We are all faced with an economic situation unparalleled in our life times and all accounts are it is not getting better....the world economy is still rattled and NO ONE knows what is around the corner.
ALL the " Blah, Blah, Blah" from the Administration on the Sunday Talk Show circuit and all the " The economy's improving" talk has not improved a single thing....Americans are still hurting and it is likely that many will NEVER recover to the level they were at before the SHITE hit the fan....
The present "Lords of the Manor" in the White House seem more hung up on why they aren't being lauded than why people are still out of work...POTUS sputters as he thought he had all the answers but his “Messiah” act is getting panned around the world….the World now sees him for the empty suit that he is and that is why the confidence level in the American Administration is at an all time low all around the world.
The companies who have slashed employment are no better – they are taking full advantage of the crisis and reaping extra profits on the backs of the remaining workers…..
To the guy who is on his 85th week of unemployment, he could care less about politics or polls - He is worried about how he is going to get back to something that resembles a normal life…
This brings me to the point where I am today, where with a stroke of a pen, I agreed to another year in the Afghanistan desert.....My Company does a FSA (Foreign Services Agreement) renewal process when you are getting within about 90 days of your first year anniversary.
I have reached that point and have little opportunity to take on other work due to the condition of economy. So, I will continue to do the best work I can while here, in the middle of Helmand Province. The business and my company are very good; it is that 7500 mile commute that is the real kick in the old Hurt Locker, if you know what I mean...
It's similar to the discussion that the two main characters have in the movie, The Untouchables – Sean Connery plays an older beat cop and Kevin Costner is Elliot Ness, G-Man….They are discussing what they are willing to do to accomplish their goal – getting Al Capone…
Ness: Anything within the law.
Malone: And *then* what are you prepared to do? …. I'm offering you a deal. Do you want this deal?
Ness: I have sworn to capture this man with all legal powers at my disposal and I will do so
[Malone looks up at the ceiling of the cathedral as if seeking a sign…]
Malone: Well, the Lord hates a coward.
[Malone looks up at the ceiling of the cathedral as if seeking a sign…]
Malone: Well, the Lord hates a coward.
[jabs Ness with his hand, and Ness shakes it]
Malone: Do you know what a blood oath is, Mr. Ness?
Ness: Yes.
Malone: Good, 'cause you just took one...
" What are you prepared to do??" – We have all taken a “blood oath” of sorts - We have sworn to do whatever is necessary to provide for our families – even if that means going to the Afghanistan desert for an extended period of time.... that is why for now, I’ll be working over here for the foreseeable future, separated from my family, friends & home.
Mainly due to a group of corporate fat-arses & Wall Street types deciding they needed another bonus for themselves and a politician or two allowing them to get away with it…..and eliminating jobs that would be available for me & others back home.
Somehow all of that was more important than correcting the problems and ensuring that people who needed jobs got them at a decent wage with good benefits…..
Things have changed…..Forever. There’s no going back.
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