers. They're just following the work, and the work itself is evolving," she said.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
A letter to Philip Alston, U.N. investigator on extrajudicial killings
News Item: Philip Alston, the independent U.N. investigator on extrajudicial killings reported today that "Governments must come clean on their methods for killing suspected terrorists and insurgents especially when using unmanned drones, because they may be committing war crimes " stated the New York University law professor.....
It reminds me of the conversation that Colonel Thomas Devoe (played by George Clooney) has with Dr. Julia Kelly (played by Nicole Kidman) in the movie, The Peacemaker:
Thomas Devoe: " Doctor, you can run your charts and your theories all you want. In the field, this is how it works: the good guys, that's us, we chase the bad guys. And they don't wear black hats. They are, however, all alike: they demand power, and respect...."
Enclosed is my response to the good Professor - I'm quite proud that I restrained myself from using the type of " Sailor Language" that he deserved when I sent him the enclosed message:
Sir -
I have read of your 29-page report to the U.N. Human Rights Council regarding the use of Drones on the battlefield, and specifically the way these drones are used. I am a retired US Navy Seabee and I was in Iraq for the Battle of Fallujah. Presently I work in Afghanistan, supporting US Military operations by working for a large military contractor. I have seen the effects of war, felt the heat of battle and understand the implications of what War means for both civilians and combatants. I have witnessed good men die and also what War does to the civilian population.
Sir, we are engaged with an enemy that does not recognize the " Rules of War ". They do not care for anyone, or anything and will kill women, children, old men and anyone else who in the area to accomplish their goal of killing westerners or anyone they consider as " Infidels". In fact, they will kill people of their own faith as a method of accomplishing what they want.
Here are the figures for the past month, May 2010
Monthly Jihad Report May, 2010
Jihad Attacks: 150
Countries: 14
Religions: 5
Dead Bodies: 729
Critically Injured: 1591
Sir, it must be easy to sit in your fine offices and pontificate regarding the use of drones, but the technology we utilize is the key advantage that we have over an enemy that hides among the populace and kills without hesitation, remorse or common decency. Our enemy does not wear a uniform and will hide among the populace and use them as human shields.
Sir, you need to spend some time on the ground in Afghanistan - visit a village where all the teachers were shot because they allowed young girls to attend school or where a shopkeepers and his family were murdered because they were thought to be cooperating with the Afghan Government & the US. Visit the wards of a few hospitals where the children who were wounded in a bomb blast at a market lie in beds, their lives forever changed because the terrorists wanted to run up a large body count to keep people in fear. Take a walk through a hospital ward at Bethesda Naval Hospital or Walter Reed where young warrior are trying to recover from roadside bombings or other attacks.
Our enemy is a group of murderous thugs who do not deserve any rights as they have deprived others of theirs. Once you have committed the unspeakable acts such as honor killings, beheadings, roadside bombings, hijackings, bombings of schools, Mosques and other place of worship, you have forfeited your right to be granted anything.
I include the words of Winston Churchill, who stood alone against another Terrorist. His opponent killed his own people by the millions. Churchill knew the heat of battle and I feel that may be the difference. You sit in posh offices while others, at the risk of their lives, pay for the very freedom you enjoy. Your freedom is provided by mainly 18-22 year old men & women who are out there, 24/7/365, defending our country and others against those who would wish us dead.
Sir Winston Churchill summed it up succinctly:
" We ask no favours of the enemy. We seek from them no compunction. On the contrary, if tonight our people were asked to cast their vote whether a convention should be entered into to stop the bombing of cities, the overwhelming majority would cry, "No, we will mete out to them the measure, and more than the measure, that they have meted out to us." The people with one voice would say: "You have committed every crime under the sun. Where you have been the least resisted there you have been the most brutal. It was you who began the indiscriminate bombing. We will have no truce or parley with you, or the grisly gang who work your wicked will. You do your worst - and we will do our best."
Sir Winston Churchill – English Prime Minister
First delivered 14 July 1941
I challenge your point of view sir because I feel it is shortsighted and allows the terrorists to continue their wicked killing sprees and would seek to make our protective forces "criminals". Many sought to cast doubt on the use of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki at the end of World War II. I applaud President Truman for his Leadership, Courage and determination to put a stop to a war that had cost the lives of innocent millions.
I seek the same for our forces here and around the world. Ask Daniel Pearl's widow how she feels, or any of the families of those killed on 9/11. I am sure you will get the same answer that I have given you.
" We will have no truce or parley with you, or the grisly gang who work your wicked will. You do your worst - and we will do our best."
I agree with the Late Winston Churchill 100% and will do my best to support all those who seek an end to these murderous thugs, by any means necessary.
Sincerely,
Middleboro Jones
US Navy Veteran OIF
Presently at Camp Leatherneck
Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
It reminds me of the conversation that Colonel Thomas Devoe (played by George Clooney) has with Dr. Julia Kelly (played by Nicole Kidman) in the movie, The Peacemaker:
Thomas Devoe: " Doctor, you can run your charts and your theories all you want. In the field, this is how it works: the good guys, that's us, we chase the bad guys. And they don't wear black hats. They are, however, all alike: they demand power, and respect...."
Enclosed is my response to the good Professor - I'm quite proud that I restrained myself from using the type of " Sailor Language" that he deserved when I sent him the enclosed message:
Sir -
I have read of your 29-page report to the U.N. Human Rights Council regarding the use of Drones on the battlefield, and specifically the way these drones are used. I am a retired US Navy Seabee and I was in Iraq for the Battle of Fallujah. Presently I work in Afghanistan, supporting US Military operations by working for a large military contractor. I have seen the effects of war, felt the heat of battle and understand the implications of what War means for both civilians and combatants. I have witnessed good men die and also what War does to the civilian population.
Sir, we are engaged with an enemy that does not recognize the " Rules of War ". They do not care for anyone, or anything and will kill women, children, old men and anyone else who in the area to accomplish their goal of killing westerners or anyone they consider as " Infidels". In fact, they will kill people of their own faith as a method of accomplishing what they want.
Here are the figures for the past month, May 2010
Monthly Jihad Report May, 2010
Jihad Attacks: 150
Countries: 14
Religions: 5
Dead Bodies: 729
Critically Injured: 1591
Sir, it must be easy to sit in your fine offices and pontificate regarding the use of drones, but the technology we utilize is the key advantage that we have over an enemy that hides among the populace and kills without hesitation, remorse or common decency. Our enemy does not wear a uniform and will hide among the populace and use them as human shields.
Sir, you need to spend some time on the ground in Afghanistan - visit a village where all the teachers were shot because they allowed young girls to attend school or where a shopkeepers and his family were murdered because they were thought to be cooperating with the Afghan Government & the US. Visit the wards of a few hospitals where the children who were wounded in a bomb blast at a market lie in beds, their lives forever changed because the terrorists wanted to run up a large body count to keep people in fear. Take a walk through a hospital ward at Bethesda Naval Hospital or Walter Reed where young warrior are trying to recover from roadside bombings or other attacks.
Our enemy is a group of murderous thugs who do not deserve any rights as they have deprived others of theirs. Once you have committed the unspeakable acts such as honor killings, beheadings, roadside bombings, hijackings, bombings of schools, Mosques and other place of worship, you have forfeited your right to be granted anything.
I include the words of Winston Churchill, who stood alone against another Terrorist. His opponent killed his own people by the millions. Churchill knew the heat of battle and I feel that may be the difference. You sit in posh offices while others, at the risk of their lives, pay for the very freedom you enjoy. Your freedom is provided by mainly 18-22 year old men & women who are out there, 24/7/365, defending our country and others against those who would wish us dead.
Sir Winston Churchill summed it up succinctly:
" We ask no favours of the enemy. We seek from them no compunction. On the contrary, if tonight our people were asked to cast their vote whether a convention should be entered into to stop the bombing of cities, the overwhelming majority would cry, "No, we will mete out to them the measure, and more than the measure, that they have meted out to us." The people with one voice would say: "You have committed every crime under the sun. Where you have been the least resisted there you have been the most brutal. It was you who began the indiscriminate bombing. We will have no truce or parley with you, or the grisly gang who work your wicked will. You do your worst - and we will do our best."
Sir Winston Churchill – English Prime Minister
First delivered 14 July 1941
I challenge your point of view sir because I feel it is shortsighted and allows the terrorists to continue their wicked killing sprees and would seek to make our protective forces "criminals". Many sought to cast doubt on the use of the Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima & Nagasaki at the end of World War II. I applaud President Truman for his Leadership, Courage and determination to put a stop to a war that had cost the lives of innocent millions.
I seek the same for our forces here and around the world. Ask Daniel Pearl's widow how she feels, or any of the families of those killed on 9/11. I am sure you will get the same answer that I have given you.
" We will have no truce or parley with you, or the grisly gang who work your wicked will. You do your worst - and we will do our best."
I agree with the Late Winston Churchill 100% and will do my best to support all those who seek an end to these murderous thugs, by any means necessary.
Sincerely,
Middleboro Jones
US Navy Veteran OIF
Presently at Camp Leatherneck
Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
And How was your day??? - Dust Storm hits Camp Leatherneck
Today at approximately 16:00 hours, our location was hit by a fierce Dust Storm....
We are here supporting the US Military and conditions here are harsh - Temps soar to the lower 120's during the day and the weather can change dramatically as seen in these pictures...Hot, windy & dusty seem to be our three most regular weather conditions.
I am looking forward to being home in Late July for a well deserved R&R, and enjoying the beautiful summer weather in the greater Boston area....I really, really am....
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
GREETINGS FROM CAMP LEATHERNECK
GREETINGS FROM CAMP LEATHERNECK....or as we like to call it, MARINE-ISTAN...
I'm no stranger to this type of Camp as I have spent time in Marine Camps and under Marine Command while deployed as a Seabee.
I've come here to continue my adventures while spending time over on the dusty side of the planet..... Middleboro Jones on another adventure in Helmand Province.....enclosed is a good overview of my new Home-Away-From-Home.....From the Marine Times - SEMPER FI
May 3rd, 2010
Dan Lamothe/Staff
CAMP LEATHERNECK , Afghanistan – Leatherneck never sleeps.
If you’re looking for a good way to describe the Marine Corps’ major forward operating base in Afghanistan, that’s a good start. The wee hours of the morning here are filled with everything from the staccato thumping of helicopters in flight to the deep groans of big-rig trucks hauling heavy loads. The chow hall is open 24 hours per day.
I arrived on this dusty, sprawling installation early Monday with photographer Tom Brown, hopping a ride with a Navy public affairs officer to Leatherneck after flying in from Kabul to nearby Camp Bastion, a major British base that abuts it. We came in on a C-130 flight shortly after midnight, riding down with about 50 NATO troops and civilian contractors, mostly Royal Marines. I’ll geek out for a minute: As a first-time war zone correspondent, there was a definite thrill to disembarking the C-130 under eerie moonlight onto the barren, dusty runway at Bastion. I quickly found myself in a labyrinthine maze of armored vehicles, cement traffic barriers and hulking metal shipping containers that stretched for miles.
Plant life is an afterthought here, and row after row of tents fitting up to 20 people dominate the landscape. Actually, call it a moonscape. That’s more appropriate. As FOB life goes, Leatherneck has improved in the last year, but it’s still relatively austere. Portable toilets dot the installation, and there’s little more than card games and reading to amuse Marines in their free time. There’s a commissary on base, but a visit today showed it was out of everything from several kinds of basic T-shirts to wet-wipes, which are popular downrange to help troops stay clean. Marines also improvise to get exercise, as the makeshift heavy bag shown in the photo above illustrates.
There’s also this: Most rank-and-file Marines I’ve talked to at Leatherneck say they hate the base because it means garrison life in the most mind-numbing sense of the phrase. It’s a hustling, bustling place, but many Marines filling billets here long for something dirtier and more glamorous.
Initially, Tom and I expected we could be at Leatherneck for just a single night before going downrange to Marjah, but our planned flight aboard an MV-22 Osprey today fell through. It’s part of the famous military game, Hurry Up and Wait, and it can affect anyone right up to and including the moment they reach the flightline with bags in hand. That’s what happened to us today. As I write this, it’s about 10 p.m. here, and the weather has finally mellowed out. The temperature reached 104 degrees this afternoon, and the heat was followed by a small sandstorm that may have played a role in grounding our flight.
....If you can’t have humility and patience waiting for things to line up, you probably don’t belong covering the military.
(AMEN to that Brother...no need to be impatient here as everything is in "Hurry-Up & Wait" mode)
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