From: DEMON@DESIRE.WRIGHT.EDU (The Integral Differential)
Newsgroups: bit.listserv.politics
Subject: Re: ought-to
Date: 13 Nov 92 15:37:03 GMT
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU
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>Brett, uyou live in a different reality than some of us.  I am _broke_

        I realize that I have lived a life that is a lot more fortunate than
others.  I come from a traditional moneyed family where generations pass down
wealth.  While this had no direct benefit to me while I was growing up (our
families are also long-lived, I was into grad school before my grandfather
died), it will make my retirement a lot less chancy than most people.
        However, I hope I've never (or will never) come across as "I've got
mine, who cares?"

>and I can not afford to maintain a savings account.  I pay my rent and
>I buy my food and tehre is little left over.   The company I used to
>work for laid us all off and then rehired the upper 50% of us, starting
>our seniority over from day one.  I didn't get rehired, but even if I had
>the health insurance I had waited 1.5 years to get would have never come
>because of the stunt they pulled.

        When I was looking for my first job out of college I had these goals:

        Stable company
        No history of surprise layoffs
        Stock/pension plans
        Immediate health care (no waiting for N months)
        Good employee mix
        Willingness to negotiate

        That helped me find a company where I had good benefits as well as a
good salary.  Easier said than done, I know.  I turned down three jobs offers
because the benefits were not right or the company was not right.

        But keep looking!  Even if you have to take a crud job to get by, keep
looking!
        If anyone's willing to relocate, and you are in the CS/Human Factors
field send me your ascii resume.  This company is always looking for good
people.  (I won't advertise over the wire, but if you want more info, email me
directly: demon@wsu.bitnet or demon@desire.wright.edu.)  I should note that my
company has no ties with Wright State (where this machine is).

>Now regardless of whether or not any of us think that the government should
>_do_ anything for people who et laid off, screwed over by their company,
>can't ever seem to get ahead, etc., to deny that there are situations in
>which a lot of people are simply _stuck_ in this economy is ridiculous.

        I'm not trying to deny anything.  I'm trying to get people to realize
that the government will not solve their problems, they are going to have to do
that.  Waiting for the government to "fix" California's housing problem, for
example, is futile.  It was caused by rampant speculation and will be overbuilt
for years.
        Same with jobs.  Too many people moved to California in the Silicon
Rush.

>You can easily argue that it's not your problem, but to argue that this
>isn't happening is silly.

        I believe that it is all of our's "problem".  If I don't help others, I
do nothing to safeguard my own job.  While if I do try to help, a stronger
economy helps me also.
        So even if I was selfish, my own self-interest should propell me to
help :).

Brett'
(Julie, I'm serious about the resume thing.  Want to live in Ohio? :)
Comments: Gated by NETNEWS@AUVM.AMERICAN.EDU